Update on Z-axis & Bosch MRF01 Router Fixed Base compatibility

Hardware
1

So my fellow beta testers may remember my Z-axis issues with the Bosch MRF01 Router Fixed Base in combination with the Bosch GOF 1600 CE router. I finally got back to running some more tests on it, including with bungee cords adding downward pressure.

Sadly my conclusion is that that fixed base mechanism doesn’t work reliably with the Z-axis motor unit. I think Bosch’s design makes it unworkable.

My findings:

  • if the Release Base Clamp Lever is locked, the Z-axis motor will move, but the bit will not actually raise or lower

  • if you leave the base clamp unlocked, the Z-axis motor will work in many cases, but when the bit meets any resistance the Macro Depth Adjustment Lever will release and the position will slip between macro adjustment positions or to the next one down

From my experience it’s tantalizingly close, but when it fails, it fails in a big way not just small amount of drift.

To be clear, other Bosch router models are known to work.

I could also be missing some trick that would allow this fixed base to work reliably. I’m happy to be proven wrong! Please post here if you have the Bosch MRF01 Router Fixed Base working! However, I’ve now tried applying downward pressure with bungees and that doesn’t solve the problem.

4 Likes
2

I was trying this too but with the MRC23EVSK model in the same base. Didn’t even get that far, because the Z-axis operated backwards (raise actually lowered, and vise versa). Before I completely abandon the idea,did you run into that issue with the base?

3

There’s a way to correct that backward motion - enter a negative number for the z travel per rotation setting :slight_smile:

3 Likes
4

@Josh_G yep, the correct setting for Z-axis is -1.5 to get it to go the right direction and amount.

2 Likes
5

Please consider writing up your experience, successes and failures in the wiki.

thanks!

1 Like
6

I’ve thought about it, but since it’s not known to work problem free yet, I figured I would cut down on the noise in the wiki by not adding it. However I can see your point that a summary in the wiki might be easier to find than this post. Will see what I can do later in the week.

1 Like
7

Thanks @walter and @blurfl… suspected that was the case, but didn’t want to screw up the calibration process if it wasn’t!

8

@Josh_G let us know how you go!

9

I’ve had a chance to use it throughout a first project (posted to the projects forum) that was non-trivial, and it was fine the whole way through. The toolpaths involved lots of individual cuts with tabs all giving the z-axis a fair workout and I didn’t have any issues yet. Might be due to the different model router in the same base?

I wouldn’t exactly recommend the bosch for other reasons, but for those that have one already, it’s been a good alternative to a rigid… and I’m glad to not have to give home depot any money!

20170909_132325
20170909_132325.jpg2851×2138 2.02 MB

5 Likes
10

That’s great!

Could you give some more details on your set up, like the following:

  • Did you do any cuts with the temporary sled?
  • What one of the three “macro” positions are you using?
  • Have you seen the “macro position lever” seem to release at all during z-axis movement?
  • Did you have to adjust the -1.5 z-axis configuration to get accurate z-axis movement?

Super cool to hear this set up is working. There may be hope for me!

@larry have you had any trials yet?

11

Sure @walter…

  • I skipped the temporary sled/frame entirely and cut out all parts on a ShopBot Alpha at my local makerspace
  • Didn’t even realize there were 3 positions until I put the router in w/o a bit… doesn’t reach the last one with anything in there. I think I’m on the middle one exclusively
  • No, not yet at all
  • It’s been at -1.5 since the initial setup and has seemed to work well… just leaving a paper-thin layer on the final passes if anything
2 Likes
12

Thanks for the update @Josh_G! That’s all interesting stuff for me. I’ll update here when I circle back and try again.

13

@walter waiting until it is dry so I can get power in my new shed…
But good that it is working for Josh, I see the handle is left unlocked.
be interesting to know if there is a slight size difference between the MRC23 and the 1600CE

14

Placing a side note about triangulation linkage kit compatibility with the Bosch MRF01 Router Fix Base here.

The linkage kit mechanism is not compatible without taking the handles off the router base and because the trigger for the router is in the right handle this seems like a no go. I.e. you would have to mess with electronics.

If the mounting points were set wider in a future version of the triangulation linkage kit, it might work, but right now the handle get in the way of the linkage movement.

1 Like
15

I made a version of the top mount kit that allows for wider spacing, a little
over 12" total handle to handle, the first kit will get sent out to Gero
sometime next week, but I have two more available (and if there is interest,
I’ll make more)

David Lang

2 Likes
16

It will also be pretty trivial for Logan to make a larger version of his kit.

Someone will just have to plan out how large it will need to be to clear the
handles

3 Likes
17

That should do it. The base handle span is roughly 265mm. I might be interested in your kit.

1 Like
18

As usual, I agree with @dlang. The top mount linkage has far more clearance on the sides. He is also correct that I can pretty easily make a 45˚ version with wider spacing (I’ve been thinking about offering that anyway…). The 9" spacing was chosen because it fits well around the Ridgid (and many other) routers and it’s short enough to ship in a standard shipping envelope. It is not, as you’ve found, a magic bullet for every router. Do you already have a linkage kit that you are now unable to use? I would be happy to make you a bigger version if that’s the case!
-Logan

3 Likes
19

Yes, sadly I do have an assembled linkage kit I can’t use.

1 Like
20

I sent you a message. :slight_smile:

1 Like