Second router finished - 8020 Bearings

[dnewcer]

With regard to the slack in the bearings, 8020 also sells shims, the trade of being rigidity = more energy to move.

[Hack]

Tweet, - Thanks for the offer, but no thanks.

Lee-tree - my router would not scale to the 5' x 8' size that you are requesting. The extrusions would not span that far without flexing and the lead screws would whip quite badly at that span. It would be quite a bit of re-engineering to build a table that size. It could be done obviously, but my plans are not necessaritly a starting point for a table that size.

Biker, I use a 270 oz/in motor on all three axis with the xylotex board. Works just fine!

sdantonio - setup seems to work well. I wish I had a variable speed router though as the laminate trimmer rpm is to fast for the speeds at with the router moves at. You have to be careful or you will burn bits. Also, straight plunge cuts are tough, so I just be sure to ramp in/out. Keep in mind this was in red oak. Particleboard, etc work good, and I was plunging at 22 ipm - probably to fast anyways.

[grantmi1]

What type of computer are you running? Power speed? Also what software and controllers do you guys recommend.

Where can a person download some cad files for wood trim ideas and hardware and stuff?

I am a newbie to this.

[ger21]

What type of computer are you running? Power speed? Also what software and controllers do you guys recommend.

Where can a person download some cad files for wood trim ideas and hardware and stuff?

I am a newbie to this.

It's a good idea to start a new thread with your questions, rather than asking in someone else's existing thread. You'll usually get much better responses.

Most people here use either TurboCNC, which runs in DOS, with as little as a 486-DX2, or Mach3 which need XP or Win2K, and at least a 750Mhz PC (1Ghz recommended, but some people get away with 500's)

[bryanrabb]

Hack,
Just downloaded the plans. Nice work. I will keep you posted as I will be following them pretty close. One question I have is how did you couple the motors to the screws?

[Hack]

I attached the motors to the screws with couplers - specifically called oldham couplers from Mcmaster Carr. The come in different sizes an allow you to adapt the 1/4" motor shaft to the 1/2" screw.

Dan

[wallyh]

Well, I've been looking for some time now for a first build. I just ordered the plans today and I'm looking forward to collecting parts and building. If all goes well, I'll post some pictures.
Wally

[wallyh]

I think I read somewhere that you used a Porter-Cable laminate trimmer. Would a variable speed router be better, and if so, what make and model would you suggest to use?
Thanks, Wally

[spalm]

Not sure if I should be posting in Hack’s thread, but… I bought a PC laminate trimmer years ago (to trim laminate, imagine that), but I don’t like it very much. It is small but expensive (around $100). It is single speed, 1/4” collet, loud, and I found that bits got jammed in the collet resulting in lots of swear words. For about the same price you can get a 2hp+ variable speed router with 1/2" quick release collet. It will be a larger beast to mount, but I think it is a no-brainer. Hitachi has one that several people are using here for sub $100 (sold at home depot). I bought a 1617EVS Bosch and really like it, you can get it as a motor only or a factory reconditioned to save money. Check eBay and google.

Steve

[wallyh]

Thank you for the router suggestion spalm. Another question, can 3/4 baltic plywood be used in place of the MDF? Also, I should be able to shorten the x and y axis by one or two inches without any problem?
Thanks, Wally

[Hack]

I personally would like to have a variable speed router on mine, but haven't done so. The laminate trimmer has a tendency to burn the wood due to its high rpm and the machines relatively slow cut speed. Just try to not get to heavy of a router.

Baltic birch will work, but is a bit more expensive.

Dan

[wallyh]

Thank you Dan, the Baltic birch was left over from another project. I'm still trying to learn about the 8020. When I look on ebay I see the word lite used with some of the 1530 rails, is this ok for the rails or is there another descriptor that I should be looking for?
thanks again, Wally