ArduLift - DIY Arduino controlled Router Lift

[Mark Canada]

Don't forget that VFD spindles are WAY quieter than even high end routers. I'd use my router table for 4-5hrs straight, when doing roundovers on all my parts. I'd also run it for several hours as I did bits on it then turned around to feed new parts into the CNC router. Watercooling is probably overkill, but you can get these spindles in air cooled models too - i've never used one however so I went with what I know

The 2.2kW spindles are heavier than most routers i've used, they are pretty much solid metal with a bit of water filling the gaps haha. For me, I found that even the waterjet plate was perhaps a little bit light duty as I could get some chatter from deflection if I pushed material through a bit too fast - I'm not sure which bit in particular was flexing however - I wasnt able to induce any flex by pushing on the end of the bit, but it was definitely deflecting under load.

The other advantage of the spindles is being able to run tools with shanks other than 1/4" or 1/2". Its great being able to use any endmill or tool in my cnc router's collection.

If the writeup on your website is anything to go by, that's going to be a great article in the magazine!

[Gary Liming]

Don't forget that VFD spindles are WAY quieter than even high end routers.

My experience from upgrading my CNC from a router to a spindle was two main points. It may sound trivial to some, but the noise factor is a big deal. When I had 4 to 5 hour CNC jobs to do, it became clear that most routers are not designed for continous duty - I burned out several routers before switching. Also, I have a basement workshop, so a 5 hour job is a burden for the whole house - I needed to wait until my wife went shopping before running it. (I admit it was not a long wait, though.) Now I can talk to someone in a normal voice standing right next to a running job.

Chris, I don't seem to be able to relate to the idea that a router in a table is a dopey idea. Has lots of advantages, IMHO. Could you explain why?

If the writeup on your website is anything to go by, that's going to be a great article in the magazine!

Thanks Mark!

[Chris Parks]

The router has too many disadvantages and was a no choice option forced on us when spindles weren't available and the use of a router in a table was simply the only choice and then lifts were developed to facilitate the ease of use. The spindle takes away all the problems in one easy package

Noise levels are lower
No lift needed
The top can be removeable and much lighter in construction
The duty cycle is better
Better speed control
The spindle has more power
Several spindles can be used in the one table
A better designed table can be used
A single lift installation will be a lot cheaper than a single design router installation
Less routers needed in the workshop as one is not tied up in the table
Better chuck system, way better
Less things to go wrong

Disadvantages...

I can't think of any