Re: Size of leadscrew clarification

> Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 12:13:26 -0600
> From: John Thompson <rcav8r@...>
>Subject: Size of leadscrew clarification
>
>I'm going to clarify my goals for a router table here...
>
>The purpose of this router is to cut model aircraft parts in balsa in
>plywood, with 3/32 and 1/8" thick being most common. Based on my limited
>experience doing the same with a Fadal VMC, about 20-25 ipm is the most
>pratical for the 1/8" bits I'm using (I could experiment some more
>though, but I don't think it'll go over 50ipm tops). Rapid travel is not
>a issue. Thicker material can be done in multi passes, but would be rare.
>The maximum size is 12"x 48".

If you were milling or turning metal I would agree with your speed plans, but for balsa, even plywood I think you are being too conservative.

John, I think you should reevaluate the top speed. The trim router will have a spindle something like 20,000 to 30,000 and you should be able to cut this material quite satisfactorialy at around 1-2 inches per second (60-120ipm). A Shopbot rapids at about 3.5 ips. 48 inches at 1 ips is almost a minute to get from one side to the other. If you are like most computer users (myself included), 10 seconds response time usually starts you to looking for something to do damage to the CRT. 45 second wait for a simple rapid from one side to another is a LONG time.

Bottom line, if you have a chance to get more like 200 ipm, rather than 50 for a buck or 2 more, take it.

Best Regards,

Fred Smith
IMService

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