control spindle for 2.5-3 hp router

[eloid]

Has any used or found a way to control the spindle speed via, mach 3 and
break out board and some kind of servo motor to a Router Speed Control box?

[ger21]

You could mount a small stepper to the speed control to turn the dial.

[CNCRob]

Originally Posted by ger21 You could mount a small stepper to the speed control to turn the dial.

Thats something I have thought about doing. Has anyone ever tried this?

[Madclicker]

Originally Posted by ger21 You could mount a small stepper to the speed control to turn the dial.

Something I've thought about also. Problem is it takes a full axis away. I want to make an ATC, and to do this I figure I have to use 3 axes. 1 to move the dust shoe up and down, 1 to swing it out of the way and 1 to rotate the tools into position.

Did I read somewhere that control of big dog spindle speed is done with PWM? If so I can make a linear actuator that would use simple small dc servos and this signal.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Madclicker I want to make an ATC, and to do this I figure I have to use 3 axes. 1 to move the dust shoe up and down, 1 to swing it out of the way and 1 to rotate the tools into position.

Use pneumatic double acting cylinders and solenoid valves. Then you just need to use maybe 2 outputs instead of axis.

[Madclicker]

Thanks, sometimes I can't see the obvious solution.

[ger21]

Our toolchanger at work has each tool mounted to a cylinder that moves it under the spindle, and the dust collection brush on the tool change side is lifted by an air cylinder.

[Madclicker]

Originally Posted by ger21 Our toolchanger at work has each tool mounted to a cylinder that moves it under the spindle, and the dust collection brush on the tool change side is lifted by an air cylinder.

Very cool. I have a handicap in that I've never even seen a cnc machine before I built this "contraption". Still have never seen a "real" one in person.