New Machine Build- All Aluminum Router- so far so good

[micsit1]

First router built from parts collected at the junk yard.
Spindle borrowed from my Sherline mill.
Tried running 2 axis Z and Y, one at a time -good results- Rapids on Y much higher than expected
Yet still more work to do.
Thanks guys for educating me for the last 12 months
Michel

[bkboggy]

Very interesting design. Is the y-axis just resting on the table while x-axis is laying down on the table on its own? Or is it all connected? I just don't see where the y-axis and x-axis connect on those pictures.

[micsit1]

BKBOOGY
No it's more conservative
This is what I'm doing today
The base is 16mm aluminum 800X460mm
The gantry upright 16mm aluminum 160X460mm
The piece which links them together is 80mm steel U channel with 6mm bolts

Michel

[FandZ]

Looks very professional, simple, and strong. You obviously have some great fabricating skills. I don't know if I would have covered up all the beautiful aluminum in black though. But that's personal taste.

Can you share some info on your spindle. I'm going to start off with a router but eventually I'd like to work my way into a spindle.

[micsit1]

As I said before I "borrowed" the spindle from my sherline 5400 mill so I can return it to the mill when I am finished using it on the router.
the motor is activated (ON/OFF) by Gcode M3/M5 through a 120/240V optorelay connected to my BOB pin #16


Details from www.sherline.com
P/N 33070 Headstock, DC motor and speed control assembly with 10,000 RPM pulley set installed
Weight 10 lbs $380.00

[bkboggy]

I am new, so I'm curious... why use that instead of a router?

[FandZ]

Originally Posted by bkboggy I am new, so I'm curious... why use that instead of a router?

All I know is they are quite and if ou have the right controller the power can be increased to stay at a certain RPM under load. Hopefully micsit1 can enlighten us some

[micsit1]

"Originally Posted by bkboggy
I am new, so I'm curious... why use that instead of a router?

All I know is they are quite and if ou have the right controller the power can be increased to stay at a certain RPM under load. Hopefully micsit1 can enlighten us some "

First of all I save money using the same item for both machines.
Second Routers are designed for wodworking and have a lowest speed (around 10000 rpm), too high for cutting metals.
Third as Frandz said the controller has variable speed from 0 to 10,000 rpm and compensates the drop in speed when under load

[bkboggy]

True.... my Hitachi router is 8,000-24,000 RPM....

[micsit1]

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