I subscibed because I can really appreciate the details and the resources. I am a big Arduino user My preference is the Uno. I am glad I have a 3D printer. While watching this video a few Ideas have crossed my mind. You actually provide the wiring diagram and the code which is very rare. Thank you
This is absolutely brilliant! I wish I had seen this video sooner! Had just ordered a worm gear last week, after hemming and hawing between the worm gear and the nema motor. Went with the worm gear bc I've never programmed an arduino before. However, if my simple circuitry plans fall through, I'm definitely going to go with your plans. Heck, I may just scrap it altogether anyway and go with your design. Soooooo much incredible functionality! Thank you so much for posting this.
This is an amazing video, I was thinking about doing this myself when I stumbled upon this design! I think I might try and take it one step further and add the LED display to display height as well! Thanks again!
This is pretty awesome! Instead of the LEDs telling you to stop, couldn't you connect those to the upper end stop pin and then just use the "go to top" button which would move it up until either the upper end stop triggers or the magnets make a connection.
You are " the bomb" , yes I am dating myself. I am looking for Arduino projects and as a woodworker I can't believe I was unaware of the Router Raizer. A great project, new subscriber. Thank you.
I'm not sure. If there's a way that you can couple the turning mechanism of the router lift to the stepper motor then you should be able to make it work with a little ingenuity.
Great tutorial. Combining woodworking and hacking. This is right up my alley. I just got into woodworking and have been looking for ways to better automate my shop. This will be a great start. Thank you!
Hi, can you make this so that the rotary encoder changes the speed of the stepper motor rather than steps? I am trying to make a power feed with stops and direction control for a milling machine. I have all of the components you have listed. I assume it is just a case of changing the code somewhere?
That's definitely possible by changing the code a bit. It's currently set up to constant velocity but with some rewriting I'm sure you could get it to do what you need.
It's a brass threaded insert. I use a soldering iron to install them into the plastic holes. You can get them many places including Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1T5693
I would have loved to see how you coded and wired everything! What is education and what do you do for a living? Perhaps a video letting everyone know who you are, etc..
Thanks! I'll keep that in mind for the next one! It's really pretty straightforward and is detailed out on the build article. I got my degree in electrical engineering and have been working in hardware design ever since. Might do a video about myself eventually but it seems a little presumptuous to make one at this point. Thanks for watching and leaving such a kind comment!
Super cool! I'm just purchasing parts for my router table and decided to go with a Triton router, which is based on your Elu. I'm definitely going to build this as pushing a button is so much easier than cranking a rod with a handle. Have you had any problems with dust ingress to the stepper motor or limit switches? Signal shielding is often an issue with CNC machines, but I guess it's not critical here because the router would be turned off when its height is adjusted.
There shouldn't be any issues with dust getting into the stepper motors as they're generally rated for dirty environments and are sealed up quite well. The limit switches aren't as sealed so might be something to keep an eye on. As far as EMI issues, you shouldn't have a problem even if the controller is left on as long as the stepper motor wires aren't ran so they parallel the router power cord for a long distance.
Perfect! I had thought of doing a stepper driven router lift. I was going to build the lift with lead screws but l like your Router Raiser approach. Have you thought of using a servo instead of a stepper? I understand they have more torque and hold their position without consuming power. Servos also report their position.
Cool! Glad you got some value from the video! Typically servo motors are best for high speed, high torque applications while stepper motors are better suited for lower acceleration, high holding torque applications. Based on that, steppers would be the better choice for this project. Servos are also more complex to integrate and generally more expensive than stepper motors. If you do need positional feedback, a closed loop stepper can sometimes be a good in-between option. With steppers there's significant holding torque to hold the position as long as the driver is is powered on so I don't have any worries about the height changing while routering anything.
Just use a geared motor. If it is worm gear (often are) no holding current needed. Way cheaper, more powerful, and can be controlled by a simple speed controller. Or pulse it from an Arduino; if you then add a DRO you can have a digital height control (enter desired height and it will go there). There is no point in using a stepper motor if you are not going to use its positional accuracy- which the backlash in a router lift (of this sort) eliminates.
I would love a digital hight setting for my Dewalt table saw since you have to turn that wheel a ton to move it up. Sure it makes it more accurate to have it at like 1mm per rotation but it makes dailing it in a pain.
Yup! Like I mentioned in the video that is totally a valid option, I just prefer the visual indication from the LED. What would be on the display? I originally thought of adding one, but since every bit is a different height there would have to be an additional step in setup if the display was for height readings.
