Rumor has it that Tormach is in the process of offering two high speed spindle options. One is a low cost strap on die grinderr type and the other is a more expensive/quality/high power option. Here is what Greg Jackson replied to my query on the subject.
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I've have to learn to keep quiet in those forums.
The high speed spindle option that will be released in the next few months is a combination of a high quality 20,000 RPM die grinder, an offset mount, and an adaptor to connect the two. We have not manufactured the adaptor yet, I'm waiting to see the production quality of the offset mount (aka: Universal Mounting Arm). The design is shown in one of the attached files. The price will be something around $200 USD for the die grinder and mounting components.
I have not made any official announcement because if I don't like the quality then the whole set of mounting arms will go into the trash and we'll start over with another manufacturer. I ordered a big bunch of them an they're somewhere in the Pacific Ocean right now, on the way to the USA.
This option will only be a 100 Watt spindle. That's plenty of power for some light engraving and prototype circuit board manufacturing.
We have ideas on a 1.5 hp high speed spindle but that's a much bigger project. There will be months of testing and evaluation. It could provide a 9000 RPM spindle but I'm not sure it will work. If it does, it will be a much more expensive option, with balanced components and high tech bearings. That is far in the future.
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I have a Tormach in delivery and have bought a 700W router with 10,000 to 30,000 rpm range to use as a strap on. I had a short window of opportunity and it was only USD 60 so I bought it. It will probably be OK for the odd bit of engraving but 8 hours a day 5 days a week is another matter. quality high speed spindles for continous use, which ever way you cut it, don't come cheap. However they will greatly improve your productivity/profitability. In your situation, for the present, Providing you can double your feeds I would look at keeping the Taig and fitting a good quality high speed spindle, this would double your production rate for the absolute minimum cost.
Also remember that the dynamic stiffness of your machine will increase with spindle speed. So finish will also improve noticeably.
Regards
Phil
Originally Posted by saturnnights If the Tormach hits 4,200, then I think I should look at something else? Any other suggestions? I liked the Tormach's price/quality. I'd like to stay in that same price range with my next mill...
Mark |