# Choosing a Router or Spindle

**URL:** <https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/choosing-a-router-or-spindle/9538>\
**Category:** Wiki - Store and maintain knowledge\
**Created:** [April 13, 2019, 3:30pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/choosing-a-router-or-spindle/9538 "2019-04-13T15:30:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![jwolter](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/jwolter/32/30787_2.png) [@jwolter](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/jwolter)\
**Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 3:30pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/choosing-a-router-or-spindle/9538/1 "2019-04-13T15:30:25Z")

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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](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VN0Rkgktcac89uxZQUB2bRFZ1BjOTE48H-e4OvfrWLg/edit?usp=sharing)

Recommended:

- [Ridgid R22002](https://github.com/MaslowCNC/Mechanics/wiki/Ridgid-R22002)
- [AEG MF 1400 KE](https://github.com/MaslowCNC/Mechanics/wiki/AEG-MF-1400-KE) (European re-brand of Ridgid R22002)
- [Ubermann UBNEW20] Latin America re-brand of Ridgid R22002
- [Bosch POF 1200 AE](https://github.com/MaslowCNC/Mechanics/wiki/Bosch-POF-1200-AE) (Conversion kit available from @Dag83)

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](https://thd.co/3iO6gaM) or  
[https://amzn.to/3gaGyeQ](https://amzn.to/3gaGyeQ)

or 240V European Version: [https://amzn.to/3aD0zcY](https://amzn.to/3aD0zcY)  
there are many clones of the above makita router for example this 240v $40 clone [https://amzn.to/2Fu5ZLQ](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

> **[C-Beam Linear Actuator Bundle Kit](https://bulkman3d.com/product/cbk/)**
>
> This C-Beam Linear Actuator is a strong and sturdy actuator which uses our C-Beam Extrusion. This Actuator is the basis of our Lead CNC and our WorkBee CNC Machines. Product Details: Model: 4080 Ty…

  

> **[C-Beam Gantry X/Y – XL Bundle Set](https://bulkman3d.com/product/cs-xl-1/)**
>
> This Bundle is a great way to get all the parts for a C-Beam Gantry X/Y – XL . This Bundle allows two C-Beam Gantry Plates – XL to run along the C-Beam Linear Rail system perpendicular to each othe…

  

> **[Spindle Mount 52mm/65mm/71mm/80mm](https://bulkman3d.com/product/pl0020/)**
>
> This super strong, high quality Router/Spindle Mount is the perfect addition to your Build.   

  

> **[GT2 60 Teeth Timing Pulley Belt](https://bulkman3d.com/product/gt0002-60/)**
>
> This high quality 60 tooth GT2 5mm/ 6.35mm/ 8mm aluminium Timing Pulley is perfect for V-Slot automation projects. This Pulley size is specially designed to make Timing Belt work with a V-Slot syst…

  

> **[GT3 Pulley 20 Teeth Timing Belt](https://bulkman3d.com/product/gt0003/)**
>
> This high quality 20 tooth GT3 5 mm/6.35 mm/8 mm aluminium Timing Pulley is perfect for V-Slot automation projects! This Pulley size is specially designed to make Timing Belt work with a V-Slot sys…

  

> **[Looped Closed CNC Timing Belt](https://bulkman3d.com/product/gt0002-02/)**
>
> These GT2 Closed Loop Timing Belts are made of durable Neoprene and Fiberglass Cords. Sizes available (mm): 200, 280, 400, 852  

  

> **[Motor Mount Plate NEMA 17](https://bulkman3d.com/product/pl0008-1/)**
>
> The idea behind this plate is to give you a mountable yet movable plate for your Nema 14 & Nema 17 Stepper Motors.

Testing

- [Triton TRA001](https://github.com/MaslowCNC/Mechanics/wiki/MaslowCNC-Mechanics-wiki-Triton-TRA001)
- [Bosch 1617](https://github.com/MaslowCNC/Mechanics/wiki/Bosch-1617)
- [Kobalt K11RTA-03](https://github.com/MaslowCNC/Mechanics/wiki/Kobalt-K11RTA-03)

Tested but found to be difficult:

- [Bosch GOF 2000 CE](https://github.com/MaslowCNC/Mechanics/wiki/Bosch-GOF-2000-CE)

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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**Author:** ![Dag83](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/dag83/32/2603_2.png) [@Dag83](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Dag83)\
**Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 8:27pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/choosing-a-router-or-spindle/9538/2 "2019-04-13T20:27:48Z")

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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)
