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Thread: Router Motor

  1. #1
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    Default Router Motor

    Why can't a CNC router motor be used in a normal router table given the motor is held by a router lift?
    CHRIS

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  3. #2
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    If a sealed unit why not?

    Give it a go then show us all the WiP Chris

  4. #3
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    As long as you can clamp it and cool it there's no reason not to

  5. #4
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    Elan, that was my thinking also. Not a cheap way to do it but there are some very nice router lifts out there.
    CHRIS

  6. #5
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    I would look out at how the motor is cooled. If the air cooling drags swarf in because it is upside down, that could be a problem.

  7. #6
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    Gregory Machinery is now selling the motor body spindle by itself again: https://www.gregmach.com/product/swi...-cnc-machines/

    Time to save for a lifter and motor

  8. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kuffy View Post
    I would look out at how the motor is cooled. If the air cooling drags swarf in because it is upside down, that could be a problem.
    My router always has a fair bit of dust on the intake after I've used it upside down. Might need to semi-enclose it or go water-cooled.

  9. #8
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    Cooling could be an issue as the motor is upside down compared to CNC use. I have no idea how the cooling is arranged and which way the air goes. Most are water cooled because of the extended periods they run for and that would sort the issue out entirely but a huge hassle when the motor is used for very short runs. I raised this question because I have never seen it discussed and I knew there was some interest in finding a 240v motor to use in a lift. Gregory's had them some time ago and they then decided not to stock them again due to speed control issues but they must have sorted that and as far as I am aware it is the only 240v router motor available.
    CHRIS

  10. #9
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    Ahh the old "swissTEC" router. If anyone is thinking about buying one make sure to ask if the crappy speed control has been fixed, and the fan on top that loved to shatter as it was made form the worst plastic that could be found that day, or the collet that would not hold a bit unless it was done up so hard it needed a hydraulic ram to undo it.

    Nothing against gregmech, they where very helpful with my first warranty claim, just bitter about this router. I ended up rebuilding the whole thing with my own PID controller using a hall effect sensor and I also replaced the collet with a proper ER20. Not a bad router now. Still, if I was going to buy a new one it would be a spindle.

    Back to the original question, the air-cooled spindle I have has no fans or anything and runs on my CNC router for hours just fine. I would say it would be fine under a router table too. It has no fans and the unit it fully sealed so there is no real direction to its mounting anyway. If you have any dust extraction under the table that would make it even better. Only problem you will need to fix is the stop button is too small so you will need to mount a external stop to make is easy to hit with your hand\leg\whatever body part you have free. Nice and easy as the VFD will have a input for that.

  11. #10
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    Any hints on what spindle to buy?

    I looked around and it must be some sort of secret society... Getting something as simple as motor diameter must need a special handshake.

    The only thing I'm hoping to match is the holding mechanism of the lifter with a spindle of appropriate size.


    It seems so obvious to me as a solution to "the 240v problem". Expensive, sure, but the benefits are better motor control, zero dust issues and much much quieter.

    If anyone can suggest anything, I'd be very appreciative.

  12. #11
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    What spindle are you using Markdem? I can get mini VFD's that would be perfect for this job.
    CHRIS

  13. #12
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    I have something like this on my CNC router

    3KW ER20 AIR-COOLED SPINDLE MOTOR MATCHING 3KW HUANYANG INVERTER DRIVE VFD CNC | eBay

    I have now had it for about 4 years. It gets used about 2-3 times per month but each run normally takes a few hours (lots of 3d profiling). I use it to mill aluminium now and again and it deals with it fine.

    The best thing about these is that they are 100% sealed so you don't get any dust going in there. Nice and quite too (until the wood goes in).
    I keep kicking myself for getting the "normal" router. This was one of these times where I wanted to save a few bucks and it ended up costing me more..

    Just keep in mind that the spindle about is only 100mm wide on the body, the smaller ones are 80mm. Problem here is that the jessem lift I have (same as the incra) does not get that small and you will need to make a adaptor.

  14. #13
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    Lift here....Buy Kreg 420 Precision Router Table Lift, Model #PRS3000 at Woodcraft.com (I bought the same one from Ebay)

    Spindle here, 80mm diameter https://www.google.com.au/search?q=2...hAY4NccoRyM%3A

    The router lift com3es sized for a PC7518 router motor which is 31/2 inches in diameter but you can get order the above lift with 80mm pads Buy Woodpeckers 3.5-Inch Motor Pads For V2 Router Lift at Woodcraft.com

    Scrap the mini VFD, they are only available in 2.2kw three phase in and out and 2.2 is cutting it a bit fine anyway so it needs to be a full sized one.
    CHRIS

  15. #14
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    Nice, the replacement pads will save you some work.

    Just make sure to get a nice big stop button and you are all set.

  16. #15
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    Markdem, do you know if I can I get the spindle without the VFD? The VFD I can get elsewhere.

    Edit, just found one.
    CHRIS

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