Questions about machine tool camp routers

[Hack]

I was wondering if the machine tool camp routers (specifically the 5' x 10') routers were driven by lead screw or rack and pinion, and also, has anyone been able to get a little higher rapids out of them then the 350 ipm that I read elsewhere on this site?

I have considered this for a small cabinet business that I work at and would like slightly faster rapids.

Thank you

Dan

[Randall]

The X and y axis are rack and pinion and the z has a leadscrew.
Randy

[Hack]

I have seen advertised rapid feed rates listed around 350 IPM for the MTC routers. Since these are rack and pinion can one just change the gear ratio (or whatever yo would call it) and get faster rapids? What would it do the to cutting accuracy or torque of the machine?

Thank you.

Dan

[lgalla]

I am looking at machine tool camp also.Scott will answer if you E mail him.He has a semi pro model not listed on his site.It is really cool, has belt drive for X&Y and can handle 7.5 HP spindle and tool changer option.A Porter Cable router is not capable of cutting at high rapids. Example a friend has a Thermwood with 10HP spindle and cutting 3/4"birch max rapids is 200 ipm.Scott knows alot about routers and his package is well worth the money and saves alot of time not having to research it yourself.As far as I know scotts router designs are as close to pro machines as possible.I am buying the Semipro engineering plans soon just need a little more capital.It would be cool if we both were building at the same time and giving feedback.
Larry

[Hack]

Yes I am aware that a PC Router cannot cut at those speeds, but I am not wanting to cut that fast. I have a couple of applications that require a lot of peck drilling cycles that take forever just moving betweeen hole locations. Quick rapids are a big key to shorter cycle times for my applications.

I will email MTC about this other series of routers you speak of.

Dan

[Randall]

hack
I believe the existing gear ratio is About 3.75 to 1. If you change it it will go faster but you lose tourqe and resolution. I have alot of parts sitting around but I need a few more to finish.
Randy

[Hack]

Well I have sent a couple of emails to MTC over the past week or so and have not gotten any response. I have heard this is somewhat common for this company due to the owner being busy........Kind of frustrating though. Heres a company I actually want to give my money to and can't get an email response from them. A phone call is probably next on my list, but still is it really that much to expect an email?

Does anyone have any detailed specs and pictures of this Semi- Pro version of router they supposedly sell plans for?

Thank you

Dan

[Randall]

Thats the thing send them money youll get the plans. Alot of these guys have been hasseld to death with questions and no orders. I can say that his plans are very top notch, Unfortunatly I dont know anything about the pro version.
Randy

[lgalla]

Hi Randy
are you building an MTC machine?I agree with you Scott must get alot of [tire kickers].He does reply to my E-Mail within a week.I understand the slow response as I build High End loudspeakers and people who are in to it waste alot of my time.They come to my shop and "Hang Out"for 3 or 4 hours and dont buy anything.As you stated he must get a ton of E-mails.If you have purchased the plans,do you get questions answered?I have not purchased plans yet but will do so soon.
Larry

[Adobe Machine]

I used Scott and MTC for my large mill CNC conversion and now my tool room 12 x 30 lathe CNC retrofit.
All transactions have been prompt and correct,his electrical knowledge has been invaluable.
Have found that instead of E mailing, use the phone.I'm in the same position as he is and recieve 60 to 125 E mails every day, most of them just BS. Have also found that my virus protector will screen out family E mails, but allow " offer Masters" 8 to 20 "offers" every day,most appear to be scams.Jeeze, what a system !

Adobe ( old as dirt )

[Randall]

Igalla

His planes are so good that I havent the need to call Him yet. I made the mistake of not buying the 80/20 through him , I bought it through ebay and with shipping and all he his cheaper. I have only started basic cutting of the 8020 and I am assembling the electronics.
Randy