What spindle to buy?

[HomeMadeCnc]

This was posted on my build page but better traffic here.

Good Day All,
Well I'm at the stage where 120 ipm doesn't pay enough. I need to bump up my speed to 250 to 450 ipm to keep ahead of the curve. I'm looking for a combo pack with a spindle (5 hp I think) and a 1 phase to 3 phase converter. The spindle would have to be able to handle a automatic tool changer down the road too. The shop has 40 amp 220 1 phase available for the project.
Is there a place to look that has a side by side comparison? Any input would be greatly appreated.

Thanks again,
Tim

[HomeMadeCnc]

Well I found this http://www.shopbottools.com/spindles.htm

[Thazul]

I know a few others on the forum have purchased spindles from here:
http://www.ekstromcarlson.com/spindle%20motors.htm

Here's the thread about the most recent I can think of:
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49312

-

Best Regards,

Andy

[LazyMan]

Hi,

Im no pro but I have been researching spindles recently. Unless having ATC capability will clearly be cost effective for your application I would suggest purchasing a manual tool change one. The cost jump for ATC capability quiet dramatic to say the least. From few the prices I have seen 5hp spindles you are likely to spend around $6,000 to $9,000 on a 5HP ATC spindle. You end up paying roughly 2/3 more for the same HP to get ATC capability.

Right now Im looking more closely at HSD and Ekstrom spindles at the moment as they seem cheaper than columbo, but of course you sometimes get what you pay for.

Edit: Just wanted to add that there really is a scarcity of information about spindles. Even some company sites are lousy to say the least. Try the shopbot forums for some information about spindles. I remember reading a few threads about it.

[wcarrothers1]

I have a erikson and have been happy with it. Don't know if anyone makes a single phase in to 5 hp 3 phase output controller. Would have to check on that but think at least the ones from Automation direct are single to three phase up to 3 hp.

For 5hp you would need a rotary phase converter (to build the 3rd leg) input to the 3 phase in 3 phase out VFD controller. Not a huge deal but will add maybe < 900 to cost for a good rotary phase converter..

ATC will add cost both initial and for holders so something to think about I guess. Mine is manual change but that was the best I could do..

Erickson answered my email quick and got my buisness but there are others out there and some china ones that could be tried.



b.

[HomeMadeCnc]

Thanks for your replies,
Due to job cuts my hobby cnc will be my main job so that effects my decision. I’d like to get as close to industrial as I can. I’ve got 60k to get things running. I’m in the process of building a mechmate 5 x 10 4axis. My shop has only 40 amps to play with and I’d like to run both machines at once so that’s why the 4 to 5 hp models came to mind. The ATC is needed to free me up for assembly, I’d like to run 24/7 with video monitoring . I guess I’ll figure out which ATC when I pick the spindles, I’ll see what each company recommends. Anyone have any links to any site or ideas on the ATC system? I’m thinking of a small (6 to 10 tool) rotary tool holder for now but I don’t have a clue of my options yet. I have emailed to china for their spindle setups with ATCs and will post the replies. Then, there is the new or used, question too. . . . .60k doesn’t go to far.
fficeffice" />>>
Thanks for all your help, I’ll post as I get more info,
Tim

[wcarrothers1]

Yep 60k does not go to far.

Really depends on the jobs if you really can run unmonitored. There is only a hand full of jobs that I alow my machine to run "on it's own" so to speek. Or with out me at least in the work room with it. sounds great as if you would have this robot employee doing your bidding on it's own but this only gets successfull with repeat jobs where you know the Gcode has run on it's own before. I have a few like that but there is always something else I have to do (router edges manually) or other cutting job that fills the time while the router is doing it's thing.

Would be something to see your machine eating it self over video monitor though.. I know that would really disturb me..hehe

Anyway good luck with finding the different items to get things going.

b.

