Vertical router project

[Graham S]

Hi,

I've got plenty of other projects on at the moment but the two long stages in this picture appeared on ebay disguised as a pick and place system (along with a load of pneumatics) and I picked them up for just £266 ($544). Seemed rude not to.

The 900W Kress router and the Aerotech stage (5" travel) I already had and were destined for other duties but they seem to match well.

My idea is to configure them roughly as shown but close to vertical with the long rail running from left to right at the top of the cutting area. The shorter stage would be canter-levered off from the large one.

The basic concept is shown in these links:

http://www.denford.ltd.uk/index.php?...d=24&Itemid=29
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?...16662326107270
http://fmtmachinery.com/spacemaker.htm

I really just wanted to get peoples opinions. I'm also interested to hear ideas for the bed. Vacuum sounds like a good idea but I don't know what is available, I've also considered t-slots with the slots vertical to keep them clean.

As a further note the motors are Yaskawa 3-phase servos, it turns out the drivers (available via ebay) are capable of running from step/direction, should be pretty cool.

Graham

[johnmac]

If you clamp the work down, looks like the cut pieces might try to fall out.

Looks like it would save on floor space!

John

[High Seas]

How to: Counter balance the weight of the router? Will you use some of the pneumatic bits for that? Sliding counter weight? Or just a really stout stepper?
Like the idea of a vertical table - but too many projects right now myself. Will follow with keen interest.
Jim

[joecnc2006]

Originally Posted by johnmac If you clamp the work down, looks like the cut pieces might try to fall out. Looks like it would save on floor space! John

You use tabs, just like workpieces on a horz. machine to hold into place, I then use a trim router with flush bit to cut the pieces loose, very fast and little final cleanup.

Joe

[harryn]

I really like the idea - of course, I am a bit biased. I started a project log, perhaps a bit early for my actual progress here:

Vertical Table Router / Mill

So far more a parts list and ideas.

Thanks for the link to a commercial system - good example.

For holding work still, I am toying with the idea of putting in a sort of L stop (bottom and edge ) to stop against, and then using a vacuum hold down approach.

I will definitely be following your thread. Good luck.

Harry

[Graham S]

Sorry about not replying sooner.

Clamping can be an issue as it can even on flat routers, its always best if parts are not free when cut out so I'll definitely be looking at vacuum beds as well as tabs, sometimes it would also be convenient to drill some holes for holding dowels or bolts.

I don't intend to use a counterbalance as I have a three phase servo lifting the router which is only a small one anyway. I can always modify if needed.

Graham