[computer1]

I'm looking to get a ER20 spindle but I'm not sure about air or water cooled. can anyone tell me what the difference is between the two?

[ger21]

One is cooled by air, and one is cooled by water

Air cooled are louder.
Air cooled may have a lower max rpm (18,000 vs 24,000 for water cooled).
At lower rpm, air cooled may run hotter, and may not be able to run continuously for as long as water cooled.
Air cooled is easier to set up, as you don't need a water reservoir, tubing or pump.

[computer1]

this is the spindle I'm looking at from eBay (china)

CNC 2 2KW Spindle Motor Frequency Inverter Mount ER20 Collet Water Pump | eBay

any thoughts on the setup?
thanks

[ger21]

any thoughts on the setup?

Not really. All the 2.2kw water cooled spindles and VFD's are pretty much the same, regardless of who you buy them from. Unless you have previous experience with one from that vendor, you really don't know what you're getting. The good news is that the majority of those spindles are good, but every now and then someone gets a bad one. You're always rolling the dice a little when you buy direct from China.

[computer1]

can i run antifreeze though the spindle without harming it?
thanks for your help.

[BZW]

I'm using a 2.2KW ER20 water cooled spindle on my router... for cooling I am running a cheap ~$20 pump from Aliexpress pumping water from a 2 liter milk bottle, no radiator. I am yet to have it running for more then 1/2 an hour at a time but so far it is working great. Not the prettiest solution but it works. Only complication was finding the right fittings as the pump fittings weren't as described on Aliexpress. 120mm or 140mm radiators + fans for computer water cooling can also be picked up pretty cheap second hand and should provide ample cooling.

[computer1]

Will I harm the spindle if i use a pond pump with antifreeze? i don't know if the spindle will handle the water pressure of the pump or if the seals are good for antifreeze

thanks

[fixtureman1]

That spindle comes with a pump and most will let you run Antifreeze in them. I would say to try RV antifreeze though that was what they told m to run on my laser.