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Recommended CNC Router and Spendle!

(Original thread started on 12-06-10 by Mark L.)

I was cutting the other night when suddenly the router started making a funny sound and then started varying it's speed all by itself. I stopped the job and then started to inspect as to what was wrong. I found that in a little over a year, I managed to wear out the carbon brushes! Now I have used this thing a lot, so no complaints here, the brushes will wear out. The problem is where to get replacements fast. I was lucky and found out 5 blocks from work at 7 Corners Hardware in St Paul, I could get them. So I stopped in today during lunch, they had them in stock for $12 and tonight I installed them and it works like a champ again.

 

So just a note to those of you that have spindles that use carbon brushes, you might want to think about a spare set if you use it quite a bit so you have them on hand. The guy at the store was actually pretty shocked that I wore out a set until I explained I used it on a desktop CNC.

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 12-07-10)

I have the same problem with the cheap "throw away" Chicago hand held routers that I use for cutting out the shell kits. I can get them for $22 each when they are on sale. Sometimes I get the warranty and wear those guys out! I can usually cut out one shell with one router after rebuilding it twice. If it's not the brushes, it's the MDF dust tearing up the motor, bearings and even getting in the switch area. Once I have squeezed all the life out of it, I get another throw away router for $22. The Chicago router is good, but it can not stand up to the MDF dust. I don't think any of them can long term. Of course our CNC routers don't see much MDF dust, which is a very good thing.

 

With that said, I think my Craftsman router is done. I have squeezed every bit of life out of it, I even changed out the brushes two times. Now it seems to have lost power as it is running at much lower RPMs and has a very rough vibrating sound to it. I think the bearing are gone. About a year ago, I went to Sears to buy another Craftsman router in the same model but they discontinued it.

 

So as you know, I do a fair amount of routing and would like to replace my craftsman router with something that is going to last. What are you guys using and would you recommend it?

 

(Posted by Douglas Dick on 12-11-10)

I use a Bosch POF 600 router I have it for at least 15 year with no problems however now its on the CNC I have gone through 3 sets of brushes making parts for the sim. The quality of the tool is very good as it has lasted this time but when its on a CNC it is running for much longer than it would be just using it as a wood working tool. If anybody needs parts in the UK I can recommend http://www.mtmc.co.uk as a supplier ( they also export )

 

(Posted by Mark L. on 12-11-10)

I agree, much more run time on the router in this mode, that's why I wasn't surprised when they gave up the ghost. It's great having the parts store for this just a few blocks from work, so it's easy to run over on the lunch hour to pick them up when I need them.

 

The big issue with our CNC is you may have to make a new mount, though that isn't too tough. As you know, I went through 3 routers 2 Rotozip's and a Craftsman and had serious run out issues. I've been really happy with the performance of my "Reconditioned" Bosch Colt 1hp router. I got it from Bosch's website and while I was skeptical of a reconditioned unit, they assured me good as new. It's been running for 3 years, 1 set of brushes (probably getting close to needing a second set) and still going strong. And the best part was that I paid $85 for it! I plan on getting another one as a backup soon, as I've driven this one pretty hard. Here's where I got mine and I should probably place an order now myself, there still on sale for $74.99 or $109 new.

 

http://www.cpotools.com/factory-reconditioned-bosch-pr20evsk-rt-colt-variable-speed-palm-router-kit/bshrpr20evsk-rt,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=bosch-reconditioned-routers

Markl 4

 

I looked into higher quality units, but for routers, usually means more weight and it affects the z-axis and the real McCoy is just too much money in my opinion to invest in for this CNC. I do however strongly and most certainly recommend if you don't have one, but to get a high speed balanced collet from PreciseBits if you haven't got one and especially if you go with the colt or other router. Sometime back you may remember I couldn't cut anything accurately until I bought on and put it on. Cuts are within .005 (after I tweaked everything on my CNC and put in actual real anti-backlash nuts). So for my money, go with the Colt and the collet from Precise Bits! Here is where you can get the collet from Precise Bits:

http://www.precisebits.com/gateways/ColletsNutsHome.htm

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 06-02-17)

Just a quick update on my Colt router. Several years ago I switched from a Craftsman router to the Bosch Colt 1hp router. I have not had any issues with it and as a matter of fact, I can't even remember needing to change out the brushes on it. Unlike my Craftsman Router, I went through four sets of brushes and had to rebuild the thing twice. I generally like Craftsman products but the Colt beats Craftsman hands down in this case!

 

Additionally, Mark L. pointed me to the collet from Precise Bits. Here is where you can find the one we use:

http://www.precisebits.com/gateways/ColletsNutsHome.htm

 

The collet is needed to eliminate any wobbling of the bit and helps to make clean and precise cuts. Might be why they call themselves "Precise Bits"! So like Mark, after more than six years using the Colt router and the Precise Bits collet, I highly recommend both if you do not yet have them!