First of all, I apologise if I have come to the wrong section in which to make this post.

I am working on my design for an automatic tool changer that requires the tool holder to be slowly revolved by a low speed DC motor in relation to the spindle in order to locate in a key way. The other alternative, which I would prefer, would be to turn the spindle slowly either by the aforementioned geared motor or by way of a macro in Mach3 until the new tool locates properly.

If it is not possible to turn the spindle slowly by way of a macro (around 5 - 10 rpm), is it possible that someone with experience of the spindle type could advise me whether the spindle is free to turn when not being turned on by the controller? The spindle turns easily when not connected to the controller, but I wondered if there was some sort of braking system involved when connected to a controller but not running.

Your help in this would be much appreciated.

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