Maslow 4 with Kobalt router

Just to be clear, the Kobalt is ER-11a* compatible. From my research the difference between ER-11 and ER-11a is the thread pattern on the shaft/collet nut. A set like this ER-11a collet nut would work on the Kobalt. A set of ER-11 collets like these would then work. The nice thing about this system is you can get collets specifically for the size of router bit you want (1mm, 3mm, 6mm, 1/4in, 1/8in, etc) to use for cutting/carving.

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Thank you for sharing these Kobalt router mount adapters @Ken32960!

Planning to print using PETG tonightā€¦ Curious if these are the latest models, or if anyone remixed? Curious if latest greatest .scad files are on github for folks to clone/watch/fork?

Cheers!

fwiw - https://github.com/aaronse/maslowcnc-mods is where I intend to start backing-up/sharing stuff as I get to learn and play with Maslow 4 more.

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So far no changes. I was going to add one thing to that message soon but am on my way to a UK cruise so I will just put it here.
Here are the spacers that clip onto the stepper screws to prevent you from running the spindle lock into the plexiglas dust cover. 14mm high but you can change with OpenSCAD (free) if required.

SpacerZ.stl (11.2 KB)
SpacerZ.scad (700 Bytes)

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I havenā€™t purchased my router yet and I am very interested in Kobalt for M4 based on its price and ER11 collet.

Does any have strong recommendation for Kobalt after using it with M4 or on the other hand have any reservations about it?

I was wondering how 3d printed sleeves withstand the heat from use and not sure how challenging it was to configure for M4.

configuring it is easy, just add a shim or tape around the router to make the
maslow parts fit, no other configuration needed.

I went with a fiberglass tape designed to handle some heat, but havenā€™t run the
machine long enough to be sure there are no issues.

David Lang

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Thanks thats good to know. Iā€™ll get a Kobalt.

Itā€™s easy in theory, but Iā€™ve yet to see someone actually make it work. Expect to do a little trail blazing if you go that route

Any of you Kobalt folks have a design or solution for mounting the PCB to Kobalt?

my plan is to leave it danglingā€¦ :slight_smile:

at least for now

David Lang

Also my plan ā€¦! Or make some sort of L bracket off one of the linear rod supports that replaces the bottom of the PCB support

This worked for me on the Makita: I took a wirecutter and snapped off all clips except the parallel to the Makita Grill. Now at least 2 are snapping in - works for the position - with a zip tie fixed down to the Router cable it is decent stable.

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Got all the pieces printed and trying to assemble but Iā€™m stuck. Any way i could get some more pictures? Trying to shim and arm stack and top clamp bottom clamp to play nice without breaking anything.

I took the stupid spindle lock completely off the Kobalt router. I put a tool steel rod in the hole to hold it to change bits. Doesnā€™t put a lot of stress on the M4 arms or clamps trying to hold onto something to change the bit. Also the hole in the spindle is a great attachment point for the Z-axis probe connection.
3D printer sleeve seems to be holding up well so far. Thanks @Ken32960 for the stl files.

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Glad to hear your Maslow 4 arrived safely, and youā€™re making solid progress! For adapting the electronics board support, your plan to modify the clamp or create a custom attachment sounds feasible, and it could ensure a sturdy fit with your Kobalt router. As for the sleeve, maybe try thicker materials or even a small hose clamp if it fits securely. For the routerā€™s bottom clearance, spacers might indeed be the best option to avoid any dust cover issues. Good luck powering it up and let me know if you have any other questions along the way!