Thread: Router Speed controller

FYI you can buy a 2.2KW water cooled Spindle motor and VFD for a lot less than a 2.2KW Router. I will likely be using an air cooled unit when I get one.

The first post in the following link is from a 2013 discussion when spindle motors and VFD cost more that a router, not any more, it sums up the some of the differences in performance.

Spindle vs. Router - CAMheads CNC Router Forum By: CAMaster CNC

Re spindles and router lifts - I came across this article re a spindle lift. Looks the goods and not too costly. Could be improved with alloy parts if you don’t mind spending extra $$$

https://www.popularwoodworking.com/p...de-router-lift

Yep, it is similar to the concept I have been banging on about with the top free to lift. It is most probably better than what I had in mind as it provides a cavity trap for the dust which has to go into the collector but it will have to have an inlet port for make up air. This is crying out for a stepper motor and digital control and height measurement as well. Note the date, 2009, nothing is new and someone has already thought it out if you can find it. Good find Lappa and now book marked.

That only needs sprockets and tooth belt drive (no play and extremely accurate) or a reduction gear drive from a stepper motor - add a $48.00 DRO and you're good to go with a low cost lift with digital position readout. A Rotary encoder for fine height adjustments, fast raise / lower buttons + $2 limit switches for fast stops (bit changing) and a tiny control board using a simple micro for around $30 all up. The thread drive, guides and associated bearings can be had for as little as $38.00. Most expensive part would be the stepper motor but even those are low cost these days.