Looking at the floor layout of my new workshop and bemoaning the fact that even with all this new space there isn't room for a 1/4 sheet (4 x 2) router, I suddenly realised that there is in fact wall space.

Which got me thinking...

Why are all 'flat bed' router machines horizontal? What's to stop them being vertical?

That way it would only need a bit over 2 foot wide of wall space.

The only issues I can see are:

  • the need to take gravity into account. If the y-axis is vertical then only the router head has to be lifted against gravity, so some thought about the design of that is needed;
  • fixing of the board to be machined, but a good clamping system should do there;
  • debris will fall onto the lower X-rail so again some thinking there (or put x vertical but then the x-motors have to lift the gantry too).


Has anyone ever seen one done this way?