Control box too hot?

[chiere]

I was able to cut two jobs, in 3 hours, with no problem. Same job, same file, same perameters, same type of substrate (1 lb foam) When I tried to cut the third job, the router wouldn't cut on. I loaded the job about 3 times, just to make sure I had done it right. Then started feeling things. The router is cool, the bit is cool, but the control box is warm. I cleaned the area of all stray foam, cut it off, checked it out. No foam inside. Shut everything, cut it back on. Reloaded job. Routher won't cut on. Used air hose to blow cool air on the control box (we have an air dryer in the line) Still nada.

I ended up walking away, and taking a 30 min lunch. Went back, reloaded file, hit the green button and viola! Router runs.

What should I do to keep the control box cool? I am going to add a fan, is there any thing else? There's plenty of air flow around the control box, and the temperature is nice and cool today. I am disturbed by this; is this normal? Will I have to take a 30 min break between jobs? This seems very inefficient,....

Thanks,
Cheri'

[richards]

Why not call Shopbot and ask then about the contactor/relay that controls the router. Some users have had problems with the contacts sticking. Sometimes loosening the screws that hold a relay/contactor to the case is all that is needed. Other times, the relay/contactor needs to be replaced.

[bob_lofthouse]

Hi Cheri,

My advice would be not to add a fan to the control box. Even with filters I find dust is sucked into the control box.

If the box is mounted on a wall I would place it attached to the table to allow air to circulate around it.

From what you have described it sounds as though you have a sticky contact. This problem has been covered in a few threads recently, and seems to be solved by replacing the contact or loosening its case to release pressure.

Hope this helps

Rob

[hespj]

I had an overheating problem and fitted fans. The first fans were two 12v computer power supply fans wired in series to the internal 24v supply. These are inside the box and keep the hot air circulating around the inside of the box allowing it to transfer heat to the ali box more evenly. This works most of the time.

In the heat of the summer I also had to use an ordinary desk fan blowing across the cooling fins on the back of the box.

No hole was cut in the box for either of these solutions.

The odd thing is that the weather doesn't get that hot here in the UK, and yet both Robert and I have had this problem. 240v maybe? Maybe we work to hard and the SB just can't take it :-) That's Robert, nobody would accuse me of that. Or have the sleepless nights taken their toll with you too Robert.

John