What Spindle To Choose?

[Droider]

I have a small router 20"x20" travel. Aluminum and Steel built, very sturdy. I currently use an old 5 speed wood router (between 10,000-21,000 RPM selections) and I really want to upgrade to something I can automatically program the speed with (or at least program on/off) through my gecko 540. I am really sick and tired of having to manually select a speed, and manually turn on and off my spindle, its a real hassle and possibly dangerous. Reading a few other threads one spindle brand that really stuck out to me is Keling. Not really sure which one to choose, or if there is a better choice "bang for buck." If someone could help me choose a product I would really appreciate it. Currently in mind is the KL-800, KL-1500, and the KL-2200 (all on sale at the moment at Keling)

Thanks, Dean

[brtech]

You might want to look at the thread called "Super PID". You may have to make a small mod to your router, but it would give you what you are looking for at an attractive price.

[DonFrambach]

If you're willing to settle for only turning your spindle on and off, you can do that by simply setting up a relay to be controlled by your Gecko 540. That is what I did.

[lancut]

"You might want to look at the thread called "Super PID". You may have to make a small mod to your router, but it would give you what you are looking for at an attractive price."

Now there is a way to use the router as VFD spindle, controlled by Mach3. Check the Super-PID thread.

[LeeWay]

I get by fine with just a relay on my router.
The lathe and mill though use Mach to control variable speeds. That is nice. With a router though, I thought the variable speed ones were basically for when using larger cutterheads, you slowed them down some.
It would seem to me also that the difference between 12,000 to 24,000 RPM or so would be kinda mute. Both speeds really considered high speed.

I have used a variable speed trim router on the mill before and only used high speed. Didn't have a need to run it slower.

I haven't read the PID thread though. That may enlighten me some.

[CarveOne]

Originally Posted by LeeWay I get by fine with just a relay on my router. The lathe and mill though use Mach to control variable speeds. That is nice. With a router though, I thought the variable speed ones were basically for when using larger cutterheads, you slowed them down some. It would seem to me also that the difference between 12,000 to 24,000 RPM or so would be kinda mute. Both speeds really considered high speed. I have used a variable speed trim router on the mill before and only used high speed. Didn't have a need to run it slower. I haven't read the PID thread though. That may enlighten me some.

It's definitely worth a read.

CarveOne

[ger21]

It would seem to me also that the difference between 12,000 to 24,000 RPM or so would be kinda mute. Both speeds really considered high speed.

Ideally, for maximum tool life, you want to cut at the recommended chip load for the bit you're using. At the feedrates most of us are using here, you'll find that around 10,000 rpm is close to the recommended rpm. Cutting at 24,000 and the same feedrate can reduce tool life by half, or even more.

A nice benefit of the Super-PID, is that I can use drill bits in my router, by spinning it at 5000 rpm. Even at 5000, I use very short bits, but any length drill bit at 10,000 rpm or ore is dangerous.

[stk2008]

Hi all I am still stuck using a router and the other problem with that is your limited on collets.

Any ways I had a look at that super-PID thread and it seems great only problem is I don't have that much money.
Is there a DIY one that I could build my self?.

Thanks

[Droider]

Going with the PID isn't really what i had in mind, the router I use needs replacing. Is it not more effective buying an actual spindle from keling than buying another router and going with the PID?

[ger21]

Is it not more effective buying an actual spindle from keling

Most buy those spindles from Ebay for a lot less money.
A PC 690 and Super PID is under $300. The chinese spindle has a lot more power, if you need it.
Sounds like you are replacing a 7518? Some are using the Super-PID with the 7518.
A 7518 is much cheaper to replace bearings than the chinese. Chinese spindle has more collet options.

[multiplex]

i'd personally recommend against the typical round 1.5kw / 2.2kw chinese spindles. i purchased two with horrible results (runout, repeatability, etc)

i just purchased two mototecnica spindles from italy. they are mounted, but i haven't cut any chips yet. they use er20 collets.

Elettromandrini

[Droider]

Yeah that is exactly it, I am replacing a 7518 porter cable router. I think the reason why I am not jumping on going with the PID and a new router is because it is such a new concept to me. I have no idea what to buy, and how to hook it up. And reading through that entire Super PID thread is something I just don't have time to do. I would need a complete purchase list and a diagram and instruction to really be able to go that route.

Multiplex, those mototecnica spindles, are they worth the money? Are they an easy install and do they hook up with my gecko? And would I need anything else to run them or is it plug and play? I am really new the the concept of using an actual spindle and VFD.

Sorry lots of questions, thanks for you're help so far.

-Droid