I thought i'd make a post on a spindle assembly endeavour I am about to embark on. I should first point out the CNC i'm planning on mounting this too is probably not stiff enough to take full advantage of the spindle assembly. My plan is to build the spindle assembly with the intention it may be mounted to a much more rigid setup in the future.

Here is my previous CNC build thread of the machine I hope to mount this too

The CAD of assembly looks like this:

Attachment 434686

My plan so far is:
  • Cast and then machine the spindle bracket in cast iron (approx. 18kg in weight - I've done a bit of work on this already)

  • Use a Chinese BT30 spindle cartridge (I have bought a 12,000RPM unit and it has arrived!)

  • Use a cheap 1.8kw servo motor as my spindle motor (I have bought this and this is all wired in)

  • Use a very big fan and a 3D printed shroud to cool that servo motor

  • Use a step up and down HTD pulley configuration to ensure I can have better slow speed torque or higher spindle speeds

  • Use a 100mm diameter pneumatic cylinder to provide the force to operate the ATC


I also plan to document most of the build through the Youtube Channel:

Here are some pics on the spindle bracket pattern:

Attachment 434690
Attachment 434692
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Attachment 434696