[zeeway]

Thinking through my first build... and like everyone trying to keep it simple and low cost. I have modified a plunge router in the past so that I could install it in a router table and by modifying the threaded rod, having a simple router lift. Basically I replaced the threaded rod that sets the bit extension so that that I could access it from above the router table. So I wonder, why can't I just turn this upside down to use as a simple z axis.

Hopefully this picture will explain:


A longer threaded rod (which on a Freud is 3/8-16) would replace the stock threaded rod. With a nut at the top of the handle, a turn of the threaded rod will cause the router to "plunge" 62.5 thousands of an inch (1/16). If I built a box around the router and mounted a stepper on top, and hung all of this on the y-carriage, would this work as a cheap and hopefully accurate Z-axis? I realize the travel would be limited to the travel of the plunge router - but this is about three inches or so, which should be enough for me.

Am I missing something that would prevent this from working?

Thanks for the input,
Angie