Hi guys, I am trying (without much luck so far) to source a new spindle for my RF45 mill. It was in a bygone day branded as a Chester Lux. I got it about 10 years ago and converted it to cnc. About two years ago I also converted it from a geared drive to just a belt drive so as I could get more rpm (up to 3000rpm). I have always had a soft knocking noise from the spindle, so while on lockdown I decided to take it apart and renew the bearings. Whilst it was stripped down I noticed that the bearings weren't quite what I would call a "bearing fit" on the spindle, eg they could be pulled on and off just by finger pressure. I can only assume that this could be causing the noise I am hearing. The splines on the top of the spindle are also slightly worn.

So, I am trying to find another spindle, but can't seem to find anything. I am waiting on Chester Machinetools getting back to me as I type this, but am wondering if I have any other options. Is there such a thing as a motor/spindle combined where I could just remove the whole head, and fabricate a mounting for such a thing. Ideally I would like to increase the spindle speed even more (5000/7000rpm, but not to the point of fitting a chinese water cooled job as I think the neighbours would be complaining too much.

If anyone has a spare spindle with an MT3 end, that they no longer need, or if anyone can suggest an alternative I'd be happy to hear from them.