Automatic router released

[Bob Eustace]

Rockler are taking orders for the $599 Ready to Route system. You dont need to hook up a computer and its touch screen.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=32801&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=V2406

Technical Details:
Accurate to within 0.001".
Perfect repeatability for joinery such as dadoes, half-blind dovetails and box joints, and for decorative elements such as flutes.
A stroke of the touch screen commands the fence to move to its next position - perfect for step-and-repeat operations.
To space and cut box joints, simply enter the diameter of your bit and the width of your workpiece and the system automatically positions the fence for the cuts.
Touch screen can be used to indicate the router bit width, and to convert to metric decimals or fractions. For example, you can use a 1/4" bit to rout a 12mm dado without complicated calculations or measurements.
Firmware updates are made via USB port on the rear of the fence
Tight-tolerance lead screw precisely moves the fence in relation to the bit.
Up to six fence positions can be saved in the system's memory so you can come back later and repeat the operations.
Note: The Ready2Rout Fence does not control router bit height. The bit height is set in the conventional manner.
What's in the Box?
(1) Ready2Rout Electronic Router Table Fence

[adrianm]

Without the ability to set the router height in an automatic way I just don't see the point. A couple of marker jigs will do the same thing for far less money.

[Xray]

I agree with Adrian, far overpriced for what it does, maybe if you spend half a day 6 days a week at a router table it would be worth the while. Obviously, to make bit height auto adjustable they'd need a specialty companion router or a remote vertical cradle, no doubt there is someone sitting down as we speak designing just that.
Would also be pricey, but then at least you'd be talking about a real time saver. If I was considering a buy I'd wait at least a few months for some reviews to flow in to see how well the circuitry/buttons ect hold up to the dust.