I am building a copy router, it is of the parallelogram type but I am not happy with it so far..
![](http://www.thebackshed.com/Windmill/FORUM1/uploads/KiwiJohn/2008-12-19_153313_copyrouter.jpg)
The main problem is the weight of the router motor, usually with these machines the solution to that is another arm and a counterweight but I would also like to up the horsepower and get variable RPM.
SO, the idea is to mount a much bigger motor near the cross piece (where its weight wont be an issue) with a belt drive to a vertical spindle. But how fast can I run a belt drive? 30K maybe? (Sounds a bit scary!)
Also, this machine will be used for wood 3D copying but I also want to cut shapes in sheet aluminium using a 3mm cutter, what RPM do I need for aluminium? Really fast or quite slow. If possible I want to avoid liquid lubricant.
Any thoughts?
[Yes, it will be painted one day, at the moment it has a nice even coating of 'Seaside Ochre'.]