Re: My Next Router

Seth,

RE router noise:

1)Replace the original <probably> grade 3 bearings with grade 5 or
better. (this can make a BIG difference)
1A)Do a better job of balancing the armature than the factory can at
the price they're selling at...
1B) keep your collet CLEAN and use INDUSTRIAL router bits
2)Change to a "quiet" router, like the new makita.
3)enclose the CNC router in a box made of insulation foam board
panels to reduce the noise. (you can also try to enclose JUST the
router motor itself, but you will need to provide for air flow or
other means of cooling)
4)As Tim mentioned, spend big bucks on an industrial spindle.
5)Do a good job of sound-proofing the shop (for the neighbors sake,
you will still hear the noise!)
6)Ask CCED member Les Watts what to do. He works in the field of
portable tool noise reduction<G>

If you reduce rpm's to reduce noise, you will likely ALSO have to
reduce cutting path speed; which increases the TIME the noise is
being produced...

RE vacuum table:

The "air hockey" analogy is one way. Large high flow systems actually
dont even use holes; they pull air through something like an entire
table of mdf. creating alow pressure area. While this DOES hold
things DOWN rather well (assuming they are large enough), it can
still allow items to shift laterally while cutting, due to the
cutting forces. These vacuum regenerative "blower" systems are
expensive.

Onthe shopbot site, there are some tips on how to use a shopvac for
clamping.

Use of a high vacuum, low volume rotary vane pump (Available at
graingers, or medical/electronics surplus) with home depot closed
cell weatherstripping works well for many items which are regularly
produced. Vinyl hose and barbed hose fittings complete the needed
items. Self adhesive sandpaper under the not being cut parts willhelp
to resist sideways deflection.

In any event, plan your toolpath logically so that IF a part shifts
the least damage will be done. Also cutting inners before outers,
etc... Much of the success to be had with vac clamping is in proper
toolpath, IMO.

Hope this helps,

Ballendo

> > Hi All,
> >
> > Well, I finished my router a few weeks ago, and I've noticed

certain

> > things that I would like to change on it:
> >
> > 1) What does anyone know about making vacuum tables? My table is

24"

> > X 24". I machine completely wood, medium to heavy cuts, etc. etc.
> >
> > 2) Can anyone tell me anything about a medium to high speed

spindle

> > that is quiet, that I can make/buy? I have a Porter Cable Router,

and

> > that thing is wicked loud. I live in a small neighborhood, and I
> > really don't want to piss off my neighbors. What about variable
> > speed?
> >
> > Thanx for the help,
> > Seth
> >
> >