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I just ordered my X-carve; this is my first time posting to the forum.
Before ordering the machine, I decided against the stock DC spindle, opting rather for a 1/4" collet and more power. I use a Dewalt 611 as my handheld router in the shop and love it, so when I saw the 611 spindle mount as an option, I went for it. But then I went to Home Depot and noticed the Makita RT0701C, which is lighter, smaller, has the same power rating, and has a larger range of speed (10,000-30,000RPM) than the Dewalt.
So is anyone out there using the Makita? Any words for/against the Makita/Dewalt? I’m getting the 1000 mm machine so would sagging be any issue with a heavy router? Also if someone has the Makita could you please tell me the diameter? If I recall correctly I think the Dewalt is 2.715" diameter so I’m wondering what it might take to shim it to fit the Makita.
@JeremySchmidt - My Makita RT0701C measured exactly 64.75mm, which is 2.55 inches. I took the drawing for the DW660 and just enlarged the center to be 65mm, and it works fine. I had my local community college aviation machine department make the parts for me. It gave their students a nice real-world design project, and it gave me some nice mounts. See this thread, or search the forums for others.
Also, check out Targ’s Workshop on YouTube. @Targs_Workshop (Matthew) is on these forums, as well as the Shapeoko forums, and that is what he uses. Good luck.
BTW, I seriously wish Inventables would just make a mount for this router already. It’s a great router, and it is gaining popularity quickly.
@MakerMark Thanks for the reply! By what I see here, the 611 spindle mount is extruded like the mount used on the DC spindle. I really like the look of that mount and it seems sturdier than, for example, Targ’s woodshop’s plastic clamps. so I may just shim it to fit. That would take a 0.0825" shim. I have actually shimmed a router to fit a larger clamp before, by boring out a PVC pipe with my metal lathe to get the proper shim thickness, so I know it works.
i love my Makita, and yes, i wish inventables would make a mount for it. I just opened up all the X-carve boxes and i am a little disappointed in the stock quite cut spindle. It just looks a little small. I am going to test it out, but will probably convert my X-carve to the Makita.
@Targs_Workshop Thanks. I just watched your unboxing video and I see the spindle is indeed pretty tiny. I think the cap they put on top makes it look a lot bigger in the pictures. I’m subscribed and waiting to see what you do!
I’m having a small batch of spindle mounts made from 1/2" aluminum tool plate to fit the X-Carve. Price should be around $40 shipped but that could change (up or down). If your interested, fill out the form here.
I have adapted the Makita RT0701C for my Shapeoko 2. The router is fantastic - except it doesn’t work well with the current dust collection I have set up because the fan at the base of the router just blows all the dust everywhere. I will take that downfall for beautifully accurate cuts! The runout is super low. I did get an 1/8" collet from Elaire CO - so that certainly helps the matter. I agree - I wish Inventables would sell a nice mount for the Makita router! I would certainly get one - although my home built one is suiting me fine.
@AlexJones. I have my Shapeoko 2 with Makita and fixed dust extractor. Most of my job are just cutting multi rotor frames and no 3D carving. This shoe has almost zero dust escape even with minimal suction.
If you have 3d printer you can get my design on thingverse.
And yes I got the x carve too with 24V spindle its quite dissappointing in terms of power, way underpower compare to my makita compact router. My x carve has way bigger stepper motor compare to my shapeoko 2 just to be use with this tiny 24V DC motors. .
Are there many/any users of this router in Australia?
I’ve been looking at getting the 1/8" collet from Elaire Corp but with shipping, a single collet will cost $A71. Shipping for 5 wouldn’t cost any more and the total price would drop to $A41, a lot more affordable. You’d have to add local shipping to this but that would run under $A5. (10 off would only drop the price to $A37)
If there’s any interest, please respond to this post.
G’Day @GeoffSteer GeoffSteer. I have just ordered an X-Carve and and have a Makita RT0701C trim router that I’ll be installing. Did you end up getting the 1/8" collets? If so I’d be even to take one off your hands here in Aust.
@PeterFord No, I didn’t get the Elaire collet. Instead I got a pair of adapters from a> local eBay seller. You get a 1/4" to 1/8" and a 4mm adapter for $A12. Excellent quality, no obvious run-out.
I’m out of them at the moment but I’ll do another run of them once I have 12 committed orders. I outsource the machining and it doesn’t pay for me to do runs smaller than that. If you want one, go to the following posting and put your name on the list (first post).
I’ve got couple of private messages regarding Makita RT0701C Router Speed control range.
Seems we have some guys want to know about this. So here is the speed adjustment numbers.
Also adding User Manual and Parts Break down manual as well, in case someone need it.
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