Hi,
Has you Makita router lasted, i have seen a few complaints that their routers have not lasted long at all and some have even caught fire. I am concerned by this so have been looking down the spindle route (mainly due to it being quiter). As you say though for most uses, mine included a router is fine!
Over a year later has your mind changed or are you still using a Makita router?
Hey Bob,
There is quite a bit of info on spindle set up and such on (Spindles-Lingering Questions) Good Luck, Neil
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Hey Bob,
you know that if PD002 is “0” (Operator Mode) you can choose the speed by using “Arrow down” and “Arrow Up” on the Operator Panel?
Also if you want the Spindle to start at its lowest RPM (e. g. 8000) you may start with setting PD003 to “133” or “140” before you hit “Run”.
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100% I still recommend at least starting with the makita router. It works fine.
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Makita router since Feb. Never had a problem, even xcarve went from Dewalt to the same Makita that we use and they call it an upgrade after testing them.
It turns out that I had a bad VFD. Returned it and got another. The spindle is fine. I know that folks have relied on the Makita router with great success. I just didn’t want to hear the router for three or four hours. The loudest thing in my shop now is my Jet Vortex Dust Collector! I decided, later, to go with a 1.5KW spindle/VFD, water-cooled. VFD turns on the dust collection via a solid state relay when the RPM reaches 8,000 RPM. @Stewie21 said that I might just be unlucky with the first setup. He was right. I love the W/C spindle! So…I have a Makita router that has never even been powered up. I’d considered keeping it but I have three or four routers, including a smaller Bosch that I use for hand held routing. I’d be glad to sell it cheap if someone needs a backup? I’ve got a 1.5 and 2.2 KW spindle set up so I think I’m good for a while.
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I bet onefinity would get right on a mount mod that would accept another router option that is readily available.
What are you guys using for coolant? 100% water, water antifreeze mix or something else.
1:1 OAT Anti Freeze (Pink)
1:1 antifreeze / water, I am an absolute beginner
This is what I use but I don’t know if it is correct.
1 : 1 antifreeze and water. Works fine.
Scotch and water is good too. 
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Thanks Dave, David Paul and Bob_D for replys. I ordered my 80 mm mount now just need to pick a spindle and VFD.
where abouts are you based Rocky ?
I use straight water but where my 1F is there’s no risk to freezing. Glycol is thicker than water so I didn’t see a reason to add freezing protection. I did think about adding a simple universal transmission cooler but so far my spindle has never gotten above slightly warm to the touch.
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I used 50/50 antifreeze, not worried about freezing but more concerned about rust and corrosion.
At first I was worried about corrosion but I’m using a 5 gallon bucket (which is plastic). The water pump is plastic. My water lines are a combination of stainless steel pipe and pvc tubing. The fittings on the spindle are brass. The spindle itself is stainless steel, anodized aluminum, and copper. I figure the spindle will die long before corrosion will damage it. Most of the “fountain” pumps aren’t that strong so thinner is better for flow. Something like water wetter probably would work better than glycol to help reduce corrosion.
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Hi Ryan,
Did you end up going with this kit from bulkman3d??
Cheers,
Jace
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I have been an avid crafter for some years and will turn my hand to anything. I am one of those people who would rather make a gift or home items than buy them and if you are that kind of person than a Cricut is definately for you.
Not going to lie, i was super intimidated at first but after watching some youtube/tiktok videos and with a little bit of trial and error there is no limit to what you can create.
I bought some vinyl and a few acrylic keychain blanks also from this website just to get me started and have made a few keychains for myself and friends and family. Design space is easy to use once you get the hang of it, there are several youtube vids that will show you how to use the software, this is how ive been teaching myself.
My cricut maker comes with everything you need to get started, 2 blades and 2 mats. I do recommend buying the little tools to help you weed out the vynil as the small bits can be a bit fiddly.
Makita like router made by Bauer is the same router without the Makita name. I’ve been running one for about nine months with no problems. Cost 59.95. Harbor Freight sells them.