Need Help!- Spindle Recomendation Requested

[jmchris]

All,

I've completed my CNC Plasma / Router table a few weeks ago and worked all the kinks out. The motion is very smooth and extremely precise with the Plasma Cutter mounted on the head.

On to my next modification: Adding a spindle for milling stainless and aluminum. Can anyone recommend a spindle motor / end mill holder that would be best for a homebuilt machine?

Any and all responses are much appreciated,

Thank you,
Jeff

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Milling is a much more demanding process than moving a plasma device around.

You'll have to be more specific as to the machines construction and what you want to mill. ex.: cutting alum. sheet .062" thick, 1" thick stainless steel plate?????

3/16" dia. end mills? 1" shank X 1 1/2" end mills??

RPM requirements? HP/torque requirements?

Spindle run-out expected?

Lots of info needed for any intelligent response.

Dick Z

[jmchris]

Dick,

Thanks for the response. To answer at least a portion of your questions:

I"ll primarily be milling 1/4" Stainless plate
Mill bits will be between 1/8" and 3/8"

I would prefer to use as simple of motor setup as possible. I purchased a wood router a few weeks ago and made a mount for it. Works great accept it only accepts 1/4" and 1/2" bits. (that leaves out most of the range of bits I'll need to use for milling stainless)


Thanks,
Jeff

[draughted]

stainless is a tough ask, for something built for it even.
it would be a huge challenge even if you built this again from the floor up.

is it because you need pocketing and sharp edges? or do you think your plasme wont cut it?

[jmchris]

The machine isn't an issue. It's over built if anything. Plasma isn't giving me detailed enough of an edge, so I'm changing over to a router.

Just need pointers on motor / tool holder setup. (already working on adding the oil bath)

Thanks,
Jeff

[GeorgeRace]

I use a Bosch Router, I think it is about 2 HP rated. It is variable speed between 1500 and 5000 RPM. Is available as a router kit at most Big Box Lumber Yards.

It has a maximum of 1/2 sized cutter. I purchased an ER25 Collet Chuck with a 1/2 inch shaft. I have 15 ER25 Collets ranging from 1/32 up thru 1/2 inch.

Makes it really easy to tool change.

George

[CNCMAN172]

Honestly, if you plan on milling stainless STEEL you best not plan on using a wood router. While I do aluminum with no issue using a Bosch router turned down to 12K RPMs that is far too fast for steel of any kind.

Your best bet would be to get a spindle that is controlled by a VFD. The frequency drive allows you to have a wide range of spindle speeds. Every machine is different and several factors will contibute to how fast you can cut steel. Usually the RPM is much slower and you can search the web for the recommended speeds and feeds. There are free calculators you can download that also take into account the HP required for cutting.

If you think of something like a Bridgeport Mill these usually run under 5000 rpm and are very stiff with large ballscrews. Make sure you use solid carbide endmills as stainless is very hard stuff. Sounded like you planned an oil bath which would be good to ensure everything stays cool and extends the life of the cutters.

Good Luck

CNCMAN

[jmchris]

CNCMan,
Thanks for the info. I'll be running between 1500 and 3800 RPM.


All,
Any suggestions on motor / tool holder would be much appreciated. MSC has hundereds of tool holders, but I'm looking for a layman point of view as to what works best on those that have "Garrage" machines out there.


Thanks,
Jeff

[g0704chipreaper]

here is what i switched over to. i did it in a weekend, and wow it works nice.

http://www.homeshopcnc.com/HFspindle2.html

-CoB