Craftsman used to make a router crafter and this is how many folks have done what you see in that photo (that might even be the same device). There are variations of this, some DIY.
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BIT OF HELP
Very new and found this pic on the site. Would love to make this and I have a router mill. Can anybody give me more details about bits needed for this project. I have five by five blanks.
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About two years ago, I found one in a local pawn shop. The guy didn't even know what it was. I bought it for $15.00. This was the FIRST tool I had as a child, and it, along with a small Craftsman router began my journey into the world of hand crafting and shop tools. So when I saw this one, I bought it purely for nostalgia. Given the rather primitive nature of the device, it works VERY well!
I now have a CNC router table and I am (or at least WAS) working on a rotary attachment for it (along with a thousand other unfinished projects
). When it is done, the gantry motor will drive the rotary device, and the router will run along the length of the gantry tube, with the router raising and lowering the router as normal. I expect the same results,but with computer precision.
Joe
.
I now have a CNC router table and I am (or at least WAS) working on a rotary attachment for it (along with a thousand other unfinished projects
). When it is done, the gantry motor will drive the rotary device, and the router will run along the length of the gantry tube, with the router raising and lowering the router as normal. I expect the same results,but with computer precision.Joe
.
Hi @MOTOSPORT ,
I have shown the relevant bits for the cuts, on your photo. Agree with James on core box bit, but the plunge beading bit will make the other cut in one operation. It is sometimes difficult to align a second cut precisely with the first, especially after a bit change.
1. Probably not worth making the router lathe if you can find one. I have had mine over 40 yrs (Vermont American), they cannot be worth much by now.
2. The longitudinal grooves (flutes) are made using an indexing function in the headstock, to get the desired number of flutes around the diameter.
3. I have marked a pipe clamp. There are two of these, to set the start and stop of longitudinal (axial) cuts, for reproducibility. If you decide to make your own, remember to include something of that ilk.
4. It is entirely possible to turn a cylinder from square-section blanks, but that does not mean you should do so on the router lathe. Remember you are pulverizing the unwanted wood, the width of whatever router bit you are using, at a time. At a minimum, try to make the square section into an octagonal section on the table saw. Unless you like to watch paint dry. Better yet, turn the blank to a cylinder on a lathe, or have someone do it for you.
5. The guide tubes flex a bit, so not suitable for heavy routers (3+ HP). The middle of your spindle will land up thinner than the ends.
![Musical instrument Publication Wood Font Wind instrument]()
I have shown the relevant bits for the cuts, on your photo. Agree with James on core box bit, but the plunge beading bit will make the other cut in one operation. It is sometimes difficult to align a second cut precisely with the first, especially after a bit change.
1. Probably not worth making the router lathe if you can find one. I have had mine over 40 yrs (Vermont American), they cannot be worth much by now.
2. The longitudinal grooves (flutes) are made using an indexing function in the headstock, to get the desired number of flutes around the diameter.
3. I have marked a pipe clamp. There are two of these, to set the start and stop of longitudinal (axial) cuts, for reproducibility. If you decide to make your own, remember to include something of that ilk.
4. It is entirely possible to turn a cylinder from square-section blanks, but that does not mean you should do so on the router lathe. Remember you are pulverizing the unwanted wood, the width of whatever router bit you are using, at a time. At a minimum, try to make the square section into an octagonal section on the table saw. Unless you like to watch paint dry. Better yet, turn the blank to a cylinder on a lathe, or have someone do it for you.
5. The guide tubes flex a bit, so not suitable for heavy routers (3+ HP). The middle of your spindle will land up thinner than the ends.
This is it..
SEARS CRAFTSMAN ROUTER CRAFTER OWNERS MANUAL 720.25250 25250 | eBay
The manual is in good condition and covers models 720.25250.
www.ebay.com.au
Those long grooves were made by standard panel bits that were common back in the days of metal bodied routers.
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