@@42Pursuit yes height display. And yes it would have to be calibrated to the specific router. Unless they all use the same threads for height adjustment.
myself, and MANY others I'm sure, would love to see this kit come pre-assembled, and as close to "plug n play" as possible... think you could/would do that?
Hello I'm thinking of buying your kit. I have a Bosch 1619EVS 3HP plunge router. I can rotate it up and down using a wrench+nut. I was wondering how I could attach a nut directly to the stepper motor so I can continue to use the same mechanism? Assuming I have to use a specific collar but thought to ask you. Thanks
Very likely! It'd would take a little figuring on your part to connect the router height adjustment to the stepper motor shaft but if that seems doable I believe it should be possible 👍🏼 The stepper motors are spec'd at 269oz.in/1.9Nm so as long as that's enough torque than you should be good to go.
@philipchristian9935 Hey Philip, Im also considering using a Bosh1619EVS with this electronic lift setup. What did you come up with to get yours working? Thanks for any input you might have! Edit: Also what Plate did you end up using? I don't have the router yet. Have a cordless Dewalt and a Old POS Ryobi. Was originally going to mount the cordless Dewalt, Then realized Ill end up needing more power. There are sooo many choices of Routers,Lifts,Tables, It is all very overwhelming!
I really enjoyed this video. I'm curious to know if you considered shortening the two springs to reduce the force applied. It seems that this would allow the force to be more balanced.
Hmm, I hadn't thought of shortening the springs. That may work just fine but I tend to steer away from non-reversible modifications to things like that when I'm able.
Seriously slick. If that functionality was put into production lift, they'd sell it for $1000. As a system, there is some possible patent angle, but it's cool that's not your thing. Great work. On my project list for some day.
Thanks! I've thought about the product/patent side of this idea but decided I'd rather share it with the world so more people could enjoy it at a lower price and maybe gain some confidence working with electronics. Thanks for watching and leaving such a kind and supportive comment!
@@42Pursuit Cool stuff. I first used steppers in an 8 bit microcontroller course as an undergrad in 1984. How's that for dating myself, lol? In any event, an improved router lift is kinda cool nice-to-have. However the tech you have set up and the precision would work on 2 axis for CNC set-up for woodworking would think. I haven't researched, but be interesting to see if you could sell a 'kit' with all the elements that could NOT be done with wood (take some thinking as to where and how much moisture-related movement would be tolerable for the use cases), as I expect there are a lot of woodworkers who would a) see a possible route to more income with less of an investment, and b) could customize the size to fit space(s) they have. Just an idea, and one I might look into myself someday.
There is already a system out there- which incorporates a digital fence too. Semi-automatic joints, dados, etc. But it is $2000. I have built one for a small fraction of that; build on my channel soon.
Do you know if there’s a lead screw thread pitch available which could correspond to 1/64” adjustment per step(s)? I’d love to have a fine adjustment like that and program the course to move in 8ths or 16ths.
Quite a unique idea. I plan to put the USSA 3D printed router lifter 2.0 in my workbench and I was thinking of using a raspberry pi to control the height. I think your idea is better.
You were really going to use an operating system to control a single parameter? Bet you use processors in your lights switches- and the switch gives an interrupt...
@@Tensquaremetreworkshop the pi’s are already used on the Printers using octo print. I was going to use an output to control the axis as I am disabled with limited mobility. My lights are controlled by voice.
@@ewen832 Ahh, I took 'using a raspberry pi' to mean dedicate one to the process. I take it you are going (or have) used an existing module... For this application, a geared motor (windscreen wiper type) and a couple of buttons are more appropriate. Given the backlash in the mount, using a stepper has little value. Personally, I used a geared motor with a digital scale to measure the position, and used the Arduino to move to the desired position. Accurate to better than 0.1mm, and with a digital fence, I can throw away my measuring equipment. Just enter where you want to be. Does finger joints and mortices too...
Hi, purchased your plans and just one question on the TB6600 driver the Dir+ and the Pul+ are connected with the Nano, the Dir- and Pul- are connected to -12V power supply is it correct?
Wow. Just shoot me. I'll stick with hand power. Your Router Raizer video was awesome. This one will give me nightmares...like missing class all semester and showing up for the final
Haha, that's quite a nightmare 😄 Although, I don't think you give yourself enough credit. If you can solder and follow step by step instructions I have faith you could assemble it and get it to work.