[HomeMadeCnc]

www.ms-motor.com got back to me with this quote:
51-18-3.37type
3.37KW,(4.5 hp)18000RPM,self cooling,
price is 670USD/PC
http://www.ms-motor.com/spindle1.htm

[georgeburns]

Originally Posted by HomeMadeCnc Thanks for your replies, Due to job cuts my hobby cnc will be my main job so that effects my decision. I’d like to get as close to industrial as I can. I’ve got 60k to get things running. I’m in the process of building a mechmate 5 x 10 4axis. My shop has only 40 amps to play with and I’d like to run both machines at once so that’s why the 4 to 5 hp models came to mind. The ATC is needed to free me up for assembly, I’d like to run 24/7 with video monitoring . I guess I’ll figure out which ATC when I pick the spindles, I’ll see what each company recommends. Anyone have any links to any site or ideas on the ATC system? I’m thinking of a small (6 to 10 tool) rotary tool holder for now but I don’t have a clue of my options yet. I have emailed to china for their spindle setups with ATCs and will post the replies. Then, there is the new or used, question too. . . . .60k doesn’t go to far. fficeffice" />>> Thanks for all your help, I’ll post as I get more info, Tim

Perhaps spend some of the 60k on a couple more circuits for your shop.

[HomeMadeCnc]

I got this one from http://www.ekstromcutter.com/index.htm Its a slick system.









Motorpack 5 Featuring a Duplex Precision Spindle Thrust Bearing>>
Model SM-C78 Spindle Motor, 4.7 HP at 18000 RPM, 220 Volts, 15.3 Amps $1455.00 >>
*Also available at 380V, 8.8 Amps>>
5/8 Inch or Smaller Collet $40.00 >>
Locking Nut Included >>
Reactor (Recommended between drive and motor) $227.70 >>
Variable Speed Drive (5HP, 220V / 3Ph / 60 Hz Input) $708.23 >>
R300 Spindle Wrench $30.00 >>
R300 Wrench $20.00 >>
Base Total $2480.93 >>
Optional Remote Keypad w/10 Foot Cord $100.00 >>
Optional Reactor before drive and motor $227.70 >>
Optional R300 Collet Set (9 sizes) $270.00 >>
Optional Diamond Routerbit Tooling and Cutters Contact us for Low $>>
Optional High Speed or Carbide Router Bits / Tooling Save 10% on orders w/motor>>
Optional Thermistor Relay to Shut Off Motor $100.00 >>
Optional Spare Bearing Set $425.00>>
>>
Motorpack 9b ISO30 Automatic Tool Change Spindle Fan Cooled Imported>>
Model SpindleMax 5-IMP Spindle Motor, 5 HP at 24000 RPM, 230/380, 400Hz $5200.00 >>
ISO30 Coolet Chuck Toolholder balanced for 24000 RPM $200.00 >>
1 Inch or Smaller Collet $50.00 >>
Locking Nut Included >>
Reactor (Recommended between drive and motor) $227.70 >>
Variable Speed Drive (5HP, 220V / 3Ph / 60 Hz Input) $708.23 >>
R500 Wrench $40.00 >>
Optional Remote Keypad w/10 Foot Cord $100.00 >>
Optional Reactor before drive and motor $227.70

Todd M. Kreissler - President

[wcarrothers1]

I've got the ekstrom motorpack 4 and am quite happy with it.

But I got my VFD drive controller reactors and electrical from Automation direct (was less expencive.)

GS2-23P0 VFD drive controller
32DRT1W3C EMI INPUT FILTER
GS-23P0-LR-3PH AC LINE REACTOR
GS-23P0-LR-1PH AC LINE REACTOR


I don't see a 1ph to 3ph 5hp controller at automation though Ekstrom says they have one but might be cheeper and more functional later to get a phase converter or rather for the cost of a 1ph in to 3ph out to your 5hp from ekstrom you could get a 3ph in 3ph out 5hp controller from automation and have $$ for a rotary phase converter (which could be use or would maybe be needed for another machine later)

Even with the EMI and AC line reactors I still had challenges with noise at first but sorted that out with the different tricks. (.01 caps and such)..

b./

[HomeMadeCnc]

Thanks for the help, I will go with the rotary phase converter I'll start looking around for the best deal. Automation direct is new to me, lots of neat stuff. Try shopping here: www.misumiusa.com
I'm limited to 40 amp service due zoning and business license issues, I'm stuck in my 500sq ft garage until things pick up. At least the commute is short.