Motorized Router Lift

[sandyj]

I just spotted this a couple of days ago and have most of the gear to make one. Any body here seen this or tried it ?
Any thoughts?

http://www.tjupholstery.com/jwnixon/Mot ... master.htm

Regards.
Sandy

[qtndas01]

After watching just one of the videos this is something I will check out further. It looks like a pretty good way to put a mortise in the end of a rail for loose tenon jointery. Right now I always use regular mortise & tenon joinery since its harder to put a mortise in the end grain with a hand router.
Dave Marks uses a mortising machine that costs a couple thousand dollars for mortising.

[sandyj]

I canabalized a Black & Decker 6v cordless screwdriver and mounted it onto my Ryobi 600i. I installed 2 micro switches to act as stops so the motor don't twist its self off the screw thread.
Absolutly brilliant with my biggest bit a 2" straight cutter, It retracts just below level and fully extended, is far enough above the table that I can get my spanner on the collet to change the bit.
Parts I used - 2 x micro switches, 1 x on off on switch for forward and reverse, 1 x momentary-on switch, 3 x Jubilee (radiator pipe) clamps, 1 x 6v sealed battery and the battery charger for the cordless screw driver. All parts lying around the shed except for the reverse switch - total cost - $5.99 MAJIK.
I'll post some photos if any one wants to see.
Regard
Sandy

[kd6vpe]

Would love to see your pics if possible. I looked at this also. I have an old professsional black and decker screw/hammer drill that I can't get batteries for anymore and want to try using it. I am also interested in your stop switch arrangement. That was one of the questions I had on how to stop the drill once it hit a pre-set stop on the router.

[sandyj]

Here are a bunch of photos of the workings to get the motorized lift working.
They show the total travel from over 2" above the table - able to change bits from above table - and the bottom most position - 3/128s below table.
One micro switch is screwed into the hollow handle (non-power side) and uses 8mm ali pipe as a stop. The other switch is clamped onto the R.fence holder using 8mm ali pipe - this one uses the body to stop retraction.
Some of the cordless screwdriver is removed to reduce total height of the unit. This was where the batteries were.
There is a 1/2" pipe that accommodates the routers height adjuster (this takes up overall height). This is mated to 9/16 id ali tube and captures the nut to drive the height adjustment.
All wiring was twisted together for the 'dry run' and when all all checked out okay then soldered. Insulation tape then covered the joints.
It is not very pretty but it works. At this stage there is no incremental stops this is taken care of with the momentary on switch on the front panel - red button. This will be run thru a foot switch later.
5 photos this post - 4 next one
Regards
Sandy

[sandyj]

Biggest drawback would be the extra depth the unit takes up - I lost 1 drawer in the making - not really a problem. The router table is a converted bathroom vanity unit - doing it on the cheap.
Regards
Sandy

[johnwnixon]

Sandy,

I think you did a fine job motorizing your router lift! I've had mine for a few years now, and it really changes what you can do on the router table.

I'm working with a company now on bringing the device to market commercially. Hopefully that will all go right.

Best Regards,
John Nixon
http://www.EagleLakeWoodworking.com

[a1gutterman]

Good luck with your venture, John! What part of the world do you stay in?

edit: Ahh! Never mind! I just visited your web site. New York it is!

Hey people: Check out John's site! Lots of projects documented on video.

[johnwnixon]

Good luck with your venture, John! What part of the world do you stay in?

edit: Ahh! Never mind! I just visited your web site. New York it is!

Hey people: Check out John's site! Lots of projects documented on video.

Hi Tim. Thank for the welcome!

I've had a 10ER for years (belonged to my grandfather), and I just picked up a loaded Mark V at an estate sale last week. Both Shopsmiths are sure to be seen in my future videos.

Yep, I'm in the great white north. Okay, not exactly, but we Buffalo folk do have a reputation for a lot of blizzards.

[kd6vpe]

Welcome aboard John,
Great videos you've made there. Can't wait to see what you come up with using the Shopsmith. It is a great tool. I know you will find years of satisfaction with it.