It's running off the 12v supply from the wall-wart. The DC-DC convert steps the voltage down to 5v to run the Arduino and rotary encoder boards. There's a schematic picture blog post that shows the wire connections and might help things make sense: www.42pursuit.com/projects/electronic-router-lift
I am going to purchase your plans to build this, I already have most of the parts just had a question about the encoder. I have one part # HW-040, will this one work? Thanks
No, unfortunately not. I initially tried using that encoder but had a ton of issues and later found out those are notorious for not being able to reliably and accurately increment and decrement due to switch bounce issues. That one from Adafruit has it's own small microprocessor that takes care of any counting and debouncing which makes everything else much more straightforward in the code and hardware.
Here's the link to the kit: www.42pursuit.com/store/p/electronic-router-lift-kit I also have included links to everything referenced in the video description.
I am inspired by you! I love the Arduino! I'm making my own version of this and will be posting it on my RUclips channel. (will credit you!) I do have a question, what software did you use to create your circuit diagram? Thanks!!! Great work!
If you are going to use an Arduino to drive a stepper motor, why on Earth would you control it manually? Tell the Arduino what height you want, and it goes there. Yes, there is free play in the drive connection- so fit a small DRO (cheap as a stepper motor) and use that to know the height. You can then use a cheap geared motor to do the drive (costing less than the stepper driver). While you are at it, you add a stepper driven fence. Then throw away all you height gauges- you do not need them. Select height and fence distance and it goes there. Then expand the code to allow automatic movements for finger and dovetail joints. And variable width dados. And slot cutting. Yes, the zero needs to be set- using a detector that the Arduino can see, not a LED. Sound good? Next project on my channel (and yes, it works just great!)
I mean kinda, if you were to design one from scratch. But that's why I made a step-by-step guide and included options for parts that don't require a 3D printer, and that's also why I have kits available as well that include all the parts needed to put one together yourself. All someone really would need is a soldering iron and a can-do attitude.
How would you say "cheaper than any other option out there by a wide margin"? If someone with a tool budget want's an electronic router lift, this is by far the cheapest option.
If you have any questions that wasn't covered in the video comment below and let me know!👇
This is awesome! I want to build one
Thanks Zach! You should! It's super handy and I use it all the time.
I subscibed because I can really appreciate the details and the resources. I am a big Arduino user My preference is the Uno. I am glad I have a 3D printer. While watching this video a few Ideas have crossed my mind. You actually provide the wiring diagram and the code which is very rare. Thank you
This is absolutely brilliant! I wish I had seen this video sooner! Had just ordered a worm gear last week, after hemming and hawing between the worm gear and the nema motor. Went with the worm gear bc I've never programmed an arduino before. However, if my simple circuitry plans fall through, I'm definitely going to go with your plans. Heck, I may just scrap it altogether anyway and go with your design. Soooooo much incredible functionality! Thank you so much for posting this.
This is an amazing video, I was thinking about doing this myself when I stumbled upon this design! I think I might try and take it one step further and add the LED display to display height as well! Thanks again!
First time seeing your content and I have to tell you, youre just awesome.
That's very kind of you to say! Thanks!
Fantastic diy video.... Specially the option to acquire all the components in a kit. Congrats
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
Idea for your next mod, put a Wixey WR525 remote height gauge on it. Digital height readout 😉
Hey, that's a great idea!
Then feed it into the Arduino, so it sets the height that you want.
great job! thanks for sharing!!!
Thanks for watching!
This is pretty awesome! Instead of the LEDs telling you to stop, couldn't you connect those to the upper end stop pin and then just use the "go to top" button which would move it up until either the upper end stop triggers or the magnets make a connection.
Thanks so much!
Totally! That's the beauty of it running on code that can be modified, you can make it act just like you want 😊
You are " the bomb" , yes I am dating myself. I am looking for Arduino projects and as a woodworker I can't believe I was unaware of the Router Raizer. A great project, new subscriber. Thank you.
Hah! I'll take it! Thanks!
This is actually really cool going to use this for my scm t120 shaper
good job, I really enjoyed this video
Thanks! I'm glad!
Great video and I like your other projects as well.
Thank you very much Martin!
Hi I just watched your video! So cool but I was amped to buy the kit. Do you plan to make more?
Awesome!
Thanks for sharing!
Very nice video and useful project. Excellent work achieved. Many thanks.
Thank you! And you are very welcome!
Great video, thanks for it. Will be a big upgrade to my home built router table.
Thanks! Glad you liked the video!
