Thor, or should that be Zeus?

[JAZZCNC]

Having machine built to this level of strength then fitting router spindle restricted to small tool sizes is little like using sledge hammer to crack nut don't you think.?

Don't stray from the path Chaz.? . . . .If want router/Engraver then build router/Engraver.! . . . If want machine to Hog out aluminium/steel with meaning full DOC and tool sizes like what you intended with this build then you need spindle with some muscle.! . . . . Never the twian shall meet and if they do they never get along very well IME.!

For me machine built to this level of strength requires minimum of BT30 and proper motor with plenty of torque/speed.! . . Down side is Not cheap but that's the nature of the game. If want to play like the Big boys do and with big boys toys get the cheque book out.! . . . . Any other way is false economy and will always be lacking.!

[Boyan Silyavski]

Mchine build like this requires 15kw Spindle, toolchanger and so on.

[Davek0974]

I've just re-read the first 8 pages of this excellent project and the subject of spindle power was discussed in depth, i would tend to agree that using a small spindle will be limiting its use, I would be looking at a decent BT or INT taper spindle with tool change ability and a large motor maybe 7-8Kw and possibly a two speed pulley to give maximum speed range or the choice of steel vs alloy machining etc. ;)

[Chaz]

I've just re-read the first 8 pages of this excellent project and the subject of spindle power was discussed in depth, i would tend to agree that using a small spindle will be limiting its use, I would be looking at a decent BT or INT taper spindle with tool change ability and a large motor maybe 7-8Kw and possibly a two speed pulley to give maximum speed range or the choice of steel vs alloy machining etc. ;)

Thanks. Our posts just about crossed over.

Any suggestions on what type of pricing for something in that range (7-8KW)? Secondhand may be an option. I may be able to get my single phase power increased (in terms of available current) but not by much, so not sure if I can drive it with the power I have available to me at present.

[Davek0974]

Where about in the world are you based?

In the UK 7-8kw is less than most electric shower heaters now so it may need a new cable running but should be do-able (providing no one in the house takes a shower at the same time ;) )

There are second-hand options but rare, have you got a "watch" registered on the 'bay so it emails you if something pops up ??

Seems the spindle is always the worst / most expensive part of any build.

[Clive S]

Domestic properties are often supplied with a 100A fuse these days so that about 23Kw. The neibours electric might not like it though with the lights dimming etc.

[Chaz]

Domestic properties are often supplied with a 100A fuse these days so that about 23Kw. The neibours electric might not like it though with the lights dimming etc.

Ive read that these can be upgraded but then of course all the relevant conductors need to be suitably sorted. For us being in a rented place has limitations.

I have looked at getting a workshop with 3 phase but anything near London is very expensive.

We are looking at moving away from London at some point but not there yet. This may limit Thor in the end with a 4KW spindle setup.

[Chaz]

Where about in the world are you based?

In the UK 7-8kw is less than most electric shower heaters now so it may need a new cable running but should be do-able (providing no one in the house takes a shower at the same time ;) )

There are second-hand options but rare, have you got a "watch" registered on the 'bay so it emails you if something pops up ??

Seems the spindle is always the worst / most expensive part of any build.

West London however in a rented property (I know, major pain, maybe one day we can own property). We managed to get a 32A supply installed in the garage which gives me around 7KW of power. I could possibly get a 2nd 32A installed, perhaps use that alone for the spindle - not sure.

I have had watches on ebay before, may set something up again. Ive seen before a lot more options from either the US or Germany (seems typical).

One thing getting the motor, the other is the controller. If they are a closed loop system Id expect that the motor / drive are a matched set however with 'just' a normal 3 phase motor (irrespective of RPM) I assume a more generic VFD should work. Correct logic?