Status on Lowrider 4

I will be switching to the Kobalt router when that time comes.

How did you burn the Makita? If it was just lots of hours a new set of brushes should get you going.

The Makita 700 series is the best bang for the buck for sure. If the Kobalt was still around that would be a better bang for the buck but…

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I burnt it up with a warped board and flattening 1 1/2" bit, it got stuck in the epoxy and was only stuck for like 15 seconds but smoked out

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Is the Kobalt no more???

Nope, seems the brands had a little pricing war when the Kobalt hit the shelves.

That might be the record for largest bit used on the CNC. With these things smaller pits are easier to tram to an acceptable level and can be moved much faster. I think the 1/2" is a pretty good size for this sort of stuff, next time.

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Ugh! I did not know that.

Welp scratch that comment.

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  • the kobalt had a light on it. I like that.
  • the body was a touch larger than the makita
  • came with 1/8 and 1/4" ER11 collets
  • some speed controllers were not quite right

I’ve used bauer from harbor freight with good results. it is a makita knockoff. Actually ran quieter than my makitas. Price has come down since the hercules line launched a router. I would try one of those or get another bauer if I wanted a red router body.

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It worked really well taking small 1-2mm passes on solid oak, but the epoxy it did not like. I think the epoxy dulled the bit and that was the demise.

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Second on the Bauer from harbor freight. Been using it on an MPCNC and LR3 for a couple months now with no complaints. Every now and then it goes on sale for $35 USD, which at that price I can beat it up and not be too worried.

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I bought a cheap $45 amazon one because it had a clear plastic base and that is what I use exclusively for hand held work because the cutting surface is visible all the time. The bauer I don’t have anymore. I bought a second makita because one became available for a good price and so now my tool change is swap the router. Since my work is mainly 3 bits, but usually a mid cut tool change is only between 2, it is pretty easy to get set up. I need to look for a $35 one at HF. Is that with a coupon?

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I will be getting a Bauer tomorrow then, it is safe to say i will be finding the line as I leap over it along this learning path

I’ve just bought a Vevor 2.2kW spindle to my LR4 build. I’m excited to see the results it delivers, though I’m curious if deflection might be an issue.

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I’m using the vevor 0.8w on my V3, it have nice dimensions and an acceptable weight.
During aluminum cutting i did a mistake, and the machine went straight into the material. The Machine had big deformations but the spindle manage to cut 7mm doc at 2000mm/min and 12000rpm without any problem. So, now I’m sure it is enough😂

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I run a Vevor 1.5kw in my machines and have had really good luck with it. Its right in line with the hand held routers as far as power and its 65mm so the exact same size as the Makita for the tool mount. Most of the 2.2kw ones are larger ~80mm and that’s going to push your spindle way out from the core and cause a good bit of rigidly loss. Air cooled or water cooled??

water

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WOW 2000mm/min on aluminum is what like 3000mm/min on wood at least :rofl: Very interesting, I may have to see about getting one and see what else I can break! At that speed I could turn out some etsy carvings to pay for a spindle every month haha

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Although the manufacturer did not pick it up as a permanent part of their line, there are perhaps still some of them available for purchase. Some Lowe’s stores might actually still have some in inventory. Some people bought them cheap while on markdown, and are reselling them, for example on eBay. If a seller seems reputable (good feedback score etc) and the price is nice, you might pick one up.

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The Jackpot setup for the compact LR4 is ready😂
Next step is to build the complete electrical box with all the cable management and control panel.
I’m still deciding if put all inside a drawer under the machine, or in an external box🤔


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Dang, I love it!!

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There will probably be a box that fits inside the beam, but yours will fit, too, I guess. :slight_smile:

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