Great content and value, Gavin! I enjoy how your processes and innovations call out accessible excellence for everyone. Super empowering content, sir!
Wow, that's super encouraging! Thank you Elijah!
This is so wicked cool.
Thanks Adam! You rock dude!
Love this. With a CNC fence and CNC stop block you could effectively replace a drill press for manny operations. It would be great to integrate a DRO.
Ah, I like how you think! I've considered doing that exact thing!
With stepper drive, you do not need a DRO- the Arduino knows where it is.
Great presentation 👏 miss you man !
Thanks David! You're a rockstar!
will this work on jessem II router lift?
I'm not sure. If there's a way that you can couple the turning mechanism of the router lift to the stepper motor then you should be able to make it work with a little ingenuity.
This is awesome 👍👍
Thank you! Glad you liked the video!
Great tutorial. Combining woodworking and hacking. This is right up my alley. I just got into woodworking and have been looking for ways to better automate my shop. This will be a great start. Thank you!
That's awesome! Glad you found the video interesting and helpful in your pursuit of shop improvements!
At 7:21 - you seem to be cutting through acrylic, what laser cutting are you using and how thick was that acrylic? 1/4" thick?
I have a 130w Laguna laser, and the acrylic was 1/8" but everything up to 3/8" with the laser is pretty easily doable.
Hi, can you make this so that the rotary encoder changes the speed of the stepper motor rather than steps? I am trying to make a power feed with stops and direction control for a milling machine. I have all of the components you have listed. I assume it is just a case of changing the code somewhere?
That's definitely possible by changing the code a bit. It's currently set up to constant velocity but with some rewriting I'm sure you could get it to do what you need.
Hello I bough your plans and trying to figure out what is the part for the insert into the 3d printed box to thread the screw? Thanks
It's a brass threaded insert. I use a soldering iron to install them into the plastic holes. You can get them many places including Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1T5693
@@42Pursuit thanks! I live in Canada so guessing I'll have to find an alternative since they aren't in stock.
@@42Pursuit Hello I also noticed that the 3d file for the safety button rim is not available.
@@philipchristian9935 www.thingiverse.com/thing:5336830
I would have loved to see how you coded and wired everything! What is education and what do you do for a living? Perhaps a video letting everyone know who you are, etc..
Thanks! I'll keep that in mind for the next one! It's really pretty straightforward and is detailed out on the build article.
I got my degree in electrical engineering and have been working in hardware design ever since. Might do a video about myself eventually but it seems a little presumptuous to make one at this point.
Thanks for watching and leaving such a kind comment!
MAN! GREAT VIDEO!!! You made it pretty simple to follow. Course, in practicum, when I get into... I might be pulling my hair out 🤣
This is awesome.
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
Can you recommend anything since the router raizer is no longer being sold.
Do a quick google search. I'm still seeing them available on Rockler.com as well as Amazon.
great idea and thanks for publishing such inovative content.
Thank you so much!
Super cool! I'm just purchasing parts for my router table and decided to go with a Triton router, which is based on your Elu. I'm definitely going to build this as pushing a button is so much easier than cranking a rod with a handle. Have you had any problems with dust ingress to the stepper motor or limit switches? Signal shielding is often an issue with CNC machines, but I guess it's not critical here because the router would be turned off when its height is adjusted.
There shouldn't be any issues with dust getting into the stepper motors as they're generally rated for dirty environments and are sealed up quite well. The limit switches aren't as sealed so might be something to keep an eye on.
As far as EMI issues, you shouldn't have a problem even if the controller is left on as long as the stepper motor wires aren't ran so they parallel the router power cord for a long distance.
Perfect! I had thought of doing a stepper driven router lift. I was going to build the lift with lead screws but l like your Router Raiser approach. Have you thought of using a servo instead of a stepper? I understand they have more torque and hold their position without consuming power. Servos also report their position.
Cool! Glad you got some value from the video!
Typically servo motors are best for high speed, high torque applications while stepper motors are better suited for lower acceleration, high holding torque applications. Based on that, steppers would be the better choice for this project. Servos are also more complex to integrate and generally more expensive than stepper motors. If you do need positional feedback, a closed loop stepper can sometimes be a good in-between option.
With steppers there's significant holding torque to hold the position as long as the driver is is powered on so I don't have any worries about the height changing while routering anything.
Just use a geared motor. If it is worm gear (often are) no holding current needed. Way cheaper, more powerful, and can be controlled by a simple speed controller. Or pulse it from an Arduino; if you then add a DRO you can have a digital height control (enter desired height and it will go there). There is no point in using a stepper motor if you are not going to use its positional accuracy- which the backlash in a router lift (of this sort) eliminates.
