Newbie- what is best router motor for my cnc router?

[777ruaxe]

Hello Every Body,

I'm trying to build my own cnc router machine. What is the best router spindle for a cnc router ? Is the Porter Cable (690) good for a small size table?

Thanks

[ger21]

A lot of guys use the Hitachi, which is about the cheapest of the routers in that size. I like the PC 892, and the Bosch and Makita are good routers as well. Any one should work OK, but make sure you get one with variable speed.

[lovebugjunkie]

My cnc router is small and I use a Porter Cable 890 works very well.
Look here for another reason to go with one of the Porter Cable routers listed.
http://www.precisebits.com/products/...llets_nuts.asp

george

[Cartierusm]

I second getting a porter cable with the Precision collets from Think and Tinker a.k.a. Precision Bits. This is the most accurate way you can go without spending $1500.

[ZigMan]

Precision collets from Think and Tinker look ok but how much will they help if the rest of the machine or the bearings inside the router are not built for that kind of precission. Personally, I thinks it is an overkill in the wrong direction. I would rather replace the bearings then the collet.

I have been using Porter Cable for years but after one of my rotors burned up I started looking around and found that Ridgid has a killer router for around $200 with a lifetime warranty. Better built than any routers out there and real quiet.

[Cartierusm]

Read my posts on the porter cable test. The router itself is fine the culprit is the collets not the bearings. I measured runout of .0005-.001 on the router and .003 - .005 on the collets. Trust me when you're doing precision work like I am with bits .0156" that kind of tolerance makes a huge difference.

If your rigid works for you then that's good, but I would check the runout. I've done extensive tests on routers and most are pretty sloppy. As for the machine not being accurate you have to consider 2 possibilities. 1. If the machine is not super accurate, but consistent then the collets will help immeasurably. 2. Even is the machine is not super accurate you can make up some of that accuracy by changing a simple things like the collet.

Also having less run out is better for the bits. If you have excessive runout bits will break sooner and will definitely dull quicker.

[lovebugjunkie]

Zigman


My main reason for going the Think and Tinker collets set was the 1/8 collet. Any other advantage I can get from them I consider icing on the cake. I have tried other "adaptors" for 1/8 bits in 1/4 collets from a few different sellers and was never happy with any of them.

I have never tried a Ridgid router but have their Spindle/belt sander and I am really happy with it. Wish I have picked one up years ago.

Did you ever replace the bearings in one of your Porter Cable routers? I have been looking for a source of bearings (higher quality?) for the PC but only find ones that are direct replacements from PC. Don't need them now, but would like to have a set on hand when the time comes to replace them.

[Cartierusm]

No sorry I don't Call john or ron at think and tinker they may know as they develop tools for the PC.