[jahnj0584]

Its time to make my 3rd machine. First two used a 7amp 1.25HP Dewalt trim router as a spindle (basically 800w). Im looking an some air cooled spindles, either 0.8 or 1.2kW but the issue is: they all appear to need 220V. My shop is only wired for 120V. Is it possible to add a 220 plug to the existing breaker panel or merge two outlets? Electricity is not my forte.


And on the other side, is 1.2 kw necessary or would 0.8 continue to work. I cut woods and occasionally aluminum. My next machine is basically a CNCRP Pro clone, with 8020 extrusion frames and 2010 ballscrews.

Cheers

[Jim Dawson]

I use a Porter Cable variable speed router motor on mine, plenty of power for me. It's advertized at 3 1/4 HP, but that is marketing hype. It's really about 1.8 KW max 120 Volt, 15 amps. They are US$299 everywhere, I've never seen them for less. Collets are available from 1/8 to 1/2 inch.

Porter Cable 7518 3-1/4 HP Motor Only | Rockler Woodworking and Hardware

If you have room in your electrical panel for a double pole breaker, then you should be able to add a 220V plug. Please consult a local electrician.

[jahnj0584]

Im in canada, so that is nearly 500$ or so. My only concern with routers are the run out and noise. I work in a basement so a quiet spindle would be great.

Google shows that you can add a 220V plug to a regular panel, so maybe I will just get a china spindle after all with a ER20 collet.

[ger21]

You can get 0.8Kw spindles with VFD's that run on 120V.

[DonFrambach]

You can get 0.8Kw spindles with VFD's that run on 120V.

I had great experience with a .4 Kw spindle on my small machine but, as Gerry said, .8 Kw spindles can also run with a VFD driven by a 110 volt circuit.

Here's a link to a thread describing my experience: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/spindl...ml#post1269748

[jahnj0584]

My current router (Dewalt 611) is 800w and I have managed to bog it down in 1/2" deep adaptive clearing. Luckily, the Z axis was shaking so much that that spindle load in un-usable on my current machine, but my new one can so I know that I will max out 0.8kw too easily. 1.2 or 1.5kw is what im after and is also available in 110V on ebay.

How hard is it to hook up the water hose + pump?

[ger21]

A 0.8Kw spindle is far more powerful than a Dewalt 611. But yes, a 1.5Kw would be a better choice.

[jahnj0584]

7A at 110V is 770w, is it not?

Is 220V that hard to set up on a regular breaker panel? It seems like finding a 110V spindle + VFD is just going to cost more then it would do get a 220V and either get an electrician for an hour or buy some new breakers. My dad was saying something about just connection 2 of the black wires to a breaker and then wiring a plug as usual?

[ger21]

A "normal" 120V circuit uses a single pole breaker, with the black (hot) wire going to the breaker, and the white (neutral) going to the neutral bar.
For 240V, you use a double pole breaker, with each wire going to separate terminals on the breaker. There is no neutral wire.

[jahnj0584]

Thanks Ger. I'll keep looking on ebay for something, ideally air cooled. If it ends up being a 220V system, I'll deal with that when we get there. I need to add a few plugs and lights around the shop anyways, so may as well make a weekend out of doing that.

[Jim Dawson]

If you have room in your breaker panel for an additional 2 pole breaker, then it's pretty easy to install a 220 V (240V) plug.

Do not use a standard 120V plug, use a 240V plug so it's not possible to plug in a 120V device. If you are not comfortable working with electricity, then please get some qualified help.

Note the plug shape in the picture, available at your local hardware store.