Hello... Hopefully a simple post to answer. I'll try to layout my design. I am wanting to build a motorized router lift... C-beam..xl plate..t8 screw..nema 17???..and control Where I need help is in the motor and controls. I think the 17 is to much for this. I was originally going to use a 12v 100rpm motor but I saw that the nema wasn't very expensive so I went that way. What size do you think? Next since I only need to control up/down and precision. Also I need a power supply and the control. I thought using my Samsung or iPhone as the controller with a physical backup????? I just don't know very much about electronics and need someone smarter than me. Try to keep it as affordable as possible but cool... Thanks, george
Torque would equate to holding pressure, but if you're needing torque to hold the router down you might want to be a little less aggressive on your cutting. I'd worry more about gantry flex. The weight of your router or spindle and a small amount of torque should me all you need to keep the tool from bouncing.
Do y'all have any ideas on what I need as far as electronics to control the nema?? Since all I need vertical control, manually...
The simplest electronic setup would probably be a combination of an Arduino and a stepper driver. Do a google search for using an Arduino to control a stepper. There is plenty of good information out there. You'll need to learn to code the Arduino but it's really not that daunting. Mainly focus on what others have done and follow their lead. You may also want to use a couple of self centering rocker switches to control the up and down movement, using one for fast movement and the other for fine tuning. As far as your lift screw you might consider using a TR8x2 screw. This will give you 4 times the resolution and eliminates the potential for the router dropping when the power goes out.
