Woodworking Router SBD0905

[pippin88]

Great build (I've been following on Instagram)

I agree with your Z axis comments (moving carriages)
People often completely forget about the tool and too stick out and the need to get the tool over the top of the workpiece.

When analysing the Z axis only, moving rails Z axis may be slightly stiffer when the Z axis is fully raised, but only when the Z is fully raised (i.e. almost never) and to get the same workpiece clearance, requires a higher gantry which means less stiffness, all the time.

[scratchbuilt_designs]

Exactly. 100% agreed.

Moving rails are ok for people who use small spindles, like a Kress, AMB, or a Makita or Dewalt mini router which have to be clamped right at the end of the spindle (usually a Ø43mm flange) In order to lower such a combo down to the spoil board for cutting plywood sheets Z axes with moving rails have benefits, because they usually can be lowered completely.

But once you start with some Ø80mm Chinese spindles or even bigger stuff, moving rails are just bollocks...

[phill05]

Exactly. 100% agreed.

Moving rails are ok for people who use small spindles, like a Kress, AMB, or a Makita or Dewalt mini router which have to be clamped right at the end of the spindle (usually a Ø43mm flange) In order to lower such a combo down to the spoil board for cutting plywood sheets Z axes with moving rails have benefits, because they usually can be lowered completely.

But once you start with some Ø80mm Chinese spindles or even bigger stuff, moving rails are just bollocks...

Me too 100% agreed, I made my Z a higher lift with fixed rails so I could machine around a 330mm edge of some disks and got told It was stupid doing it that way, your making a fine machine I am enjoying your posts.

Phill