Beautiful video Just what I was looking for thank you very much.
That's awesome! Glad you found what you were looking for. And thanks for letting me know!
I would love a digital hight setting for my Dewalt table saw since you have to turn that wheel a ton to move it up. Sure it makes it more accurate to have it at like 1mm per rotation but it makes dailing it in a pain.
Fit a small DRO and a drive motor.
When using the touch probes, disable the up motion when there is a connection. Maybe new feature, add a digital display.
Yup! Like I mentioned in the video that is totally a valid option, I just prefer the visual indication from the LED.
What would be on the display? I originally thought of adding one, but since every bit is a different height there would have to be an additional step in setup if the display was for height readings.
@@42Pursuit yes height display. And yes it would have to be calibrated to the specific router. Unless they all use the same threads for height adjustment.
myself, and MANY others I'm sure, would love to see this kit come pre-assembled, and as close to "plug n play" as possible... think you could/would do that?
AWESOME!!!!!
Thanks!!
Hello I'm thinking of buying your kit. I have a Bosch 1619EVS 3HP plunge router. I can rotate it up and down using a wrench+nut. I was wondering how I could attach a nut directly to the stepper motor so I can continue to use the same mechanism? Assuming I have to use a specific collar but thought to ask you. Thanks
Very likely! It'd would take a little figuring on your part to connect the router height adjustment to the stepper motor shaft but if that seems doable I believe it should be possible 👍🏼 The stepper motors are spec'd at 269oz.in/1.9Nm so as long as that's enough torque than you should be good to go.
@@42Pursuit Thanks! I figured out a way to get it working. Now just have to follow your instructions.
@philipchristian9935
Hey Philip,
Im also considering using a Bosh1619EVS with this electronic lift setup.
What did you come up with to get yours working?
Thanks for any input you might have!
Edit: Also what Plate did you end up using?
I don't have the router yet.
Have a cordless Dewalt and a Old POS Ryobi.
Was originally going to mount the cordless Dewalt,
Then realized Ill end up needing more power.
There are sooo many choices of Routers,Lifts,Tables,
It is all very overwhelming!
I really enjoyed this video. I'm curious to know if you considered shortening the two springs to reduce the force applied. It seems that this would allow the force to be more balanced.
Hmm, I hadn't thought of shortening the springs. That may work just fine but I tend to steer away from non-reversible modifications to things like that when I'm able.
Can you share the wiring diagram?
You can find it in the build article: www.42pursuit.com/projects/electronic-router-lift
Seriously slick. If that functionality was put into production lift, they'd sell it for $1000. As a system, there is some possible patent angle, but it's cool that's not your thing. Great work. On my project list for some day.
Thanks! I've thought about the product/patent side of this idea but decided I'd rather share it with the world so more people could enjoy it at a lower price and maybe gain some confidence working with electronics.
Thanks for watching and leaving such a kind and supportive comment!
@@42Pursuit Cool stuff. I first used steppers in an 8 bit microcontroller course as an undergrad in 1984. How's that for dating myself, lol? In any event, an improved router lift is kinda cool nice-to-have. However the tech you have set up and the precision would work on 2 axis for CNC set-up for woodworking would think. I haven't researched, but be interesting to see if you could sell a 'kit' with all the elements that could NOT be done with wood (take some thinking as to where and how much moisture-related movement would be tolerable for the use cases), as I expect there are a lot of woodworkers who would a) see a possible route to more income with less of an investment, and b) could customize the size to fit space(s) they have. Just an idea, and one I might look into myself someday.
There is already a system out there- which incorporates a digital fence too. Semi-automatic joints, dados, etc. But it is $2000. I have built one for a small fraction of that; build on my channel soon.
Do you know if there’s a lead screw thread pitch available which could correspond to 1/64” adjustment per step(s)? I’d love to have a fine adjustment like that and program the course to move in 8ths or 16ths.
Quite a unique idea. I plan to put the USSA 3D printed router lifter 2.0 in my workbench and I was thinking of using a raspberry pi to control the height. I think your idea is better.
Hey thanks! Yeah, microcontrollers for this kind of application work super great.
You were really going to use an operating system to control a single parameter? Bet you use processors in your lights switches- and the switch gives an interrupt...
@@Tensquaremetreworkshop the pi’s are already used on the Printers using octo print. I was going to use an output to control the axis as I am disabled with limited mobility. My lights are controlled by voice.
