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[WoodKnot]

Hello all -

So I was initially thinking of using my Dewalt 1/4" router for my spindle -

But thinking of other options, what would you recommend?

Do i need to go water cooled or air cooled? Was also thinking about the noise element as well.

I don't want to purchase the spindle mount until i know which motor I am going to use

Thanks in advance

WoodKnot

[m_c]

Generic option is a 2.2kw water cooled spindle, which eBay usually has abundant sources.
Bit fancier is some of the spindles Jazz is selling, but they will be more expensive.

Water-cooled is the quietest option, but if you've already got a decent router, you can always use that to begin with.

[JAZZCNC]

Generic option is a 2.2kw water cooled spindle, which eBay usually has abundant sources.
Bit fancier is some of the spindles Jazz is selling, but they will be more expensive.

I also have the generic 2.2Kw Wc spindles with Huanyang VFD ..

[WoodKnot]

I also have the generic 2.2Kw Wc spindles with Huanyang VFD ..

OK, never used a water cooled unit? So presume that they come with the pump unit part?

I have also noted that some need an inverter as well? Why do they need inverters?

This seems to be pushing up the cost considerably.

Do i really need this for just routing out a few wooden signs?

Thanks

WoodKnot

[mekanik]

Main reason for using water cooled Spindle is the noise or lack thereof, you need an inverter as they they are three phase, you need to provide a small tank and a pump. you will be fine with an ordinary router but again it's the noise, this would get very old if you are doing a long run on the machine, you need also to be looking at a dust shoe to fit whatever device you wish to use.
Good luck
Regards
Mike

[WoodKnot]

Main reason for using water cooled Spindle is the noise or lack thereof, you need an inverter as they they are three phase, you need to provide a small tank and a pump. you will be fine with an ordinary router but again it's the noise, this would get very old if you are doing a long run on the machine, you need also to be looking at a dust shoe to fit whatever device you wish to use.
Good luck
Regards
Mike

The motors then are quite large? Even compared to a good half inch router then?

Can you recommend a pump and tank Mike - it sounds like an aquarium!

Just trying to figure out what I will need -

WoodKnot

[A_Camera]

OK, never used a water cooled unit? So presume that they come with the pump unit part?

Jazz must answer what is included in his price, but yes, to use a water cooled spindle, you need a pump and hoses and also a big bucket of some sort.

I have also noted that some need an inverter as well? Why do they need inverters?

Yes, for the motor he is talking about you definitely need an inverter. The motor many people prefer to use is a brushless three phase motor. The inverter outputs three phase 220V and you need it to generate that and for speed/on/off control.

This seems to be pushing up the cost considerably.

It is definitely pushing up cost and complexity quite considerably compared to using a simple router you planned to use, but it also increases the quality of your work.

Do i really need this for just routing out a few wooden signs?

No, not really. You have actually several options.

1. You can use an air cooled spindle motor, like I do. The "need" for the water cooled version is really exaggerated on some sites. While when you cut air it is more quiet than air cooled motors, but that benefit is immediately erased as soon as you start cutting because the cutting noise is taking over. Once you use the spindle for real cutting, the noise benefits are gone. Personally I'd never use a water cooled motor, been happily using my air cooled for a long time now. I even use it at slow speeds (4500rpm) to drill in aluminium and plastics, done that for a long time now and still no issues. Many claim that you can't use air cooled spindles because the dust will be blown all over the place. Now, I don't cut wood, except the waste board surfacing, but PCB generates a lot of fine dust and it really isn't an issue at all. Of course, regardless of what you cut, a dust shoe is highly recommended, but that is valid also for water cooled spindle.

2. You can use other type of spindles, everything between a Dremel to any router you can mount on the Z and of course, lift and lower with it. I think though that the router you bought is a bit too big, but all depends on the Z, the fixture and the Z motor. In fact, you can use a smaller DC spindle also, but it won't be that efficient. There are plenty alternatives. Many people use ordinary routers, but they are very noisy, even compared to air cooled 3-phase brushless spindles.

The best alternative is a 3-phase brushless motor, but yes, it adds to the costs and complexity, even if you'd go for an air cooled one. Never the less, there are plenty alternatives. Personally, I started cheap and simple, used a DC motor initially, and it worked but was slow and weak (400W). Now I use a 1.5kW brushless air cooled 3-phase motor and if I have to replace that, the only difference will be that I will buy one with a square house and a larger collet, but will continue with the air cooled version.

[WoodKnot]

Thanks A Camera -

I think though that the router you bought is a bit too big

The Makita half inch router is not for the CNC - that's just for my general woodworking jobs.

I have four routers - a big Dewalt that is inverted in my router table, 2 Dewalts that are 1/4 inch, one is plunge only and one fixed and plunge my new 1/2 inch Makita is for using in my jigs with bigger cutters.

The best alternative is a 3-phase brushless motor, but yes, it adds to the costs and complexity, even if you'd go for an air cooled one. Never the less, there are plenty alternatives. Personally, I started cheap and simple, used a DC motor initially, and it worked but was slow and weak (400W). Now I use a 1.5kW brushless air cooled 3-phase motor and if I have to replace that, the only difference will be that I will buy one with a square house and a larger collet, but will continue with the air cooled version.

Which would you recommend then of the air cooled type - I think i saw one on Vevor that has the external housing for easy mounting on the Z axis

Does anyone make the dust shoes, i would be happy to buy one!

The one thing i do have is an excellent extraction system set up.

WoodKnot

[WoodKnot]

Just had a look on the specification for my little Dewalt D26200 - which is just really the motor unit.

It has Variable speed control from 16,000 to 27,000

So reading between the lines - fast enough for wood but not slow enough for plastic or metals.

Plastics may be something I am interested in, but generally find most polymers that I have used wrap themselves around cutters and are a pain of having to stop frequently to clean them up, especially mid cut.

But as they are a handheld router - aesthetically they do not look so good mounted on a CNC.

Those nice looking silver cylindrical ones however, look much more professional!!

WoodKnot

[WoodKnot]

I also have the generic 2.2Kw Wc spindles with Huanyang VFD ..

Hi Jazz

Have you got a link to see what I am looking at and what sort of cost please?

So i presume that the VFD is separate to the inverter -

Do i need a qualified electrician to install of of this? Considering that we can only add spur these days!

WoodKnot