Spindle Options

This page details rotary tools, spindles and routers. There is a list of other potential spindles on the Spindle Overview page as well as a detailed comparison of the standard options for the Shapeoko 3: the Dewalt DWP611 and Makita RT0701 at Dewalt and Makita Comparison.

Edward R. Ford made some notes on spindle options in the thread Re: Treating spindles as a consumable. Harbor Freight links added from forum discussion Re: Standard Generic Dremel Option.

Comparison of Carbide Compact Router, spindles, and AMB/Mafell Milling Motors.

Vote for your favorite ShapeOko spindle solution!

Concerns

 * Runout
 * Air-flow / heat dissipation Several of the brackets below are made of aluminum so as to facilitate the latter.
 * Water cooling adds complexity.
 * Mounting it plumb to the machine Discussion of techniques for doing so on the forums in Aligning DW660 to be perfectly vertical. An interesting technique for this is to use spacers as shown in Re: Bits you use. The professional tool for this is a “spindle square” --- the construction of which is shown in Making a spindle square. Cf. Squaring the Spindle N.B. How vertical a spindle is mounted, and to what degree it is held immovable while cutting can have a strong effect on cut quality.
 * Weight Moving to a larger spindle can require that one (re)adjust the machine as noted in Fine Tuning --- Motor Current. Two kilograms is, if not past the upper limit of weight, very close to it.
 * Wear/Maintenance --- How To Tighten Up A Sloppy Second Hand Dremel --- this may be useful to do on even a brand-new unit. Spindles may use brushes in their motors which require replacing. Bearings may need replacing as well: Bosch Colt started squeaking, so I replaced the bearings.
 * Dust Collection --- See the Dust Shoe overview page for a list of implementations.
 * Rotation Direction --- Note that this is typically clockwise from the top of the machine.
 * RPM --- this can be measured in various ways.

Note: One can use longer bolts in the universal spindle mounts to accommodate larger spindles. Specifics are noted below.

Maintenance
Motors with brushes wear; the brushes worn brushes may spark and cause EMF, which may cause hard to diagnose errors. I.C. noted ~180 hours as the lifespan for a set.

Keeping dirt out of the unit will extend that timeframe however, and placing a sock over the unit to keep out debris is one strategy.

Collets will wear with use and require replacement as well.

Polish the commutators when replacing brushes: https://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=6057&p=68044#p68044

Key Considerations
"What good quality, metal-bodied, small/compact/trim rotary tool/cut-out tool/router/spindle with collet size between 6.35 and 3mm is available w/ a diameter of <70mm, and a power rating of >100 Watts (500 or more is highly desirable and arguably a reasonable minimum), and a weight of <2Kg?".


 * Smaller diameters are better (move the endmill closer to the axis of movement)
 * More power is better w/in reason
 * low runout (captured in the phrase "good quality" above) is the most important characteristic.
 * A suitable collet size is a key consideration, and the want of it will require either an adapter (which complicates things and may increase runout) or a custom collet (which adds to the cost).

Machine Types

 * Rotary Tool --- the prototypical hobbyist tool. Dremel is the most-recognized brand name and widely available. A small hand-held unit intended for small, delicate work. Collets are typically aluminum sleeves available in a variety of diameters shaped to fit the machine's shaft end and held in place by a nut, 0.125" is typical..
 * Cut-out Tool --- A commercial tool intended to cut drywall, as a class was inaugurated by the RotoZip Spiral Saw. Collets are similar to rotary tools, but typically only 0.125" and 0.25" diameters are available.
 * Router --- The first powered woodworking tool, it allowed a woodworker to use a collection of small bits to create profiles which used to require either individual hand planes, or a combination plane such as a Stanley 45 which was viewed by most as finicky and difficult to set up. Routers are now available in a number of different sizes, w/ various terms being used to describe a over-lapping ranges of devices. Collets are usually specific to a machine and the stock collets are typically only available in 0.25" or larger sizes. Custom collets of various types are available, some of which afford conveniences like to industry-standards such as ER.
 * Spindle --- the generic term for any device for spinning an Endmill mounted on a machine, it's also used to signify a unit which is intended for being so mounted. Previously, only expensive, high-quality commercial units were available, but spindles suited for hobby-level equipment have become available of late. Usually these use industry standard collets such as ER.

