scmorgan
05-11-2004, 01:57 PM
I very have nearly decided on the purchase of a ShopBot to route out parts from 1/4" thick grade X (paper) phenolic sheet. The parts I am cutting are approx. 14" X 3" and all the cutting is full depth. Due to some geometry features, a 1/8" to 3/16" bit dia is the max. The 'Bot will be in the 3rd bay of my suburban garage. Before I make the leap, I would love to hear from others that cut this or very similar material so that I can have a sanity check. Here are some specific questions:
1) Speeds, feeds, and bit types? Will a standard router work (sufficient RPM?) or will I need to go with the Colombo spindle to achieve sufficient speed. Noise issues?
2) Does the dust collection provide decent cleanup? I don't want phenolic dust everywhere.
3) I need to get away with little to no secondary ops for edge cleanup. The edges don't need to be retail perfect, but reasonable. Is this possible.
4) Will I need coolant? How about a vortex tube air cooler (compressor capacity?)?
5) I will be cutting from 18" X 24" sheets so the bench top unit will suffice size wise, but are there other reasons why I might want to go with the next larger model. Operation characteristics, foot print, resale value, etc?
Any other wisdom is welcome!
1) Speeds, feeds, and bit types? Will a standard router work (sufficient RPM?) or will I need to go with the Colombo spindle to achieve sufficient speed. Noise issues?
2) Does the dust collection provide decent cleanup? I don't want phenolic dust everywhere.
3) I need to get away with little to no secondary ops for edge cleanup. The edges don't need to be retail perfect, but reasonable. Is this possible.
4) Will I need coolant? How about a vortex tube air cooler (compressor capacity?)?
5) I will be cutting from 18" X 24" sheets so the bench top unit will suffice size wise, but are there other reasons why I might want to go with the next larger model. Operation characteristics, foot print, resale value, etc?
Any other wisdom is welcome!