[Beargesen]

i have just bougth a machine like this, and are shopping the rest. i have got a good deal going with one of these gmt spindles, but it is two times as heavy as the router that is suitet for the machine.
i am planning to build a more serious machine over time, so i am thinking it is a good solution to just goahead and buy a proper spindle now?
the spindle:
CNC Router Kits Engrave Mill Plasma Travel 24"x49" Commercial Milling | eBay

the machine:
CNC Router Kits Engrave Mill Plasma Travel 24"x49" Commercial Milling | eBay

[ger21]

Wrong link for spindle.

What exactly is your question?

[LeeWay]

As far as Ebay Routers go, that is one of the better ones I have seen. It should be stout enough to carry a larger spindle than just a router.

[Beargesen]

ah, i see i messed up the link. here is the spindle i was thinking of: GMT Air Cooled CNC Spindle 2.2kW 220/380V High Torque S
as you can see, it weigth 8,5 kg, or 18 lbs, and 350mm long.
this is my first router, so i have no idea. i have also sent the seller the question.
my question is: is this spindle to heavy for th machine?

[ger21]

18 lbs is not really all that heavy. The gantry on that machine is not a very good design, and will twist rather easily due to the separate gantry beams. I would ask the seller if he thinks it's too heavy?
You'll probably never be able to take full advantage of that spindle on that machine. You can pick up a chinese spindle for 1/3 the pioce on Ebay, and save the $600 for when you do build a better machine.

[LeeWay]

I think Gerry is correct. It would be a bit overkill. I am not certain that the Z motor will actually use that with a small direct drive stepper.
Maybe if you design a timing belt for the Z.
The split rails on the gantry, the single trucks on the gantry base and the gantry side design are the weak points in the design as i see it.
If you went with the smaller spindle Gerry mentioned, it would still not be the weakest link in the machine.

That said, upgrades can certainly be made to that machine to make better use of that spindle.

A solid plate behind the gantry rails.
Wider base and thicker material for the gantry sides. Two additional trucks on the table rails. The trucks would have to be identical to what is there, so you might have to go through that seller to see if he can source the extras. So, barring all that extra money, the smaller spindle will actually save you some money. You would have a usable machine then. Not a hog, but something you could get adequate cuts from.

[Beargesen]

i will certainly add a plate behind the gantry, aswell as bolting the machine down to a solid slab after tuning it. i have sent the seller a question about the gantry truck. i am happy to hear other improvements i can do. what is wrong about the gantry sides? are they too thin?

mind that i am completly new in the CNC game, i have some years of experience in turning and milling at work, but not anything automatic. when i first get the machine, i will attach a sharpie pen to it, for practice. when i feel confident, i will attach my dremel for practice on plastic, before taking any large cuts. but, this friend of mine has offered me the gmt spindle, and vfd for computer control, for a total of 680$ which in my country is cheap. the thing that appeals to me is the square shape for easy mounting, ant the reduced runout compared to the ebay spindles. i will look at it later this day.

but, if this is not doable, i will use it for something else instead. i appreciate the input guys.