Rough idea of costs to build a medium size router.

[Lee Roberts]

Jim,

If you decide to build your own the best thing to do is draw up a design of the machine and share it with us so we can advise on it, have a good read of the other threads around the forum, once your happy to start building the machine, then start a build log for all to see :thumsup :

.Me

[r0bsk1]

Jim, due to a possible migration to Oz i may be selling my upright 1200x1200x300 (working area 1000x1000) steel framed router if your interested?
It's unfinished but just need limit switches, a paint and a bed.

[jimbo_cnc]

Definitely interested. You'd have to post up all the specs for an open discussion of what it's worth and whether it's the best option for me, because I'd be relying a lot on advice from the members here.

Also, I'm thinking about some unique features which might make my machine quite specific. I'm about to post my ideas here, so we'll have to see how it goes.

[r0bsk1]

The build log is here http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/5127-...ittle-project! but there's been a little more progress but haven't had time to post the updates. It's now moving on axis with a 3kw spindle mounted.

[jimbo_cnc]

OK, here's my first concept. Remember we are talking outline here :)


I'm thinking vacuum bed (never seen one in action, research needed) because the load/unload time is going to be as long as the cutting time probably. How much does that add to the estimate?


A most important question: I want to drill pilot holes too, can I route the profile with a 3mm cutter and use that to drill as well? Or how long does a tool change take? Or should I be going for a separate drilling head? The drilling is always to same depth.


For my flatpack/camlock design it would be handy to do the drilling on 2 edges. So I've added a couple of drills to the gantry uprights. They will drill to a constant depth. How much have I added now to the estimate?