Need Help!- Spindle information for Various Milling Purposes

[joprinz]

I had posted this at the DIY Router forum earlier but I did not get any replies. So am moving it here... Probably This is a more correct forum for posts related to Spindles!

Thanks to Everyone out here for all the Information you guys bring into the world of CNC... I think 90% of everything I know about CNC came from CNCZONE.COM...Great work Guys...Moderators and Members... Many thanks for keeping such a Community soo Alive :-)

I'm building a CNC Mill. This wud be my second project... But I am new to Milling hardwood, Aluminum and Mild Steel. I read many posts and found that a Spindle is to be used when Milling Metals are involved.

Here is my Machine Spec:

• 2' x 2' x 6" CNC Mill
• For working with wood, aluminum and probably some mild steel
• Fixed Gantry Design with Two 25mm Supported Shaft and 4 Linear Bearings per Axis.
• 20mm Diameter 5mm Pitch Ballscrews for all drives
• Steppers are all 400 Oz.In Microstepping mode and running on 50V 10A PS.
• Basic construction is in Welded steel and 1" Aluminum for moving axis parts to reduce load on steppers.
• Mach3 or EMC2 as Control Software

I have read many posts related to spindle speeds and feed rates here. However I could not find a specific thread which deals with Spindle Types and Specifications. It would be great for people like me who are new to Milling Metals, to have a thread where Questions like the following are answered:

1. What are the different Spindle Types?
   
2. What is the difference between a regular router, a Laminate trimmer and a Milling Spindle?
   
3. What is the Minimum Power rating and Spindle speed required to Mill Aluminum and Mild Steel
   
4. Some info on Economically Priced Models if any
   
5. Can Spindles be substituted by High Speed Routers?
   
6. I did a goggle last night n read about a guy who was using a Servo Motor to drive a spindle. Is it Possible? if so will it be a Good Choice over a Standard Milling Spindle?

Please Advice!

Thank You!

J

PS: I do not know if I have missed any posts while I was searching for Spindle related Information. If theres a specific post or posts that deal with Spindles please Direct me there.

[joprinz]

Someone... Anyone???

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

joprinz, I think we need a bit more specific information. Size of the machine is not that critical. Spindle speed, cutting forces and motor torque will determine how a spindle is to be built or which commercial spindle is selected.

What size cutters and depths do you intend to cut in steel? I'm sure there will be more questions asked.

Dick Z

[joprinz]

Thank you for your reply, Richard.

I was intending to have a thread where all kinds of Spindle Information can be shared. That is why I did not get more into my design specs. Well I do not intend to use the current Mill Build, for professional purposes. So I'm looking at lower feed rates and cut depths.

Here is what I am looking for:

Stock : Aluminum and Mild Steel
Cutters : 1/4 and 1/8 Flat and Ballnose Carbide End Mills (2 Flute)
Feed Rates: 25 to 35 IPM
Cut Depths: 0.01" to 0.02"

Please Advice!

Thank You.

Joe!