Which Palm Router?

[kolias]

For my new CNC Router I would have liked to get a palm router or something similar with 1/4" to 1/2" collar and variable speed to be able to cut aluminum, brass, plastics and wood.

Does such a router exist or I should better design the support to accept two different routers?

[Mogal]

Bosch Colt 1hp Router

This is what I got, Its been good so far(about 1 month old) ($99cnd on sale)
Cuts through MDF/ply really well at 60ipm/0.250doc.(1/4" bit)
I never checked the runout on it... but the repeatability is great.

I'm pretty sure it will be ok for aluminum, as I goofed with a steel mounting bracket, and it chewed through it like nothing. I hope to try some aluminum soon.

hth
Chris

[ger21]

You won't find a palm router with a 1/2" collet.

I'd also recommend the Colt.

You can get precision collets for it from Precision solid carbide tools for woodworking and metal forming.

Also, You can get the Colt with variable speed, but another option would be the fixed speed model and a SuperPID to control the rpm.

[kolias]

Thank you Gerry, what you say provides a good solution

[ATRepair]

I use a Bosch Colt and really enjoy it.
The variable speed and soft start work beautifully.
I have cut wood, plastic and aluminum without any issues. I have done a little engraving with it also.
These collets are a much better price and have worked very nicely for me.

[kolias]

I use a Bosch Colt and really enjoy it.
The variable speed and soft start work beautifully.
I have cut wood, plastic and aluminum without any issues. I have done a little engraving with it also.
These collets are a much better price and have worked very nicely for me.

Thanks for the link, very good to know

I agree the Colt is the way to go

[revwarguy]

There are two models of the Bosch Colt -

the PR20EVSK which has a built in speed control at the top,

and the PR10E, which is single speed. Generally the latter is about $30US cheaper. You can find refurb ones as well.

Note that neither of them can be used with an external speed controller, although you wouldn't need to with the PR20.

I have both and they are very nice, but very noisy.

I also got a separate collet specifically to fit the colt for 1/8 bits. This was to use a 1/8 cutter for machining aluminum, which is does nicely. Mostly I cut wood and some plastic with them.