Colt - Rotozip - Dremel

[w102acd]

All,

I am sure this is out there already, but just wanted it reiterated.

I have used a Rotozip as the spindle for a self designed and built 3 axis CNC. As stated multiple other places around the zone, the runout is terrible at best!!! So I started looking for fixes and came up with none. I noticed the nice folks over at precisebits.com sell new collets and nuts for various routers and trim routers. So I emailed them and they mentioned that the low quality parts used in the Rotozip make it not practical to fit with a precision collet and nut. And if you want a more precision tool use a Colt with the replacement collet and nut.

I read this multiple places before going against the recommendation of the zone (bad idea!!) and bought a Rotozip anyway. So I felt it necessary to put it out there bluntly.

The Colt is comparable to the cost of the Rotozip or Dremel. The Colt will hold a tool truer using the stock collets and nuts. If this still is not true enough you can easily upgrade to a very precise collet and nut. The Rotozip or Dremel do not have this upgrade option (that I have found).

Bottom Line: If there is any chance the you will need precise tool holding, buy a Colt instead of a Rotozip or Dremel. Or (like me) you will find this out the hard way and end up buying a Rotozip and a Colt.

Thanks,
w102acd

[DIYaholic]

w102acd,
On the bright side, you now have a rotozip for other uses. You can always use it to complete some of your "Honey Dew" list and other DIY projects.

Randy,

[w102acd]

All,

I now have an interesting question:

I have tried to machine aluminum with my machine as is and it does not go too well. Could this be because of the runout on the Rotozip is so terrible??? I have read other places that runout on the spindle will kill tools and surface finish.
Just curious if I replace my spindle, will I have a better chance at aluminum???

Also, if I replace my spindle I will probably build a proper aluminum mount for it. Right now I have the rotozip housed in an MDF mount. Machine rigidity is probably an issue with mine. Unfortunately, I can 't afford to make an all aluminum structure.

Thanks,
w102acd

[revwarguy]

I can't claim much experience with aluminum on my cnc, but I do know that to do aluminum, you need to lower the spindle speed to prevent melting, and that ups the need for more power from the spindle.

I do have experience with using a Colt, and I am a happy camper. There are two kinds - one that has variable speed (with you can find for about $70, and one that provides variable speed for 90-100 bucks. They both have a "slow start" feature that prevents them from be controlled by an external speed controller, so getting the manual but variable speed version is a good idea.

[JoeSixPack74]

Hi, I have been lurking around this site for a few months now and this my first post so I hope this does not seem like a dumb question. But this 'Colt', are we talking about a Bosch Colt palm router? I am, just like alot of people building a table top cnc machine and was going to go the rotozip way but am interested in this colt.

Thanks
Brian

[Aryantes]

Yes the Colt would be the Bosch Colt.

Another popular one, is the Hitachi M12VC

Amazon.com: Hitachi M12VC 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Router: Home Improvement

Amazon.com: Hitachi M12VC 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Router: Home Improvement

Pretty cheap, more HP, variable speed. I think a lot of people on this forum use it.

Definitely invest in a real router instead of a dremel or rotozip though, as mentioned.

[Zygoat]

my personal recommendation.

very similar specs to the hitachi.



http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917542000P

$30 cheaper. you can pick it up at sears. with a good warranty.

its what i bought.