"Game changing" router

[thewizzard]

https://shapertools.com/?utm_source=rock...gn=rockler

[barnowl]

This one explains it...

[packerguy®]

Honestly, I don't understand who would buy this at the price point of $2100 (its $1500 on presale right now)

I mean, you can get a small CNC for 3k that is going to be faster.

I could see an application where a carpenter in the field that has do modify a cabinet or something could use it, but a hobbyist at that price range? Also, I wonder how sensitive the field is, if the bit lifts when your off the path, it will take FOREVER for someone to complete a pass. Ever try to move a router in a straight line without a guide? darn near impossible. 

Wasnt this an april fools joke a few years back?

[Steve N]

Agreed, a small CNC would be more useful, and you are paying entry level here. Until then I'll stick to guide rails from my DeWally track saw, and their tool carriage, with a stop block clamped where I need them.

[Phil Thien]

Make the human and imprecise gantry, no thank you.

[daddo]

Looks like a great idea- I like it.

However, I wouldn't use it much personally.

[JDuke]

I'd like to see it actually work, not just an animation.

Duke

[Gregory of Sherwood Forest]

I've seen a video from the kid (young man, actually) who invented the original version. IIRC, it was part of a college experiment. I'll try to dig it up, but I thought it was posted on WN before.

I won't be surprised when there's a Festool version of it flying off the shelves at $1500 +/-...

---

Found it, from 2012.



and the article:

http://phys.org/news/2012-08-router-prec...rking.html


-Greg

[Routerman]

Still not clear on how this thing tracks the tape.
Says it stays ~+/- .010 on its line.
Not even close for joinery.
What am I missing?

[bennybmn]

It moves the router within the frame to compensate for your imprecise movements.

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I agree it's expensive, but so is any new technology. I also agree it's not right for a lot of people, but it'll be great for some! I watched the video above yesterday, the guy is cutting some small parts, so in that case a small or home brew CNC would definitely be better. But I'd bet the day after I buy a bench-top CNC I'd find a project that's too big to fit in it! Like small inlay on a large part.