Nice to read your post.
Normally the difference between a router and a mill (not always) is that a mill column is fixed in the X and Y axis and the tables move.
Where a router again normally the X axis moves on a carriage. Y axis as per a mill. This can make machines more compact.
The Z axis Up and down are the same.
On my converted CNC mill I use (see link) this 4 axis pendant or MPG Manual Pulse Generator.
https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005001959925033.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.55742ddc7vPGhi&algo_pvid=5cfd4e00-4fa9-4fbb-8b74-ff81a0b5c3db&algo_expid=5cfd4e00-4fa9-4fbb-8b74-ff81a0b5c3db-1&btsid=0b0a556416159014621371223e41f5&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
It has an emergency stop and can be operated with the graduated dial in 3 different travel increments and has a fail safe side button, IE it only moves the tables?
when depressed, and you turn the dial. Which this can be isolated if you do not need it in your application. Normally comes with a hanging bracket.
I have had this same model for 3 years plus and never been a problem.
It may be also worth looking at the DDCS ver 3.1 CNC controller which is fitted on my mill,.
https://es.aliexpress.com/item/10000055531039.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.4df579a9o4Vr6b&algo_pvid=351b61fb-94a3-4764-8509-6941b55b2b6d&algo_expid=351b61fb-94a3-4764-8509-6941b55b2b6d-1&btsid=0b0a050116159026386222718e63bc&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
this is the complete package, all you would need is for a 3 axis machine 3 x stepper motors and 3 x drivers. and power supply and build or adapt to your machine.
There should be more info in this forum to help explain a bit more, if not then let us know.
I have a bunch of post processors for my g code generating, what CAD CAM programme are you using ??
I may be able to help you out with what I use, CAD CAM needs Windows 7 32 bit. but contact me via private email if interested.
Stay healthy,?
John
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John
John Lindo