I knew it was a good idea!
One problem could be clamping of the material. A little gravity goes a long way here.
I can see how having the parts not only come loose while cutting, but falling with gravity, would be an issue...but those are the details. Engineering solves details like that. Looks like they used a vacuum clamping system as their solution, which makes a lot of sense.
This can be overcome with counterweights pehaps?
On the panel saw at Lowes, they used a spring, not unlike those used on garage doors, to basically neutralize the weight of the saw carriage.
Why don't you design one and show us?
I'm just starting to design a flat, horizontal router...for my initial attempt I don't want to complicate it in any way. But, I still say that this is an ingenious way to design a router, that can fit in a garage workshop.
At this stage, KISS. Especially for my first attempt.
Thanks for the feedback!
-- Chuck Knight |