Choosing a Router or Spindle

Wiki
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Tested Routers List

(from the old Maslow CNC Wiki)

A collection of routers tested by the community:

In addition to the details below, a matrix of the different routers, their features, compatibility with the different triangular linkage kits etc is available here

Recommended:

Below are a few Palm Routers which are smaller and need their own Dedicated Z axis.
Makita 701C 120V USA version https://thd.co/3iO6gaM or
https://amzn.to/3gaGyeQ

or 240V European Version: https://amzn.to/3aD0zcY
there are many clones of the above makita router for example this 240v $40 clone https://amzn.to/2Fu5ZLQ or in the USA there is Enertwist, Avid Power, or VOLTEK. They appear to be all the same except for different branding and colors.
One will need to buy all the parts below to make the dedicated z axis to move the router up and down. the motor shaft is 6.35mm and the lead screw is 8mm diameter. the last item to mount the z axis motor will need more holes drilled in it to fit the 37mm z motor
xrt136







Testing

Tested but found to be difficult:

Please Help contribute by creating a new page for any other routers you may have tested. Each router page should include at minimum the following information, an identifying photo, and a link to the manufacturers documentation.

Feature Value
Model #
Cost (approx)
Collet size
Ease of attaching Z-axis
Shaft connector size
Variable speed (y/n)
Illuminated (y/n)
Dust collector (y/n)

Pros/Cons, General comments

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The bosch pof 1200 has been pretty well tested i think, i’ve cut quite a few projects with it, i sold about 40 conversion kits, and haven’t recieved any complaints yet. (No positive feedback either, but i guess that’s a good thing, since people are always more vocal when they complain)

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