Build you own Spindle

[BeerFizz]

To follow up on issues Cold Fusion was having, I wanted to start a discussion
on what it would take (if at all possible or feasible) to build a good and
high performance spindle.

Just to start things going, parts that might be needed:

A tube to hold the spindle shaft:
Material?
ID, OD?
Length?

Spindle bearings:
How many?
Material, ceramic?
Needle, thrust?

Spindle:
Length
Dia?
Material?

Collet:
?

Pully:
V?
Timming Belt?

Drive Motor:
Speed:
Electronic Speed Control:

Etc:



Anyway, if there are some eperienced readers out there, please contribute.

Phil

[InventIt]

I wonder if a spindle would really need the angular contact precision bearings. They are so expensive! I have some large bearings for farm equipment that are tight, no play/slop. I think they could work in a spindle. I don't think they could take 10000 rpms though. Maybe 3000 - 5000.

I'll be following this thread. I want to make a spindle for my router that can cut aluminum without the chatter. I think that just the extra weight of a "real" spindle would be a big help. The PC spindle is lightweight, I bet it flexes a little.

[InventIt]

Maybe this would be a good start to a simple spindle.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?P...PARTPG=INLMK32

[BeerFizz]

Very nice find on the straight collet chuck Inventit... looks simple
enough to start with as you say.

I think one of the advantages of building your own spindle, would be
the ability to rebuild/replace the bearings yourself on a regular
basis. I think I read a posting on this forum about a year ago that
said a "Porta Cable's" bearings are good for maybe 200 hours... while
maintaining accuracy.

I would think that the bearings woudl be one of the most inportant
ingredients to maitain accuracy... replacing them as needed.

Phil

[signIT]

Hi all,

Look at this guy http://www.cnconabudget.com/newpics/typical.html he has some really good ideas, it should be nice to get some of this products or maybe do it yourself I have stripped a air tool a cheap grinder it had a nice spindle and the best of all it was on sale for just $10 but it is only the bit holder that can be used.

I have a Zoltar spindle but it has to bad system for holding the bits I want a smart holder like the one on a professional mill even the ball bearings in my Zoltar spindle have some play, so this link seems to have the rigth thing for building a spindle you can change the ballbearings very easy and the spindle can be modified with a professional bit holder, I think this could be a standard for DIY people a smart diy spindle, maybe someone could make a drawing?



GLHA

[BeerFizz]

Great post on the cynconabudget. This is the sort of thing we should be able to build.

I think you had a good idea when you mentioned an air tool grinder. As you say, they have bearings, a spindle, they are balanced and are designed to run at 30,000 rpm and above...

Phil

[BeerFizz]

Just another, perhaps daft idea.

You can get ABEC 9 roller skate bearings for $5 each. These are fairly high precision and cheap enough to replace whenever.

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/enduroabec9.html


ABEC is a term that has been around long before skateboarding. It stands for Annular Bearing Engineers' Committee, a committee that is responsible for the standardization and rating of bearings. The numbers (1,3,5,7,9) refer to the tolerances to which the bearing is produced. A 608 size bearing (the size used in skateboarding) has a bore of 8mm, an outer diameter of 22mm, and a width of 7mm. The accuracy to which the bearing is produced (measured in tiny units called microns) determines the ABEC rating, 9 being the most accurate. An ABEC-9 bearing will be the closest to the above, ideal, measurements. What this means is that an ABEC-9 bearing will perform more effectively than one with a lesser rating, but not until it is put under extremely high-speed circumstances.

[BeerFizz]

More information on bearings... I know its about skate bearings, but it still appears to make a lot of sense.

http://www.minibearings.com.au/hobby/skate.html#11

[RotarySMP]

608 bearings are going to limit you to a tiny spindle. They only have an 8mm bore.

I would say that the bearings will be the least of your worries. These days you can get plenty of good bearings cheaply (ebay for starters). The most differcult part will be getting your spindle nose taper concentric with the bearing, and hard enough not to gall, and a good surface finish.

Dave Kush from buildyourownideas.com is just exerimenting with this.
http://www.buildyouridea.com/cnc/atc/atc.html

Spindle design was discussed at great depth on this newsgroup about six months ago. by I can't find the thread.

[turmite]

Try this link! I posted this on Cold's thread and it seems no one paid any attention. Even if you don't use all the ideas there should be something here that can help. This young man was good!!!

Mike

New Spindle Design, feedback plz!

[BeerFizz]

Great link Turmite.....

Do you have any of the images or drawings which were originally posted, or do you know where they might be gotten.

Thanks
phil

[ViperTX]

I'm confused as to why a separate thread was started...