Re: Semi-good high speed spindle idea?

I've been thinking about this also, looking at various decent
quality routers. A 3/8" collet router would work fine for my
application. I'd love to get a tool changer in there someplace
however if I get just a simple router going I'll be happy for
starters!
On to my question.
Is there anyway to interface the router speed into Mach3? Possibly
even just put a shaft speed counter [ or encoder] to a DRO in Mach?
It would be even better if mach could control the speed in its
program. Or.. maybe this is over kill and isn't generally required?

Curious...
Jarrett Johnson [ no.. I'm no machinist.. but I stayed at the
holiday inn once!]

>
>
> Roger,
>
> I'm using a Ridgid trim router from Home Depot on my bigger
> machine right now. I chose that one for two reasons. The body
> of it is round and only 2.25", so it was very easy to bore out
> a mounting holder for it. Also it is variable speed..20-30K.
>
> It's 6 Amps and 3 lbs.
>
> It turns out that it's not exceptionally loud either on the lower
> speeds. The drawback to it is the price -$100.00, and it only
> takes 1/4" bits. Other than that it's great.
>
> The trim router works so well that I'll probably never even get
> around to making my spindle...it's just to play around with.
>
> I'd intended to try one of the $19.99 models from Harbor Freight,
> but they were out of them for awhile, I think I'm much better off
> with the Ridgid though.
>
> John
>
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "vrsculptor"

<vrsculptor@h...>

> wrote:
> >
> > > WHAT DO YOU THINK OF USING A ROUTER SPINDLE FOR THIS

APPLICATION

> >
> > John,
> > Routers can make very good spindles. They can be a bit of a

challenge

> > to mount squarely and rigidly and may take up too much Z axis

height

> > for some applications. You also need a good router... not all

routers

> > are created equal.
> >
> > Roger
> >
>