Yeah I emailed those guys when they started publicity for the Shaper. They confirmed it wouldn't be suited. Oh well.
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I would be a happy man indeed helping other creatives with their work. I'm touched I really am. I spend a lot of time thinking of ways to help other disabled people, or those with chronic pain. Without the use of strong pain killers it would be impossible to hold down an office job. I work for a Health Insurer who are very good at accommodating me & the various devices I use to control pain. It really is a tremendous struggle at times and can cause some issues with anxiety, on top of the obvious exhaustion.
I've been able to help counsel others over the years and I found a new life doing this. Especially rewarding helping first time Mums or Dads, or Motorbike riders like contemplating amputation.
Thanks for taking the time to view the blog.
Fist-bump.
Attachment 418896 My Wet-weather Scooter-gear
The old saying " get them young and training n them " . I see you have a budding assistant buy your side, no better way to him interested than helping you. It worked with my children.
Attachment 419225
Completed this on Saturday. Purchased the file and realised straight away it was going to bloody tricky to do one-handed., but I was up for the challenge. My clever wife gently persuaded me to take several breaks, if not for that I think back and neck pain today would've much worse!
We plan to offer these for sale at Markets and look forward to getting the family in on the action.
So cute :)
(read some of your blog too, thanks! good to see guys out there encouraging others. My mate is a para [motorbike accident] and has started a NFP to get other para's out cycling - hand cycles. I never cease to be amazed at the strength of some people :) )
Thanks that's super good to hear.
I had a thought about the CNC and changing the cutter which generally requires two hands for most people. I would put a rare earth magnet into the chuck as high as it would go then push an o'ring in after the magnet to stop the cutter shaft bottoming out and jamming. Then the collet can be undone with one hand, the bit won't drop out and the one you put in will stay in the chuck while the collet is tightened.
The easiest way to change a bit on a router one-handed is to fit something like the Musclechuck (Quick Change Camless Router Chuck Wood Working Accessories) or EXtreme eXtension (ROUTER TECHNOLOGIES INC). The first replaces the original collet, the second fits in that collet and extends the shaft. Both allow single handed bit changes because they use an Allen key to tighten or loosen the collet. The Musclechuck is simpler and more elegant because there is no chance of introducing wobble as with the extender. I have both devices, the Musclechuck for a Festool OF2200 and the extender in my big Triton in the router table. Both work well.
I am definitely not suggesting that you purchase something like the Triton for hand held use though. It is a great router but the torque on startup is so great I would never use it handheld (some people do, but they are obviously stronger than I am - definitely a two handed job for me). I do not know how many routers the Musclechuck is available for but they say they will make custom items. May be expensive though.
If I were you I would follow through on the router table set-up first - using an Extreme extension for above-table bit changes. That lets you choose from a wide range of routers with half inch collets and the greatest range of router bits. You would need a router lifter - or the big triton comes with a built-in lifter. For a start-up though I would look at one of the really good lifters with a router motor, not a hand-held router. For example Router & Lift Package
One can do a lot of routing with a table and many things better than handheld. One-handed use should be safe with a router table and you can buy ready made tables or there are lots of free plans to make your own. If you use lots of feather-boards you can control and prevent the router throwing items around the room (so the table needs T-tracks in the fence and in the table top).
OneArmedGraphic,
Which area of Brisbane are you in ?
I have my shed in the South West if you wanted to come around and try out the different tools and see which suits your situation.
I have 2 Triton routers, Makita Router and also one of those smaller Trimmers. I also have a perspex base for the Triton for more stability.
Also have a foot switch on my Scrollsaw that we can use on the routers and see how that pans out for you
You are more than welcome to come over and try them out to see which suits you the best before you go out and purchase.
Cheers
Scott
Sounds good Scott, I really appreciate the offer. I live Redbank Plains.
Clever devices and pretty reasonable prices. Thanks for that.
OneArmedGraphic,
You are just 10 mins away......my shed is in Sumner Park.
PM me and arrange a time that suits. I am at the shed most weekends
Sounds great! Might be a bit later on in the year as I need to get up to speed with this fancy laser. Let me know if there's anything you'd like lasered
No problems...just let us know when your ready