I’ve only used the compact router with my Shapeoko 5 Pro so far. Before spending around $1,000 on a spindle system, I’m wondering if the 5pro can handle my DeWalt DW618B router.
The DW618B is larger and heavier than the compact router, and its diameter is too large for any of the mounts Carbide 3D currently sells, so I would need to make or buy a custom mount (i believe it clamps to just under 90mm diameter). Has anyone tried running a router of this size on a Shapeoko 5 Pro? Used a custom mount? Is there a reason I should definitely avoid?
I looked up the Dewalt and it is 3.5" or 89MM. Unless you make a custom mount I dont think it would work. I know C3D sells an 80MM for their large spindle. Let us know if you get it to work.
Get a PWNCnc spindle kit. for about $500. If you go the Pwn route get the spindle with at least an ER20 collet, or watch eBay a newer 1.5 Carbide 3D spindle just sold for $540. Sold by one of our members who used to frequent here a lot but has a an Avid so we don’t see him any more lol
I did a custom mount, but it was for a quite different unit:
Note that in addition to a mount you will also need to work up dust collection, which is potentially difficult — I suspect that at any reasonable valuation of time you’ll quickly blow past the price difference, so my suggestion would be to just get a VFD spindle.
(in my defence, Carbide 3D did not offer spindles when I bought my Mafell, and I’m stubborn)