The sort of collet and sizes in which they are available is a significant concern in selection and can dramatically affect the final price of a unit. It may be best to consider the sorts of cutting which one wishes to do, select an Endmill and match the spindle choice to that.

One additional concern is how different power ratings are measured. Commercial/Industrial spindles are rated for their sustained output (root mean square, RMS power). Consumer devices such as rotary and cut-out tools and routers are typically rated at their (theoretical) peak horsepower. For example the Makita RT070x-series has (as the name implies) a 700 Watt power rating, but is described as being 1.25 HP, which ~=933 Watts. The table below should use actual power ratings rather than peak so as to allow comparisons --- please update (with references) if any peak ratings are found.

Run time considerations
https://www.reddit.com/r/CNC/comments/7ahdv6/is_there_a_max_run_time_for_the_dewalt_dwp_611/

Speed
https://www.reddit.com/r/CNC/comments/45x69i/measure_router_speed/

Alternative/Temporary Mounts
One option is to simply zip tie the machine in place and support it w/ a plastic mold: http://rettgergalactic.com/blog/2014/02/quick-shapeoko-dw660-spindle-mount/

An elegant solution is to cut up a pair of hose clamps, bending the ends over and drilling holes so that they may be used w/ the universal spindle mount as shown in Jacob's Shapeoko 2 #6316.

Or rearrange parts and use hose clamps: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=5475&p=40420

Or, add parts: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5684&p=42538

Commercial mounts are most easily found by searching for "mm spindle mount" --- eBay has many listings for 52, 65, and 80mm units.

Design considerations
As noted elsewhere, mount hole spacing is consistent and compatible between the ShapeOko 1, 2 and 3. Unfortunately, other dimensions aren’t so standardized.


 * holes could be drilled and tapped to allow accessories to be attached
 * the horizontal placement of the router
 * placement of the vacuum hose, or select a particular crevice tool to always use

Hardware can be placed so that second tools are not needed (use a rectangular slot and place an insertion nut in it, or put a hex nut in a suitably sized channel. Another possibility is to use quick-release hardware: http://www.kippusa.com/us/en/Products/Latches/Adjustable-Latches/K0050-Adjustable-Latches-with-a-movable-hook-clamp/K0050-SVA-Adjustable-Latches-with-a-movable-hook-clamp-Style-A.html

Discussion: https://www.cnccookbook.com/cnc-spindle-mill/

Compatibility
Please note that the hole spacing for the inner pair of holes on the Shapeoko 3 is the same as that as on the ShapeOko 2, or for the MakerSlide used for the ShapeOko 1, so mounts are compatible between the machine designs if no other geometry interferes.

Power Considerations
"2.2kw is about 3 HP. 1 HP is 745W, 745*3 = 2235W (which isn't far from 2.2 * 1000). W/V=A, therefore 2235W/110V = 20.31 A, and thats assuming no losses in your transformer/inverter, voltage drop in your household wiring or other equipment running on the same circuit. Most 110V outlets are 15A though there are some rated for 20A. The reason you don't see any inverters that turn 110V power into 220/3ph power above a certain HP/kW rating is that there simply isn't enough amperage on the circuit to drive them." 

100 to 999 Watts
A note on the low-end rotary tools --- pretty much anything w/ at least 100 Watts of power (or 0.8 Amps @ 110VAC) will be workable --- there are probably too many re-badged variants (Sears Craftsman effect) to list them all, unless there is some extra-ordinary reason to warrant a listing (the tools currently listed are shown due to their widespread availability while still being a good value). Depending on one's patience and expectations and materials, one could go much lower (there's a 9-volt DC tool which would probably be quite kid-safe / friendly) if one took light enough cuts.

Cautionary discussion: Running long jobs using default shapeoko (1/2) rotary tool.

Note that one may be able to use designs for cylindrical spindles based on their diameter.

Adapters are also available such as: https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/tools/products/makita-rt0701-adapter which will allow one to use a 65mm diameter router in a 69mm diameter mount.

