[Moondog]

here in Australia we can't buy router such as the alum base Porter cable etc only the plunge type. Question, can you use a servo motor for a router spindle, geared up or so?...


On a Z axis system do you need 4 bearings (2 per rail) or can 1 bearing per rail be used.

Thanks

Frans

[kong]

For a large z-axis, which I believe yours is, two bearings will give far greater stability. With 1 bearing you may get some twisting/racking of the axis.
As for the router, do what I did and import from the USA. I got mine from here:
www.coastaltool.com
Great service, and speedy delivery!

[Moondog]

Thanks Kong.

The US routers have different Volt ratings.. we run 240 volt otherwise I would purchase one from the US.

I am just looking at alternatives to using a router purely because of the noise issue.

Running a router for a full day would annoy the neighbours.

cheers

[kong]

Fair enough, but I should point out that a simple 110v construction-site transformer will do the job if you ever need a router. We also have 240v in the UK!
You could always build some sort of shroud/enclosure around your z axis. I think your problem has been dicussed before, albeit some time ago, and there was no easy solution. Let us know what you come up with though

[Moondog]

Thanks Kong.

The shroud idea has some merit.. Enclose it with some soundprofing material. I'll look inot that further down the track when I've completed the machine.

cheers