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IndustryArena Forum > WoodWorking Machines > DIY CNC Router Table Machines > Newby, buiding machine.... Help choosing spindle, use VFD or not?
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  1. #1

    Question Newby, buiding machine.... Help choosing spindle, use VFD or not?

    Hello,

    Two months ago I decided to put my Playstation aside and do something a little bit more creative/helpful/worthy/meaningful/productive for myself. You can call it a DIY Destiny-game-addict therapy.

    I'm build my first CNC machine, 3 axis, 2000x1000cm, to use with freecad and Linuxcnc.

    Software. Learn Freecad. Check
    Software. not so old pc with Linuxcnc. Almost ready.

    Body, wood table base for machine. Soon
    Body, aluminum v-slot profiles. On the way
    Body, bolts and plates. On the way

    Axis, lead Screw Diameter 8mm thread 8mm, trapezoidal spindle screw. On the way
    Axis, 5 axis breakout board V5 type. Check

    Motors, 3x nema23 425 oz stepper motor. Check
    Motors, 3 x CW5045 stepper motor driver 4.5A 50V/DC. Check
    Motors, 400W 36V/11A switching power supply. Check

    Milling, 1.5kw air cooled spindle. NOT CHECKED, NEED HELP Can the spindle be controlled by software or do I have to have a VFD?

    JR

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: Newby, buiding machine.... Help choosing spindle, use VFD or not?

    If it's a spindle like this, then it won't run at all without a VFD.
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-5KW-ER16-...iVKd:rk:8:pf:0
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    24221

    Re: Newby, buiding machine.... Help choosing spindle, use VFD or not?

    Unless any spindle motor is 1ph but 3phase then you do need a VFD.
    For a residential supply, anyway.
    Max.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.

  4. #4

    Re: Newby, buiding machine.... Help choosing spindle, use VFD or not?

    Ok, right, thanks.

    I think I'll be buying a spindle with vfd kit. Know the doubt is between;
    a 1.5kw spindle ER11 water cooled
    or
    a 1.5kw spindle ER16 air cooled

    The price is similar, water cooled costs 20€ more. My goal is to mill wood fins. wood molds, and foam boards for later fiber glassing.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Posts
    46

    Re: Newby, buiding machine.... Help choosing spindle, use VFD or not?

    A 65 foot by 32 foot machine may be a bit too ambitious for a first timer...
    Assuming you mean millimeters, you probably will need much bigger than 8mm acme screws. You may want to spend a little more time doing some reading around here. You are asking questions that shows you don’t quite have a handle on things it’s better to understand before you buy parts or start building.
    Tubular latex pressure vessel configuration engineer

  6. #6

    Re: Newby, buiding machine.... Help choosing spindle, use VFD or not?

    Quote Originally Posted by BalloonEngineer View Post
    A 65 foot by 32 foot machine may be a bit too ambitious for a first timer...
    Assuming you mean millimeters, you probably will need much bigger than 8mm acme screws. You may want to spend a little more time doing some reading around here. You are asking questions that shows you don’t quite have a handle on things it’s better to understand before you buy parts or start building.
    Sorry, you're wright, was was talking in mm (200cm by 100cm) (6.5feet by 3.2 feet) or (80'inches by 40 inches) machine size.

    Ok... so help me out, taking in consideration these points;

    - I'm a hobbyist, so for the moment I can't afford a 400+ € spindle. If the hobby goes well and I can make a profit, I'll consider it, but not now (wife would kill me).

    - I want to make wood/plastic fins, foils and it's molds. It can go up to 100cm/40'' long by 30cm/12'' wide. 15cm/6'' deep.

    - I want to foam boards. It can go up to 180cm/70'' long by 50cm/20'' wide. 15cm/6'' deep.

    I suppose that for the wood would be a more precise and smaller cutter, for the foam would be preferable a much wider cutter.
    What would you advise for a spindle and cutters?

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    621

    Re: Newby, buiding machine.... Help choosing spindle, use VFD or not?

    Most every hobbyist starts with a router and not a spindle but ultimately goes to a spindle for durability and longevity, I myself fit into that category...

    I'm currently using a Hitachi M12VC 2 1/4 HP router but am changing to a spindle... I also use a Super PID in conjunction with my router to try and control the power at lower RPM's. These are both moot items if going with a Spindle and VFD.

    Here are a couple of links that might help.

    https://webajm.com/?p=810
    www.SuperPID.com - Super-PID Closed-loop Router Speed Controller

    Personally I would sugggest buying a Spindle and VFD from the get go and avoid the wasted expense of having buying a router first and then a spindle, you'll save money in the long run.

    I will be selling my router and Super PID as soon as my spindle arrives and is installed.

    Hope this helps.

    Adam,
    Gecko G540, Rack and Pinion Drives-X and A axis, 1/2-10 5 Start Acme-Z Axis
    4-THK HSR 25 Linear Slides, KL23H2100-35-4B, Power Supply-KL-600-48 48V

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