Wolfgang Engineering spindle

[kargofab]

Howdy,

Like many of you, I'm already looking for "upgrades" to my ShapeOko (the one that I haven't even built yet ).

The Wolfgang Engineering spindle looks beautiful -- both in terms of design and functionality (he had makes them!):

http://www.wolfgangengineering.com/Spindles.php

Has anyone pondered this as an upgrade? Or does anyone own one? He's offered to create a custom mount in aluminum as part of the order, which is great in itself. I know it's $289 for the kit, but I *really* want to be able to mill aluminum and he indicates he doesn't see a problem with this on a ShapeOko.

I'd also be prepared to upgrade my stepper motors to NEMA23s for more torque in conjunction with this to get to the holy grail of metal milling....

Any thoughts or comments welcome.

TIA.

-m

[Enraged]

I thought about it, but it's hard to justify the expense given the price of the Shapeoko. I'm planning on the RC spindle, but if that isn't good enough for my goals, something like the Wolfgang spindle could be a future upgrade.

[nogthree]

I'm much the same as Enraged here. I like the Wolfgang Spindle but have started collecting parts for the RC spindle.

If I do end up getting this one I'll be sure to post a review

Edit: I already have Nema23's on my X and Y, not sure if I'd need them on my Z for full torque. I guess I can always upgrade the Nema17 for one with more torque.

[kargofab]

I think one thing we over estimate is the importance of spindle design including heat dissipation and bearings. He's already solved some of these problems.

Yes, $289 is a lot in comparison to the ShapeOko. But with a killer spindle and upgraded drive system, I suspect the ShapeOko might be as good as much more expensive CNCs. Or at least that's my hope

-m

[nogthree]

This spindle has grown on me to the point where I'm waiting on a reply from Wolfgang. Have you had any replies from him kargofab?

[Enraged]

I'm also looking at alternatives like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-5KW-WATER-COO ... 3cc45fa304

[kargofab]

This spindle has grown on me to the point where I'm waiting on a reply from Wolfgang. Have you had any replies from him kargofab?

Yes, I got an email from him this past weekend. Maybe ping him again?

-m

[nogthree]

Kargofab, did he indicate what would need to be changed to mount this spindle to a ShapeOko. I may have a source for one of these through a friend in the states with a spare.

[kargofab]

I believe it's just the mounting plate.

-m

[edwardrford]

Regarding mounting the spindles to the Shapeoko:

The easiest approach so far is to accomodate the 20mm spacing in the z-axis extrusions. That's how the standard mounts work, and that's how I did the UHMW mounts shown in the video.

General idea for mounting anything like this is to create some sort of round bracket that can be clamped tight (like the UHMW mount). Have a look at this spindle and see the mounting bracket that comes with it for a good start on how a 2 piece mount might work.

http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm/54 ... alers.html

-Edward