Building a hybrid CNC mill. Need advice and recommendations

**JAZZCNC** · 15-08-2013

Originally Posted by oldmam4m80s

I would like to machine aluminum alloys, some mild steel and maybe even some harder steel alloys. The motors are 750 watt DMM Tech ac servos. I am unsure what these are capable of machining combined with the right spindle. I had been reading people having good and bad luck with the China made spindles on ebay but i am looking into something like those only with reliable quality. What general spindle information do I need in order to figure out what material I can machine. i figured 2.2 kw water cooled spindle could machine quiet a range of materials with speed and accuracy beuing the determining factor? Am I wrong with this train of thought?

Forget the 2.2Kw WC spindle for cutting steel or hard alloys properly it's far too fast and with very little torque at low speeds.
Getting a spindle that is capable of cutting all ranges of materials accurately is harder than you may realise and chances are much more expensive than you realise.? Most likely you'll end up with spindle cartridge type spindle and separate DC Motor with speed control.
The other options are normal AC motor and VFD for speed control or if you really want to splash out servo motor.

In any case it's hard to do/find at sensible money and something many many new optimistic builders fall foul of and end up greatly compromising on.!!

**oldmam4m80s** · 16-08-2013

Thank you so much JazzCNC, I needed to hear that. I had not researched that too much. I thought that WC spindle was what i was looking for. i actually have a 2 hp motor with a 4hp VFD just laying around. I bought it for another project in the past and never let it go due to this exact scenario. I have seen this one used in youtube videos for cutting wood but I'm unsure if it would be ok for steel and other materials similar. Do you have any guidance on spindle information for cutting varying materials? I will do my due diligence in the meantine but will look into a recommendation with extra care. Thank you all for taking your time to respond I really do appreciate it. Please keep the info coming for the optimistic new guys trying to further themselves in CNC.

**oldmam4m80s** · 16-08-2013

For Thos like me in need of information to make better decisions, i found this site regarding spindle selection. Hope it helps some folks out.

Machining Center Spindles: What You Need to Know : MoldMaking Technology