quiet router

[peterklos]

I have a 8 x 4 cnc and I use it at home for cutting wood of around 10 mil thick . Currently I use a 1/2 inch bosh router , however this is very noisy and would like to know if any one has built a quiet router with a geared up DC or AC motor.

Any suggestions appreciated , so I can keep the neighbours happy.

reagards peter

[Mr.Chips]

Peter,
I saw this router used by on of the builders and they were impressed with how quiet it was.

Makita RD1101 2-1/4 HP Variable Speed D-Handle Router
Features:
�¨ Quietest (81dB) and lowest vibration router in its class
�¨ Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load
�¨ Soft start feature for smooth start-ups
�¨ Rugged aluminum motor housing with small 3-1/4" diameter for easy handling
�¨ Sub-base accepts industry standard template guides for convenience

Hager

[AJ_Mac2001]

I too have the Makita router pictured here.... it is a fantastic machine and purrs compared to other brands. I've had Sears models and a black and decker before and they just don't compare.... the Makita is a very nice/quiet router.

[HomeCNC]

Was that comparing the same RPM range? My Porter Cable 2-1/4 HP Vari speed is very quiet on the low RPM scale too.

[kong]

The Makita is quiet throughout it's speed range. You can talk normally even at the highest rpm.
The biggest problem is that this doesn't hold true once you start cutting! Although in truth, I have only cut aluminium with it so far, it may be quieter in wood. I think you would get the same problem with a geared-up DC motor as a spindle. Perhaps installing dust-brushes under the router may reduce the noise? There was a thread on this not so long ago, but as of yet, I have not had time to test the theory.

[sbrpollock]

Milling wood 10 mils thick or 10 millimeters?

10 mils = .010 inches or 10 thousanths of an inch.

You wouldn't happen to be doing inlaying (Marquery?) ?

[twombo]

My friend Michael Lewis at Michaellewisinstruments.com got a makita variable speed like the subject router at the NAMM show and installed on his Duplicarver. He had a 3 hp porter cable before. The makita is quiet even when cutting at full speed on really hard rosewood and cutting spruce is quieter yet. The sound level is dramatically reduced. The kicker is that 24000 rpm is not needed for his cutter sizes, so being able to dial back the speed automatically gets you into a whole different noise regime!!!

[tsalaf]

My experience with Makita routers has been very positive over the years. Currently using the RF1100 on my home built router.
Pic is here http://www.tac-pro.com/cnc.htm The router is very quiet and will be drowned out by your dust pickup.

I suggest getting the model without the D handle. The D model has a very short electric cord and is more expensive.

Steve