I have a brand new Dewalt DW887 1 1/2" Heavy Duty Die Grinder that came with a batch of DIY CNC Router parts. The person I purchased the lot from planned on using the DW 887 as his spindle and claims he has used one in a previous CNC router build. Specs appear to be: Amps 3.0Amps Max Watts Out 350W No Load Speed 25,000rpm Use Wheels rpm Above 25,000rpm Spindle Lock N/A Spindle Thread 1/4" collet Tool Length 13.0" Tool Weight 3.25lbs Has the option for a 1/8" reducing collet as well for smaller shank tools. I know everyone seems to like the Harbor Freight routers or the Dewalt DWP611 variable speed router on OX builds. Has anyone heard of using the DW887 or is it not suitable for and OX style build? If I can get away with using it for a while that would save some coin, it is brand new. I may upgrade to a VFD and proper spindle down the road but this Dewalt would get me cutting faster.
I would use it since you already have it on hand. As for it's durability maybe someone else here has used one and can answer that. 25k rpm is pretty high but should work. You could add one of those variable rpm pieces from HF if it spins too fast. People like the HF router because it's super cheap but IMO a piece of crap, for just a bit more you can get the 611 DeWalt and have a good router.
I am thinking of throwing one of the cheap speed controllers on it they sell at Horrible Fright, I mean Harbor Freight. http://www.harborfreight.com/router-speed-control-43060.html Even if I had to modify it slightly as shown here. http://www.instructables.com/id/Harbor-Freight-Router-Speed-Control-Mod/
What if you used it to drive another spindle via belt? That way you can increase torque and reduce RPM. (I think I got that right)
I am just making a guess here but I think that would be added complexity with minimal advantage. My guess is the added torque would not really be put to use on the 1/4 and 1/8" tooling. If it had a larger spindle capacity then maybe, but then it would probably not me turning 25k RPM
