NSK spindles any good?

[Swiss]

Hi all,

I've got my eye on an NSK spindle with auto tool changer. It's going on e-bay for $1200. Does anyone have any experience with this spindle, or any others from NSK? Are they any good? Will this one be any good for high speed milling of aluminium?

I'm also not convinced about its auto tool changer. It seems to be supplied with some wrenches. Why is this, if it's pneumatic?

Many thanks for any advice

Hugo Elias

[LazyMan]

Post a Link to the item so we can see.

[Swiss]

Whoops, I had meant to do that.

CAT No. 1580 from this page:
http://www.nskamericacorp.com/prod_m...ool_e3000.aspx

And this is the actual e-bay listing.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Nsk-Nakanishi-...item3359e050fd

[LazyMan]

I have no experience with the spindle but NSK is a very reputable company. I imagine the spindle is very high quality but I would not count on high speed milling through aluminum. The spindle seems geared towards micro tooling and would be more useful for engraving and milling and drilling small holes and slots with miniature cutters. I see no reason to believe its not ATC capable but it would be better to ask the dealer directly.

[wfung]

The spindle is more suited for light duty grinding or high speed milling with tiny end mills. It seems that applying air pressure will allow the collet to be ejected. It would require an external mechanism to swap tools around.

-Wilson-