I am in the process of getting the part for a crp4848 type machine and am trying to decide on how to go for the cutter. I want to be able to control the speed from mach3. I have a boach 1617, but I would still want to use that in handheld work, and it would be hard to take it in and out.
I see 2 options.
First would be a router with a super pid for the speed control, but I guess i would have to modify the router to disable its own speed control (compensation). So the cost would be a router (~$180), Super PID ($155), mount (~$100) for a estimate of $435.
The second option would be a 2.2 kw chinese spindle. I would need spindle (359), vfd (199), mount(99), cooling (50) for a total of 707 from kelling. Or less than $300 + mount and cooling on ebay (which is what I would do).
I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this and if I am missing something big? I was also thinking about getting a smoothstepper for the control of the speed. The machine will be using 878oz motors from longsmotor and I will be cutting mdf, birchply and some alum (maybe).
Any thoughts?