Router Table, Spindle Version.

[WillyInBris]

Hy Guys have always been going to build myself a router table and now I have a young boy interested in Woodwork it makes the $$ easier to get past the wife.

Anyway so first thought is what spindle size 1.5kw or 2.2kw.
I am thinking more the collet size is the issue between the above spindles I run a water cooled 2.2 on my DIY CNC.

Thinking of an Arduino based lifter it only needs a touch off and height adjuster so should be relatively easy I may even see if I can get one of the classes at school to work on it for a project :roll: unless its already been done.

Anyway, the first decision is spindle I guess I am thinking I could go a 1.5 with a collet adapter to ER20 the only worry is run out?

[Chris Parks]

Have you read both these links?

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f20/automated-router-table-226646

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f20/router-table-build-212190

The second one starts talking about automation a few pages in. An Arduino and why it was not used is also discussed from memory. Mike the chap who did all this work is also in Brisbane I think which may help you even more as his is up and running. Some spindles come with a variety of ER collet sizes so you can use which one fits the router bit you want to use.

[MandJ]

Hi Chris, I think he has seen the other threads. I suggested in my table build that he might like to start a thread for recommended spindle motors and any pitfall in selecting one for a table, then there was the question of a simple way to set bit zero without a full blown controller. Sounds like he will get it sorted with an Arduino, Lappa may be able to help with that if needed.

The idea of a separate thread was to keep the fully Automated Table build getting off track. I was thinking that a thread covering a lift build, both manual and stepper driven, would be easier to follow and allow ideas trials and variations to be kicked around. I'm sure others might be more inclined to get started with an easier project.

Mike.

[WillyInBris]

Have you read both these links?
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f20/automated-router-table-226646
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f20/router-table-build-212190
The second one starts talking about automation a few pages in. An Arduino and why it was not used is also discussed from memory. Mike the chap who did all this work is also in Brisbane I think which may help you even more as his is up and running. Some spindles come with a variety of ER collet sizes so you can use which one fits the router bit you want to use.

Yes have been to the links and thanks for linking them in Chris.



The idea of a separate thread was to keep the fully Automated Table build getting off track. I was thinking that a thread covering a lift build, both manual and stepper, would be easier to follow and allow ideas trials and variations to be kicked around. I'm sure others might be more inclined to get started with an easier project.
Mike.

Yep you were spot on with this I think its the best way forward for others also if they want to go simple yet now I have seen your thread it's giving me plenty of ideas and hard to get out of my head.
What I will look to do is a Manual/Automated spindle build that way if people want to follow along and do it themselves they can.

[Chris Parks]

Willy, the spindle must have a ER20 collett fitted and quite a few spindles come with a complete range of those as I mentioned. One good thing about that is you can change to collett to suit what you are using the spindle for such as a spindle sander for instance so its use could be beyond routing. If the spindle you use does not have a full collett set with it you can buy sets very cheaply or individual items as you need them. I have had a quick look and from what I can see all the 1.5kw spindles I can see do not have ER20 colletts as supplied. my understanding is that it is the drive end of the spindle that has to be changed to change the collett range such as from ER11 to ER20.

This might be worth looking at https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CNC-2-2-KW-water-Cooled-Spindle-Motor-ER20-220V-Mach3-PWM-Four-Bearing-UPDATED/252045534067?hash=item3aaf15a373:g:IvMAAOSwrkdckePU as it has a ER20 and comes with a few colletts. What it does not have is a VFD to drive it and a water circulation pump and the bracket to hold it. Most full kits are in the region of $550 and this is $176 as shown. A VFD to drive it can be had for under $150 which I can help with getting and an aquarium pump and some hose can't cost much at all so we are looking at about $330 plus bracket which you could make or buy one for about $30
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/80mm-Diameter-CNC-Spindle-Mount-Bracket-Holder-Clamp-Cast-Aluminum-3x-Screw/273672933926?epid=9021172454&hash=item3fb82d9226:g:J3wAAOSwqLlcS8~Z&frcectupt=true

I hope this helps and if you have any questions just ask. I presume you have seen the mock up I posted to the other thread.

A complete kit https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-2KW-Spindle-Motor-CNC-Air-Cooled-ER20-Collet-Chucks-2-2KW-VFD-Inverter-Bracket/163168260465?hash=item25fd961171:m:m1KilAR_OTEa3vyo7gNnDSw

So to build a complete kit from bits is a bit of a pain but it is cheaper but only by $100 so maybe not worth the trouble. The VFD I am thinking of will not be available from the supplier until sometime in May as it is a brand new range they are releasing. You can buy it direct from Powtran yourself and they do supply any technical help you may require.

[Lappa]

My thread, using an Arduino, is “digital Router lift- proof of concept “
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f20/digital-router-lift-proof-concept-220848

Mine is nowhere near as fancy as Mike’s - I am only interested in controlling the lift - but accurately. It worked to my expectations with a number of menu items . There was also an interesting post from qnc42 on his build using Arduino. I programmed and ran that one on my system. It was a lot simpler, with two main functions but it worked great.

I was trying to run everything from an Arduino nano (cost) but was running out of pins, when you added a display and keypad etc. etc. I’m currently working with a touch screen and Arduino mega and should have something concrete within a month or so, as work is full on at the moment.

if you plan to use Arduino, I would suggest a Mega.

Have fun!

[WillyInBris]

Thanks, Guys I have a 2.2kw spindle on my CNC I am not sure if I will keep it on I may drop it to a 1.5 and swap the 2.2 go the Router table.

Will have a look through my bits and bobs sure I have some linear rails laying around but I was also thinking about maybe an actuator like the following 100mm stroke length.

452298

[Chris Parks]

We are making the story up as we go so if one of those work for the purpose then try it.