Australian Routers

[ClaudioG]

Originally Posted by Syil_Australia We had this same problem when we built our router. Over a year ago we purchased a US Milwaukee HD Router 1/2 collet and then purchased a 240V - 110V transformer. The router is excellent and has done over 1000 hours, no problems. We cut Marine Plywood/MDF form 4mm to 18mm at speeds up to 10,000mm per min (400 in/min). We slow the feeds down when we cut the thicker material. The Milwaukee router is very good. cheers Frans (Moondog)

Hi Frans,

I'm very interested in trying your approach for a Router. I'm heading over to the USA in the next few weeks and would like to get a Hitachi M12VC router and use a 240V to 110V stepdown transformer but had the following questions;

- what model of Milwaukee do you have?
- what brand and rating of stepdown are you using?
- how do I calculate the correct stepdown to use for the Hitachi?
- Is the fact that they are still 60Hz an issue here, I guess they just run at a different speed?
- Is it still running well?

Thanks

Claudio

[Moondog]

Hello Claudio.

The Router is the Milwaukee HD Router model 5625-29.. 3.5HP variable speed.

With regard to the stepdown transformer we had to have one made. I think that was around $450.00.

The router is still going as good as the day we put it in.

Overall, it will probably se you back $800 - 900..

cheers

Frans

[ClaudioG]

Thanks for the Frans. The Milwaukee looks like a very solid and powerful router.

I was hoping the stepdowns weren't that much. I think the Hitachi is only 11A 2 1/4 horse power and the Milwaukee is 15A 3 1/2 horse power so I might only need a slightly less powerful stepdown.

I found a thread in the Electronics section that talked at length about using 60Hz 110V products in Europe 220V and some issues which might be experiences (ie. heat, reduced speed, etc).

Interesting read.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19877

Claudio

[Richard Honey]

Have a look at Jaycar - Australia for a stepdown transformer, however I think their biggest 240 - 110 stepdown is 1000VA which translates to about 9 amps @ 110 volts (I think).

Richard

Western Australia

[ClaudioG]

Hi Richard,

I did see that model but it's just a little too small I think.

I also found this company and have sent an email to them to see which one would be suitable for what I'm after.

http://www.tortech.com.au/

Claudio

[ClaudioG]

Here's the question I sent to Tortech and the reply I got;

---
I was wanting to power a USA Wood Router as per the link below and was wondering what stepdown transformer would be suitable.

http://www.hitachi-koki.com/powertoo...vc/km12vc.html

---

Thank you for your enquiry.

The calculations are:
115 x 11 =1265 /.8 =1581 va

Our part SD115-1500 will be the correct unit.

Advise if you need handles?

Pricing: $385+GST

[ClaudioG]

Originally Posted by Rodm1954 Tony A common problem. If you have a look at the post above yours you will see I fitted a cheap Ozito 1/4 inch router which was ideal for mouting on a CNC machine. 10 months later with over 500 hours of machine time and I have burnt out three of these units. I didn't expect wonders and i think they probably did what they were deisgned to do. It is harsh running up to three hours jobs on these budget untis. I have replaced it with a Milwaulkee die grinder and on another machine I have a Bosch die grinder so I will be able to compare units some time in the future. Have a look at the die grinder range as they make some with a 20mm collet but the price does get a bit high. Generally the die grinder has more bearings in the spindle and most are variable speed in the 10,000 to 27,000 rpm range. The are made to hold in the hand so they are slim compared to the larger routers but usually quite a bit longer so you will need a lot of clearance vertically. I am not recommending these people but it is all I could find to give you an example. I have the Bosch GGS27C and the Milwaulkee DG30QE. The Bosch GG56S has the 20mm collet and there are lots of examples on this forum of how to mount the long neck die grinder. http://www.justtools.com.au/category15_1.htm

Hi Rod,

I took your advice you posted a while back and checked out some die grinders today and apart from the ones you have I found the following;

Metabo GE700 - 710watt, 7000 to 27000 RPM, 1/4" collet, long neck $399

http://www.metabo.com.au/metabo/hand..._06303_19.html

I was also just flicking through the Metabo catalogue and came across their router motor

FME 737 - 710watt, 10000 to 27000 RPM, 1/4" collet, short neck ~$349 (at www.northwesttools.com.au)

http://www.metabo.com.au/metabo/hand..._00737_00.html

Both are made in Germany.

They both look like suitable candidates (apart from the long neck one) along with the Bosch and Milwaukee.

I'm still planning the build of my Joes CNC but thought I should look for a suitable spindle before I get too far down the track.

Claudio

[ClaudioG]

Just got pricing from Northside Power Tools in Geebung (07) 3265 6388

Metabo FME737 $280
Metabo GE700 $341 (long neck)
Milwaukee DG30QE $220 (current special)

All inc GST.

The FME737 seems like a great little option at 710w, 10K to 27K RPM, short neck, made in Germany. The DG30QE

The GE700 runs at 7K to 27K RPM so I don't know if the lower speed will come in handy for cutting aluminium or other materials?

Rod and others, what spindle speed and table speed do you normally cut your various materials at?

Claudio

[Rodm1954]

Hi Claudio,
I like the specs and price of the Metabo FME737.
With out being smart what you have asked is a bit like how long is a piece of string.
Feeds , speeds and depth of cut are difficult to define because of the variable nature of materials and the size of cutter you are using.
Generally plastics at lowest speed fastest feed, aluminum low to mid speed and medium feed, timber at high speed and mid to fast speed. The routers do not have a speed indicator so it is a case of running the job and listening for the cutter to come on song by manually adjusting feed or router speed.
I would not be concerned about the difference between the lowest speed of the Metabo verse Milwaukee.
Hope that is of some small help to you.

[ClaudioG]

Hi Rod,

I guess I was looking for the simple answer, when there really isn't one.

I should figure it all out when I build the machine and start cutting, but your guidelines will help take some of the guess work out of it so thanks for your input.

I thought you might like the FME737!

Claudio

[greatinfo]

Originally Posted by Syil_Australia If you are wanting to do both Wood (High RPM) and Metal (Low RPM) your only option is to purchase a HSD spindle such as a perske etc. Var speed up to 20,000+ rpm. These will accomodate ER32 collets. For a 5hp(min) your will need to spend at least $5K++++. ....

i found some spindle are similar to HSD,but it's half price.