I'm in the process of buying a new spindel in the very near future. I think i'll go for the chinese spindels on Ebay. What i can't deside is how much power i need ? 1.5Kw 2.2Kw 3 or maybe 4Kw
So far i'm doing a lot of Vcarving, but more and more i'm cutting 16mm MDF with my 8mm upcut bits
How much power do i need to cut one of these in 1 cut and will it look nice, or is it better to make a rough and a finish cut?
there is a new section below that deals with hardware issues!! what type of router do you have will it handle the weight and inertia of a larger spindle, my rule is get the biggest one you can handle (power) and afford!!
I've just gone through the same process when specifying my new shopbot. In the end I went for the HSD 2.2hp spindle (about 1.6kw) as it's a big step up over a router but doesn't pull ridiculous amounts of power. It doesn't take long with dust extractors etc to be pulling some serious amps. I'm having a new 100amp supply run into the workshop to cope with it all.
What horse power are you running now? Is it large enough?
I run a 3kw chinese water cooled spindle, has plenty of power, about 4.5 horse power. This is a step larger than the 2.2 kw spindle, larger bearings, and 100 mm in diameter compared to 80mm for the 2.2 kw. The spindle is heavier than the 2.2, do not recall exactly the weight, but I run 1200 oz servos so the weight is not that noticeable.
I cut 3/4 plywood with 1/2 half inch straight bit at 100 in per minute and no problem, it was drawing 3.7 amps, and is a 10 amp spindle. I never get in a hurry much, this is still a hobby, I run 3d work about 150 inches per minute, at less than one amp. The 4kw spindle is the same size at 12 amps.
I used to run a 4hp router, this spindle is very quiet and a pleasure to use, you have to watch it because it is so quiet, you can forget that is turning.