@@ewen832 Ahh, I took 'using a raspberry pi' to mean dedicate one to the process. I take it you are going (or have) used an existing module... For this application, a geared motor (windscreen wiper type) and a couple of buttons are more appropriate. Given the backlash in the mount, using a stepper has little value. Personally, I used a geared motor with a digital scale to measure the position, and used the Arduino to move to the desired position. Accurate to better than 0.1mm, and with a digital fence, I can throw away my measuring equipment. Just enter where you want to be. Does finger joints and mortices too...
Now I’m curious if my router fits in a lift. I’d probably replace or at least add a piezoelectric transducer to the magnetic sensor’s output.
Hi, purchased your plans and just one question on the TB6600 driver the Dir+ and the Pul+ are connected with the Nano, the Dir- and Pul- are connected to -12V power supply is it correct?
Yes, that is correct. GND on the TB6600 is also connected to the -12V as well.
@@42Pursuit Thanks for your prompt answer. Wish you all the best.
No code? I would love to try
Links to everything is in the description. The build article includes the code I used. www.42pursuit.com/projects/electronic-router-lift
Wow. Just shoot me. I'll stick with hand power. Your Router Raizer video was awesome. This one will give me nightmares...like missing class all semester and showing up for the final
Haha, that's quite a nightmare 😄
Although, I don't think you give yourself enough credit. If you can solder and follow step by step instructions I have faith you could assemble it and get it to work.
One thing that's not clear to me is the stepper motor requiring 12 volts or is it requiring 5 volts?
It's running off the 12v supply from the wall-wart. The DC-DC convert steps the voltage down to 5v to run the Arduino and rotary encoder boards. There's a schematic picture blog post that shows the wire connections and might help things make sense: www.42pursuit.com/projects/electronic-router-lift
I am going to purchase your plans to build this, I already have most of the parts just had a question about the encoder. I have one part # HW-040, will this one work? Thanks
No, unfortunately not. I initially tried using that encoder but had a ton of issues and later found out those are notorious for not being able to reliably and accurately increment and decrement due to switch bounce issues. That one from Adafruit has it's own small microprocessor that takes care of any counting and debouncing which makes everything else much more straightforward in the code and hardware.
I am interested in your “kit”, where can I find out more about it?
Here's the link to the kit:
www.42pursuit.com/store/p/electronic-router-lift-kit
I also have included links to everything referenced in the video description.
I am inspired by you! I love the Arduino! I'm making my own version of this and will be posting it on my RUclips channel. (will credit you!) I do have a question, what software did you use to create your circuit diagram? Thanks!!! Great work!
This is great….if you know how to put together any of the electrical system
Totally! And that's why there's step-by-step plans available. Thanks for watchin!
I was going to do that but after costing it was far easier to buy one and less expensive
What electronic router lift did you go with? I'm not aware of one that is less expensive.
❤
Your explanation of the momentary switch is incorrect. The side you press is the opposite of the contacts that close.
Great video, though.
Ah, I figured someone would catch that. I noticed my mistake after posting the video 😬 shoot!
If you are going to use an Arduino to drive a stepper motor, why on Earth would you control it manually? Tell the Arduino what height you want, and it goes there. Yes, there is free play in the drive connection- so fit a small DRO (cheap as a stepper motor) and use that to know the height. You can then use a cheap geared motor to do the drive (costing less than the stepper driver). While you are at it, you add a stepper driven fence. Then throw away all you height gauges- you do not need them. Select height and fence distance and it goes there. Then expand the code to allow automatic movements for finger and dovetail joints. And variable width dados. And slot cutting. Yes, the zero needs to be set- using a detector that the Arduino can see, not a LED. Sound good? Next project on my channel (and yes, it works just great!)
Great idea, but very impractical for the person lacking an electronics background and 3D printer . . .
I mean kinda, if you were to design one from scratch. But that's why I made a step-by-step guide and included options for parts that don't require a 3D printer, and that's also why I have kits available as well that include all the parts needed to put one together yourself. All someone really would need is a soldering iron and a can-do attitude.
Budget Friendly? In what imaginary world is this `Budget Friendly`?
How would you say "cheaper than any other option out there by a wide margin"? If someone with a tool budget want's an electronic router lift, this is by far the cheapest option.
PLEASE LOSE the music. It gives some folks migraines, in mere moments!
Sorry you're annoyed with music. I'd recommend hitting the mute button and turning on captions on any video you watch nowadays.