Info on Chinese suppliers, their reliability and reputation

[Want2build1]

ok ... so can I be more specific :) I'll ask about one component at a time ...

Any recommendations on where to buy a spindle ?
What power should I consider for cutting MDF ? (and as with most people , there is that desire to cut ally ! lol )
(I'm currently using a 500w Bosch Router)
should I get the VFD with the spindle ?
Stateside, they seem to like the Hitachi controlers ?

[EddyCurrent]

Whatever spindle you get I would highly recommend one with an ER20 collet so you can use up to 1/2" shank cutters.
As you will be aware there is a wide choice and even wider price range so it might be easier to set your price range first then see what's available within it.
I know the 1.5kw and 2.2kw Chinese spindles are popular and come packaged with a VFD all at a very good price, myself I went for an Elte spindle and an ABB inverter
because I want it to work and keep on working. The spindle was expensive but what I'll save building the machine myself will cover it and as it's for the wife and me to use
I thought we were worth it.

[Jonathan]

Any recommendations on where to buy a spindle ?

Yes.

What power should I consider for cutting MDF ? (and as with most people , there is that desire to cut ally ! lol )

Depends how fast you want to cut it, but generally people get the 2.2kW spindle simply because it has the larger collet size.

should I get the VFD with the spindle ?

Yes. I don't know anyone whose broken one in normal use.

[Want2build1]

Whilst were on the subject of spindles ... I keep forgetting, I have a Freud 2.2kw router 1/2" collet with speed control, that I haven't used for years ! ... what are the advantages of a water cooled spindle, over using a big router ?

[JAZZCNC]

Whilst were on the subject of spindles ... I keep forgetting, I have a Freud 2.2kw router 1/2" collet with speed control, that I haven't used for years ! ... what are the advantages of a water cooled spindle, over using a big router ?

Depends what your cutting.? If just cutting wood profiles etc then power wise probably not much. If doing detailed work or cutting hard materials or jobs taking many hours like 3D work then they have few big advantages.
First run-out of the spindle is much less, second the bearings and general spindle body are much stronger so handle high cutting forces better. Because they are WC they have No duty cycle to speak of so can run for days without stopping, routers will fry if you try to run them for hours without stopping. Even industrial routers don't like running for 20+ hrs non stop where has WC will happily do 20hrs without getting more than warm.

Not so big deal but they are also very quite compared to a router.

[Want2build1]

hmmm... I think I might use the router at 1st ... spindle later :) I had completely forgot I had it !
Also, you say quiet ... surely the cutting is the noisiest bit ?

So ... next ... rails and bearings ... I don't want unsupported. Round is much cheaper than hiwin type.. Anything wrong with supported round rails and bearings ?

Recommended suppliers ?

[routercnc]

You can never get away from the cutting noise, whatever you use (unless you design an enclosure), but a spindle will still be quieter overall as noise from the motor is so much lower. I used to have a Bosch 900 Watt router but switching to a WC spindle made the workshop so much quieter.

Another advantage of a spindle over some routers (the plunge type with the handles out the sides) is the ease of mounting and stiffness of the connection to the Z axis.

If you ever take the plunge (!) and switch to a spindle I promise you will never look back.

I think you can make a very capable machine with supported rail, so don't worry too much about that. I would however recommend looking at used profile rail for the Z axis (£80 = 300mm pair from FA Systems on ebay for example).

[JAZZCNC]

Also, you say quiet ... surely the cutting is the noisiest bit ?

I get asked this all the time and yes obviously the cutting creates noise but it's only a proportion of the total noise and the WC spindle is whisper quite in comparison to any router so the total noise is much less.!! . . . .Put it this way I can stand next to my machine when it's cutting aluminium and still have conversation on the phone without shouting.!!. . . Try that with any router even when not cutting.!

Honestly no hand held router, even industrial can match these spindles in any department.!

[Want2build1]

ok... I agree that a spindle is better than a router.
Having said that ... a spindle is an easy upgrade.
Now I've remembered my big router, I think I'll use that initially and upgrade to a spindle later.
So ... next ... linear rails guidways bearings ...
I'm again looking for a budget option, but one I wont regret :)
I think Ideally I would like to be unconventional and build an 8x4 capable machine, with the gantry being 8'
I think, in a limited sized workshop, this would give the easiest loading of the 8x4 sheets... especially the silly heavy 18mm MrMDF !

[John S]

Noise, or rather lack of it. Reliability because they have no brushes or comutators to wear out