Quote Originally Posted by routercnc View Post
Hi Chaz,

Thank you. I can't tell you how relieved I am to have finally 'finished' the machine (they are never truly finished are they?) and I can spend some time with the family again. I hope it gives some ideas and inspiration to others.

Yes, the spindle is a 1.5 kW Chinese spindle and I knew it would be the next limiting factor. I have other designs in CAD for various spindle options but they will have to wait for now. It works, and I can certainly make a few hobby parts with it.

It was running at around 12,000 rpm in the film (full speed is 24,000 rpm), with a 6 mm 2 flute 45 deg cutter for aluminium, with the approximate WOC and DOC shown on screen. Feed rate varied - the heavy cuts were around 700 mm/min and the finish cuts were around 1400 mm/min. I finished the tram and final build yesterday morning, and I basically had about 20 minutes yesterday afternoon to get some cutting footage before my 'time was up' so basically went for it. Although I didn't have much time to experiment I soon found the limits. I actually broke the tips off both flutes by being so aggressive.

Much to think about and reflect on over Christmas, but first a break !
Ok, that makes sense. Go 24K, anything less has even less torque. I'd fit the largest spindle that you can in there, clearly limiting the machine. Congrats once again.