Another home built router :)

[steveald]

Hi,

I built this router last year, before I had a good look through this website. It has 25" x 25" x 4" cutting capacity. In this picture it is set up for MDF, but it was designed to cut 3/4" aluminum plate. I haven't tried 3/4" yet, but have cut 1/2" without a problem (in 1/8" deep passes) using 1/4" dia endmill bits. The Z slide is a Parker-Daedal linear slide I picked up on eBay for a song, so I can't take credit for building that part, but the rest is mine.

Steve

[pack rat]

That really is one of the best looking machines I have seen. My compliments to your craftmanship! And with coolant too, truly beautiful. Chris

[Klox]

Steveald,
It's a magneficent router with the Dr. Zeuss sticker an' all! It looks extremely rigid!

Klox

[kong]

Nice! Looks like a solid machine, I especially like the dust extraction shroud. In the photo, it looks as though the MDF is not clamped down, do you have some sort of vacuum clamping system set up?

[Bloy2004]

SUPERB!

[steveald]

Kong, the MDF is clamped on the back two corners, hidden in the photo. I allowed for the possibility of a vacuum clamping table in the design, but haven't had time to add it. Maybe after I get my 4x8 table running I will go back and add one.

Chris, the coolant system is a Lenox Micronizer Jr. I decided a water and oil mist would be too messy, so I picked up the Lenox unit, which just uses compressed air and 3 drops of oil per minute. Very clean, and very effective. I even use it on acrylic.

Thanks everyone for the positive comments.

Steve

[Cold Fusion]

Looks awesome! How much did it cost if you don't mind me asking?

[InventIt]

Awesome looking machine. You did a really nice job on the design/construction. Looks super ridgid. Post some more pics and some details.


Hey...Let's see that thing cutting some alum.

[steveald]

Cold Fusion, it's hard to say what it cost, because I started gathering parts for a 4x8 table, then found I had enough spare parts to almost build the small table. I have about $5000USD spent so far, but that includes about 70% of the parts for the 4x8 table. If I had to guess I would say it cost about $2500USD. My original plan was to try to build the 4x8 for less than $7500USD, it's starting to look like both together will cost about that much. If it works out that way, then this one will have effectively cost me nothing. Blood, sweat and tears not included in the above.

Steve

[pack rat]

I showed the picture to my wife and her respanse "Thats nice dear. What is it" After explaining it and telling her the cost, she suggested that maybe I should get a new wife also and in my mind that would't be such a bad idea. Naaaa.....maybe.....the kids....naaaa....they understand.....maybe.

[barbwirebi]

Steve

Wow!!

The blood sweat & tears are evident.
Quality looking Machine.

So.. whats under the hood?
Servos or steppers?
Whose drives?
Did you buy a packedged controller or make it yourself?
Which controler software?
Im guessing ballscrews?


Thanks
Barbwire Bill

[balsaman]

Very nice machine. Where's the 8 footer? I would like to see it too.

Eric