Spindle recommendations

[seansear]

Attached is a picture of the current spindle set up. A Porter Cable 892 2 1/4 hp router. I would like to put a "real" spindle on this machine. Not just a bigger router. Something at least 4 hp. Mount to the z axis directly or typical of how the router is mounted. 110 volt as much amperage as possible. Anyone have any ideas on what would be the best or where to start to look. Tool changer would be nice but not necessary.


Bruce

[Torchhead]

First sit down and dust off your wallet. Then go looking for Columbo or Pensky spindles that will run from a 400 HZ VFD. Then find a commercial VFD that will do up to 400HZ. There are a lot of big spindles but most use a much higher frequency drive and you have to match the drive to the spindle. A HF spindle can be cheap but the drive will make up for it.

5HP Columbo's are several thousand. They will cut 3/4" material in one pass all day long.

[ger21]

First, you probably don't need a 4HP spindle. A 2.5HP spindle will have far more power than a 2 1/4HP PC router. Also, be aware that a spindle will probably weigh 15-40lbs, vs 8 lbs or so for the PC.

You'll need 220V, but I believe you can get the 2.68HP spindle here for about $2000 complete with VFD. http://www.ekstromcarlson.com/spindle%20motors.htm

If you want a tool changer, expect to pay at least $6000-$8000

[thekm]

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