brushless DC motors for spindle drive

[Al_The_Man]

Originally Posted by bilinghm They list all the variations of the X2 style machines, each has the same wattage rating on the motor: 350, but the stated HP goes from 4/5 HP for Harbor Freight, to 3/4HP for Grizzly, and .47 HP for Micro Mark. Little Machine Shop sells the replacement motor that fits them all, and it is rated 350 watts. Is there a 550 watt replacement motor out there for the X2?

I think someone is playing with numbers!

Upfront, I do not have personal experience with the X2, but I think if I was replacing a 1 ph motor, economically, I would be looking at the DC motors available, either ex treadmill type or surplus DC servo, with a SCR controller from KB or Baldor. no power supply needed!
Or a 3 phase motor with a VFD, 220 1ph input.
One you get into AC servo, the controller gets a bit more specific and less flexible.
Al.

[Stepper Monkey]

I don't know how they would stack up against the stock X2 motor. I have only been using them as lighter replacements for the stock Taig motors, which are only a 1/4 HP, so they really do the trick there.
Don't know if there would be a lot of benefit against the X2 motor though. Guess someone would have to try it. I know brushless are more efficient, so more power delivered for the same wattage draw, but by how much exactly I don't know. Might be a wash.

Thanks for the PS tips, AL. If there is a cheap way to run these things it would certainly make them a lot more useful to a lot more people as cheaper options than a proper motor and VFD package costs.

[bilinghm]

I listened to all this good advice and spent $20 (big spender) on a 90 volt DC brushed motor. It is a Electrocraft 703. The max speed is 4000 RPM, the continuous torque is 410 in/oz, and it seems like (if I am reading the chart correctly) the amps are 7.7. See the catalog with the specifications here: http://www.electrocraft.com/files/el...aft_legacy.pdf
Questions: Does this look like a potential spindle motor? Do you think it will work with the OEM X2 mini mill speed controller?