I'm starting to design a cnc router and am wondering what people are using for spindles?

Utimately I want to be able to control spindle speed through g-code. Is there anyone implementing this? If so, I'd be interested in hearing how you are setup.

Thanks,

Tim

I don't do it but am considering coupling a floppy stepper to the speed pot of my router speed control. Then calling that axis "S". when the gcode calls for s10,000, then that axis (stepper) will go to a predetermined location which maybe will be close to 10,000 rpm.

I guess it's an undocumented feature in Turbocnc......

Eric

speaking of spindle speed control is there a way with the xylotex controller to connect it to you're spindle supply via relay or something so that you can Call a M03 and turn on the spindle with the program vs. doing it all manually. I just thought it would be a trick feature to have on the machine I'm planning on building in the near future. As far as having speed control what determines the speed at which the spindle turns at, Volts? I'm not sure on a lot of this stuff but I'm learning as I go along.

I think the xylotex has an output of two.

For a router, it's volts generally.

Eric

I don't know about exporting control for a Portercable type router but I suspect it could be done. With a high frequency spindle ( i.e, Columbo ) it is a simple process of getting the command to the spindle as part of your g-code. The same command with a negative number reverses spindle direction also.

It is indespensible if you want to match your speed to you cuts without running separate posts for the same tool.

Best of luck,
Phill Pittman
www.masterwerkes.com
digicarve@verizon.net