1KW and over
Note the availability of: https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/shapeoko-hd/products/shapeoko-hd-80mm-spindle-mount

https://www.timberwolftools.com/fm-1000-milling-motor --- possible mount: https://www.amazon.com/HEASEN-Milling-ShapeOkO-Diameter-Aluminum/dp/B07FNKPTK3

http://community.carbide3d.com/t/shapeoko-3-and-a-2-2kw-monster-spindle/6676

https://ugracnc.com/index.php/online-store/product/gmt-water-cooled-cnc-spindle-1-5-kw-220v-24000-rpm-r3

http://amazon.com/1-5KW-Cooled-Spindle-Variable-Frequency/dp/B010P66BX8

http://www.sorotec.de/shop/Spindles/routers/suhner-routers/Spindle-Motor-Suhner-1530Watt-230V-3500-30000-rpm.html

Note: Watt ratings converted to amps using Volts / Watts / Amps Converter on http://www.supercircuits.com.

Collets and Adapters
A collet is a holding device that forms a collar around the endmill to be held and exerts clamping force on the tool when tightened, usually by means of a tapered outer collar. Adapters are sleeves which fit w/in collets allowing them to hold smaller size bits.

Collets are either industry-standard, specific to a given design, or a custom aftermarket part. The aftermarket collets are made to higher standards, usually of better steel, and will reduce runout. They also avoid the need to use adapters.

Collets
Industrial machines, and machines w/ spindles using such collets use a variety of types and sizes of collets: http://blog.carbideprocessors.com/collets/choosing-the-right-collet/

There are some vendors which make collets for specific machines as listed above.

Cleaning collets in-between use: http://community.carbide3d.com/t/higher-quality-collet-replacement/6315/17

There are also industry standard forms which some machines use allowing for a certain level of interchangeability.


 * https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/precision-collets --- also fits the Makita RT0701
 * PreciseBits - has collet kits to fit several different routers including the DeWalt 611.
 * STUBBY ER Collet Chuck ER-11 Manual Collet Chucks --- 1/2" or 5/8" shank which provides an ER-11 collet suitable for small bits.
 * Elaire Corporation Router Collets --- available for Bosch, Porter Cable and Milwaukee. Please note that this company will custom craft collets as noted in: Re: Custom 1/8" Collet for Makita RT0701C Trim Router and may have collets for routers which are not listed, contact them. Please compare with Re: Makita RT0701C Collets/Endmills. See also Elaire Corporation Makita Style Router Collets.

Some machines may share collet designs. Noted instance(s) of compatibility:


 * Dewalt DW660 and RotoZip --- the latter are available at: |1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=RotoZip Lowes.com
 * Black and Decker Spare Parts --- 3/8" collet cone suitable for Makita

https://www.reddit.com/r/CNC/comments/74o3e0/collet_types/

ER collets
The Nomad uses an ER-11 collet system: https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/25-er-11-collet-and-nut

Third-party options:


 * https://www.maritool.com/Collets-ER-Collets-ER11-Collets/c21_56_60/p274/ER11-COLLET-3mm/product_info.html
 * https://www.techniksusa.com/metal/DNAcollets/about_DNA_collets.htm

Adapters
In addition, it is possible to use adapters to allow a collet to hold a bit which otherwise would not fit:


 * RotoZip Chuck Adapter --- works w/ the DNP/DWP611.
 * Trend CLT/SLV/3263 Collet sleeve 3.2mm to 6.35mm (eBay UK)
 * MLCS steel adapter bushing 1/8" --- steel with a single slot (for the 1/8"--1/4" size)
 * Lee Valley Bushing Adapters
 * Elaire Corporation Reducing Collets
 * Stewart-MacDonald Adapter Collet --- brass with 4 slots for the 1/8"--1/4" size --- the additional slots and symmetry may help reduce runout and allow it to spin truer.
 * IMService Sleeve-Adaptor 1/4 to 1/8
 * K2CNC 8th Combo .25" & .25" --- interesting brass design which uses a set screw
 * https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0015YL1WQ/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

Cautionary note on collet adapter sleeves: Warning regarding Collet Adapters. One concern about the brass adapters is the differing thermal properties of brass vs. tool steel.

