[wjfiles]

This is my first attempt at uploading a photo.
I had to get the lighting in the right place to capture the image while the router was working.
PhotoV Carve is a great program.
The cutter is 60 degree and has a sharp point.
WJF

[Eurisko]

That looks great!
More motivation for me to keep working on my router.

[CRFultz]

WJF,

What are you using for a router...and are you happy with it?
I'm getting ready to build a second router made exclusively for lithos.
I need the precision but unsure which route to take...

Chuck

[wjfiles]

Hi Chuck,
I am using a cheap router OZITO from local hardware. $55.
The brushes wear out real quick but after turning and polishing the armature they go for about 150 hours. I have two of them with a 12 months replacement warranty ???? Runout is surprisingly good. No complaints for photo carving.
My idea originally was to strip them and use the spindles and collets and drive them with a DC motor. In the mean time I will get my $55s worth.
I am down under in Aus. so you may not find this brand (spelt Chinese anyway)
I have done a few litho's and they are more than satisfactory. I have a hold on them for the moment until I solve the back lighting problems.
Providing you get a good handle on the backlash and use Mach3 don't be unduly worried about ultra precision, it is not needed for litho's
Just my opinion of course
WJF

[wjfiles]

Me again,
The X axis backlash is the most critical when cutting with raster as it changes direction on every pass. The Y moves in the same direction all the time so some backlash would not have much effect.
WJF

[CRFultz]

Thanks for the heads up...
I've cut about 50 lithos and although they are my bread and butter...they consume all the routers time.

I am building a new router that will run at high speeds at night.

My goal will be to cut two individual pieces in 8 hours.

I'm looking for precision because of the speeds involved. plus I need it to be quiet running....

I think I will use a Foredom handpiece or maybe a spindle form the dude on ebay...Wolfgang??? ...can't remember his name right now..

I've measured the TIR on a RotoZip, PorterCable trim router and a Dremel...not real happy with that....

Anyway thanks for the info...
Later
Chuck

[CRFultz]

Me again,
The X axis backlash is the most critical when cutting with raster as it changes direction on every pass. The Y moves in the same direction all the time so some backlash would not have much effect.
WJF

I usually cut at a 22 degrees...both are running at the same time....

I'm not real concerned with backlash...The ballscrews I use are pretty tight..

Chuck