Official Luthiers Forum!

Has anybody ever tried to make a spindle using a regular fractional HP motor, then use a belt or gear to drive the actual arbor of the spindle?

In most things that I cut, I only take a few thousands of a cut anyway, so even if I am using a 1/2" tool the HP needed shouldnt be that much because of the little amount I am cutting (usually wood or plastic). It would me a MUCH quieter solution to use a standard electric motor Vs a router, dremel, or laminate trimmer. It would probably be more economical electricity wise also since a much smaller motor could be used.

Any thoughts?

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Reguards,

Ken H

Too heavy for most small machines. Why not a fractional horsepower spindle? Similar in power to a laminate trimmer, but much quieter, negligible runout, variable speed, and decent collets.

I have one of these for my binding channel rig. Works great.

http://www.kress-elektrik.com/en/products/browse_products.php?categorie=767

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John Watkins
CNC Guitar Parts

Where did you get the Kress? Is it 110 or 220 volt?

that looks like just the ticket, especially since they mention that it is made to run for long periods too.

I didnt see any pricing or dealer locations here in the stares... can you give us a hint of where you got it and a ballpark price?

_________________
Reguards,

Ken H

As someone said before depending on the size of the machine a lot of cncers use a serparate motor and pulleys to achieve the speed and noise they require. Check out Taig's website and there is one other that makes those mini mills they sell the parts to make a spindle because that's the way they work, motor and pulley system. But theirs are made to go only to about 10,000 RPM.

I bought mine from Techno-Isel for about $500 as an add on to one of my machine orders. I'm sure there are other places in the states that carry them. It's 110v.

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John Watkins
CNC Guitar Parts

http://www.worldofcnc.com/products.asp?category=Milling+Spindles&subcategory=Motors
Looks like the 800 watt motor is available in 120VAC but the 1050 watt only in 240VAC.
Which one do you recommend, John?
Nelson

Thanks for the info to all who have answered!
I did go look at the Taig site and that appears to be what I am looking for. This led me to the Wolfgang store on eBay and I have a question sent off to him for a complete package price for one of his systems. Most of the tools I use are 1/8" shaft, and this would be perfect for what I need. I have larger routers up to 3.5HP for doing the larger work but right now I have a lot of small stuff to do and the laminate trimmers are driving me nuts. The speed the have is nice to have, but not necessarily needed for what I am doing.

My mill is a Techno-ISEL mill, so I'll call them tomorrow and see what they have to offer. Thanks!

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Reguards,

Ken H

Nelson, for the price difference, I would definitely go with the bigger one. I'm a little concerned, though, at that price point if those are really the same as the one I have. You may want to ask about runout and db before buying. Mine actually looks like this....

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John Watkins
CNC Guitar Parts

I finally got a reply from Richard (wolfgang) today saying that he was moving. He assures me that the noise level is half of what a normal hair dryer is and that people use his spindles in appartments with no complaints from neighbors, so I have ordered one of his complete spindle packages.

Thanks again for all of the responses!

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Reguards,

Ken H

John--I talked to the Kress people and found out that they make your spindle exclusively for Isel.
Sure is a neat looking unit.