Spindle Control
It's also possible to directly control a spindle using the electronics: Spindle Control or http://superpid.com/

Single-speed spindles can also be controlled using a router speed control as noted in Less Power on the Dewalt DW660 page. One concern with using speed control on the DW660 (and similar units) is that it is cooled by a fan on the motor shaft, which works fine at high speed and low to moderate torque. When you reduce the speed and increase the torque (by using closed-loop speed control), the cooling becomes insufficient.

Another option is to use an external tool to monitor the R.P.M. as mentioned on the forums: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4788&start=1330#p45186 and documented in Simple RPM Detector.

U.S./International

 * https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/carbide-compact-router --- 65mm diameter
 * MLCS Rocky 30 Trim Router Amazon --- seems to be a rebadged Makita RT-0701 — but in black to match the Shapeoko 3 but lacks electronic speed control.
 * http://blog.inventables.com/2014/06/shapeoko-upgrade-quite-cut-spindle-with.html
 * 3Speed spindle
 * Wolfgang Engineering 12-volt DC Spindle --- best suited for PCBs. Forum discussion
 * http://www.grizzly.com/products/H7790 --- metal body 1/4" trim router $46.95 --- 440W/2.1 amps, 30,000 RPM, 4.04lbs.
 * http://www.grizzly.com/products/H7791 --- plastic body 1/4" trim router $44.95
 * http://www.harborfreight.com/flexible-shaft-grinder-and-carver-40432.html --- http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=258&p=38230
 * http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/cnc-spindle/1-5kw-vfd-spindle-inverter-kl-vfd15-110vac-input-with-1-5kw-water-cooled-spindle
 * http://www.fps-spindles.com/wws.html

Europe

 * Re: Recommendation: Spindle solutions available in europe?
 * best tool for uk builds
 * Re: Source: Kress 1050 42, 43 mm motor mount? Frässpindelhalter 43mm --- note that Kress has been purchased by AMB (see links above)
 * Kress 530FM: 530W, 29000rpm fixed speed.
 * Kress 800FME: 800W, 10000-29000 rpm.
 * Kress 1050FME: 1050W, 10000-29000 rpm.
 * Kress 1050FME-1: 1050W, 5000-25000 rpm.
 * http://www.makita.biz/product/category/planing/3707fc/3707fc.html
 * UK Bosch GFK600 (for sale on Screwfix in the UK
 * Dewalt D26200 --- DWP611 equivalent
 * Amazon UK
 * http://www.amazon.co.uk/Electric-Trimmer-Laminator-Joiners-Tools/dp/B008CNFD4U
 * http://www.amazon.co.uk/100365C-Electric-Trimmer-Laminator-Tools/dp/B00VI70FR2

Canada

 * 4A Rotary Cutting Tool with Circle Guide --- Inexpensive cutting tool lobbied for by MLange.

Other mounts

 * https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/shapeoko-hd/products/shapeoko-hd-80mm-spindle-mount
 * K2CNC CNC Spindle Router Mounts --- Products include: Porter Cable 892, 7518 CNC Router Mounts, Hitachi Router Mount, Bosch 1617EVS and Colt Router Mounts.
 * Spindle View Dust Shoe for 64mm spindle by akhlut
 * http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0001P19QI

D.I.Y.

 * Forum discussion: Idea For A DIY Spindle
 * plans on MIT to make a spindle
 * http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/CNC_Circuit_Mill_Spindle
 * http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/routers-spindles-controllers/3793-diy-brushless-spindle.html
 * http://www.buildlog.net/blog/2011/09/new-brushless-dc-router-spindle/
 * http://www.openbuilds.com/builds/890kv-ox-rc-spindle.411/
 * http://www.dieselrc.com/projects/cncspindle/
 * https://www.reddit.com/r/shapeoko/comments/427g8u/is_the_shapeoko_3_more_rigid_than_a_stepcraft_and/cz92919 --- discussion of using a treadmill DZc motor, and various pulley options
 * http://www.cnczone.com/forums/vertical-mill-lathe-project-log/41200-bt30-spindle-project.html
 * http://www.buildyouridea.com/cnc/pcb_drill/pcb_drill.html