Rail Frame Design

[Burnsy]

I don't have enough projects going on :wink: so I figured I might start conceiving another. I am chasing some pictures or design ideas of bearing roller setups for rail frames that work well if anyone has some they want to share. I have a few lengths of tube around and thought it might be a good idea to make up a frame to mount a router in for surfacing small slabs of timber. I have worked out the logistics for most of it but am stuck for an effective sliding system that will hold onto the rails but allow movement along them.

Will post some pictures at some stage in the distant future when this comes to fruition.

[DJ’s Timber]

Check out specialist's home made jig (http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=53431), might be along the lines of what you're thinking

[BobL]

My set up is here (http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=35655).

[Burnsy]

Thanks for the links guys, Specialists rig is pretty much what I had in mind but I was wondering if I need to have bearings underneath the rail to stop the router from lifting? What has your experience been? Does the router want to lift if it is not held down? I want to only worry about moving the router smoothly along the timber by hand and not have to hold it down in place.

[specialist]

Just saw this thread, and your interest in my router rig. There are a couple of things that I will change on it in the future. One is that it needs heavier cross bars that clamp the timber, they tend to bend a little as you clamp the board/slab in. and the other is it needs more depth to fit a wider board. It currently will only fit a 60mm thick piece.

Don't worry about the router riding up, I never had that problem at all. Feeding the cutter in is the same as hand held, feed against the rotation and take about 2/3 mm cuts and the finish will be good. Note that turnbuckle on the side that clamps the bearings, this needs to be tight, the tighter the better for smooth running.

You may be able to make the roller setup that I used on my sliding bench fit your design, you can see it here (http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=61865).

If you need any more details, please contact me

Robert

[Burnsy]

Thanks Robert, your experience has helped and should limit my mistakes. I will post some pictures as it evolves.