Was about to get a toy- then I did some research...

**Juranovich** · 24-01-2020

Originally Posted by Chaz

Certainly the Teknomotor / HSD spindles are good but are pricy. All depends on if you need ATC or want to change tools manually.

Thanks for pointing that out! Among European brands (the few I've come across) I find them to be fairly well priced. But maybe you compare them to Chinese models?

On a side note, I never considered getting any electronics from China out of fear of bad quality, but I'm starting to consider my position.

**Chaz** · 24-01-2020

Originally Posted by Juranovich

Thanks for pointing that out! Among European brands (the few I've come across) I find them to be fairly well priced. But maybe you compare them to Chinese models?

On a side note, I never considered getting any electronics from China out of fear of bad quality, but I'm starting to consider my position.

Yep, compared to the cheaper Chinese stuff where quality can range from 'OK' to bad. Keep in mind, even stuff that we consider good like 'Panasonic etc' is almost always Chinese.

**Chaz** · 24-01-2020

For info, I currently run a 6.8 KW HSD Spindle on my Concrete mill. If you look up my build thread (search for Thor), you will find it. I started with a 4KW Chinese spindle which worked OK. Low / no torque and ER collets, found a 2nd hand HSD spindle and not looked back.

**JAZZCNC** · 25-01-2020

Originally Posted by Juranovich

I never considered getting any electronics from China out of fear of bad quality, but I'm starting to consider my position.

Originally Posted by Chaz

Yep, compared to the cheaper Chinese stuff where quality can range from 'OK' to bad. Keep in mind, even stuff that we consider good like 'Panasonic etc' is almost always Chinese.

I've found the secret with buying Chinese electronics is to buy from the manufacturers directly rather than from sellers of general CNC components ie: BST etc (thou I do buy from Fred). This way your dealing directly with someone who knows the settings etc and got Tech's who can help.

I mostly fit Lichuan closed-loop systems now and I can honestly say that I've only had one faulty drive which got damaged due to me oversizing the transformer by mistake. Also Lichuan replaced it FOC knowing it was my fault as a goodwill gesture.

I've probably fitted 50+ sets of motor/drives ranging from NEMA 23 2nm/50Vdc to NEMA 34 12nm/220Vac along with AC servo's ranging from 400w to 2Kw and not one as failed in use.

I'm not saying any of this as an advert for Lichuan, thou I do recommend them. But more to point out that shouldn't fear Chinese products provided you do the due diligence, which is true even in the EU.

Being totally honest I actually get better support, service, and respect from my Chinese suppliers than I do EU suppliers.! For instance, It's Chinese New year and every year for the last 5 yrs, Fred, at BST as sent me Gift of Chinese Tea with a handwritten thank you letter. Which is in stark contrast to other UK/EU suppliers I use in my main business who some of which I spend in excess of 150K a year with and don't even get a Xmas card from.!!

You can save a lot of money if you take the time and shop around.
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/190...569f5bd5XOOljj

**AndyUK** · 25-01-2020

Originally Posted by JAZZCNC

For instance, It's Chinese New year and every year for the last 5 yrs, Fred, at BST as sent me Gift of Chinese Tea with a handwritten thank you letter.

Huh. Fred mentioned he was sending me some extra thankyou gift around Chinese New year, but it never turned up. I always wondered what he was talking about... I blame the postie.

**JAZZCNC** · 25-01-2020

Originally Posted by AndyUK

Huh. Fred mentioned he was sending me some extra thankyou gift around Chinese New year, but it never turned up. I always wondered what he was talking about... I blame the postie.

Mine arrived yesterday by Royal mail. It's Chinese Tea(tea leaves in packets) in a decorated tin tea caddy. I got a funny story actually from last year.

Last year he sent something along similar lines but little more novelty wrapped in different shaped packets and selection of tea types. Some of them were wrapped in packets and looked like Faroe Rocher chocolates.! . . . I opened them and threw them on my desk. The phone rang so I answered it just as my mate and colleague walked into the office sat down and greedy fat Git promptly stuffed one in his mouth... I've laughed so much I couldn't speak on the phone his face was a picture..