Router to power NWG

P

Petie

Joined
Nov 29, 2008
Messages
62
I'm gonna try a variable speed router to power my nwg. I think it will work but it will take extra pillow block bearing and o couple extra pulleys because the most I can turn it down is 12,000rpm so I have to convert 12000 the correct low end belt speed. It can be done.
 
For the cost of a router and the step down gearing, I'd bet someone would trade you for a good motor to use on your grinder. You may also be disappointed with the torque that makes it all the way through to your grinding belt. Good luck with the project. Craig
 
Routers aren't made the same as power motors. The HP rating is developed HP and not the same either. A 3HP router may only draw 5-6 amps.
The biggest reason, though is that the bearing system on a router is made for very little side load. If you do what you are planning, there will be a router in the trash next week.
There is also a real possibility of things flying across the room at a high rate of speed.

Don't do it.
Stacy

Go Mike,
Worm gears, and geared reduction systems are to slow normal speed motors down to slow speeds, not to slow fast things down to normal speed. If a gear reduction box was run at 12,000RPM, it would burn up.
When you want something to turn at 100RPM you use a gear box. When you want something that turns at 12,000 RPM to run at 1750RPM, you either reduce it with an 8:1 pulley ratio, or (much better idea) use a different motor. Fan belts don't like 12,000RPM and more than gears do.
Stacy
 
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My two horse ruter runs at 11-13 amps depending on the load. When you mounth a router in a table with abearing guided raise panel bit in it there is a tremendous amount of side load. Since I've been a woodworker for over 20 years I've got a couple extra routers layin around. Every body laughed at the Wright brothers to.
 
I agree that routers can handle the typical side load for a belt driven system but I don't think it's going to work out well unless you only use it for light duty applications. Just look at the size of a normal motor(in a shaper for example) compared to a router motor, it's ten or more times the size, why is that? Why doesn't my shaper or grinder have a little tiny motor? Because they're built for heavy usage and the little router motor isn't.

My 2hp grinder is the only large tool in my shop that I can bog down easily, a grinder is a tool you will use to full capacity, don't cheap out on the motor.

Good luck either way though.
 
I just read some one say something along the same line as what im about to say and no harm intended. You can go fishing in a row boat but its way better in a rigged out tornament fishing boat.
 
If it doesn't work I'm only out the price of two bearings and two pulleys. I don't know for sure that it will work but it's worth a try. I've used some really big bits in a router and have yet to bring one to a stop.
 
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