Serge E. published a new build:

Read more about this build...

I am interested to see how this size works out

Me too ... It looks solid enough, but I can see the parallel 20x60 have a bit of gap towards the centre. Some flexing might come in play once router is mounted. It looks like the gap is allowing some twisting - Z-axis movement back and front, no router mounted. Precision work will be affected.

I'm already thinking of different configurations for the X-axis beam. It will need different Y gantry plates. While making the two parallel V-slot act like one there would also be value to make the X-axis carriage wider as well to reduce 'twisting'.

Although affecting the choice of routers, maybe placing it between the beam will allow for a firmer build ? The Z-axis assembly would then sit straddled between double 20x80. I'll have to play with SketchUp as a picture is worth 1000 words.

First, let me get the base myOX running as I will need it to make new plates.

I was thinking about that approach as well. But wanting to get a bit more travel on Z-axis I am looking at ways to make it firmer as well. The Y gantry need to be taller for X-axis to clear taler work pieces and allow for more Z above the spoil board.

The single M5 keeps cost way down. So definiteely a viable approach.

Ideally, for working the molds I am thinking of doing I need minimum 6" height of work piece unless I can rotate the work piece without loosing alignement. Unless I work on 3" or so slices of the mold to later stack and glue into final mold.

For now, I need to get back home and finish myOX in its current physical config ... rest will follow as needed and time/budget alows.

I could not resist, I bought a MasterCraft 12A plunge digital router with display. It is similar to Dewalt's DWP611 and DW618 or similar... It was 50% off (!!!) at local Canadian Tire store, minus some 30$ of their coupon money. So I got it for about 70$ instead of 200$. Difficult to ignore the opportunity ...

It might be a tad heavy. But, with its on board microprocessor, beginner me can simply key in tool type and size, material type being worked on and the router will adjust rotation speed on it's own while allowing for over riding the suggestion. It also has soft start. Good deal, eh?

Picture will follow once I get back home ...

The "Dremel" I have from my dad is actually a two speed MasterCraft unit with a flex shaft. It runs at either 20k or 30k rpm, even with flex shaft ... The resulting "tool" end is basically a thick pen format. This could be nice for working deep in work piece with little worry of interference due to router size.

$70 CAD is like... $65 in real money

Seriously, sounds like an excellent deal. Can you see any way of adapting down to 1/8" bits should the need arise?

Depending on the day, yes. At times, although rarely, it's like 75$ real money. Canadian Tire also has its own money (instead of points 1 or 2% of purchases at store and with their Visa card) ... It paid for the tapping set I needed for this project.

It's 1/4" and 1/2" out of box, should be able to go down to 1/8" with proper adapter, as found on the bigger "dremel" I already have... I'll eventually find out. I was thinking of trying the flex adapter on the router to move the router out of way of work piece area. It would be nice to end up with basically just the "pen" toward the work piece. Time will tell.