1.5KW air-cooled spindle kits

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I’ve been using my X-50 Woodworker for about two years now. Fairly early on, I replaced my Makita router for an inexpensive 500 Watt spindle which I purchased on Amazon. It has worked well for me thus far.

I just ordered an Elite upgrade kit for my X-50, and now want to start exploring higher power (and higher RPM) air-cooled spindle kits (65mm.). Considering I just spent well over $2k for the Eite upgrade, I was hoping that I might be able to find a good 1.5KW spindle less pricey than the Redline kits offered by Onefinity. But at the same time, I don’t want to sacrifice quality, accuracy and noise level by going with something too cheap.

I would appreciate any feedback and thoughts about how I should proceed. If the consensus is that I should go with the Onefinity, then I’ll just squeeze my wallet a little harder and bite the bullet. But if I could save a few hundred dollars, it certainly would be helpful.

Thanks to all.

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Apple to apples:

PWNCNC 1.5kw 110v ER20 80mm 2-pole 400Hz Air-Cooled
On sale for $760USD, normally $950USD

Onefinity Spindle Kit by Redline CNC | 80mm 1.5kw Air Cooled 110v
On sale for $760USD, normally $895USD

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PWNCNC 1.5kw 110v ER11 65mm 2-pole 400Hz Air-Cooled
On sale for $700USD, normally $875USD

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From the post, it looks like you are looking for a kit, and the two that have been mentioned thus far would both be good options. I built my own ATC system around a Masso G3, water cooled Jianken spindle, and Onefinity X50 Woodworker, so although I have no direct experience with Redline or PWN, here are my thoughts:

Now that we know the costs :rofl: … except the PWN with Masso/Elite cable brings the difference to $436USD (added at checkout).

Both companies are well established and I believe care equally about ensuring customer satisfaction, so either option will be supported in some manner. I suspect Onefinity will be able to support and troubleshoot your entire system if you purchase Redline, which may or not matter to you.

The literature I found has both spindles using 2 pairs of angular contact bearings, with Onefinity’s being ceramic. I couldn’t find any supplied torque curves, but I suspect they are similar, and in the end may not account for any real performance difference at this hobby level.

The PWN option that was referenced above is an ER11, as is the Redline, which use end mill shank sizes from 0.5mm - 7mm. That may or not be a factor for you.

From looking at the images provided, the Onefinity looks to be the most ‘plug and play’ given that the VFD enclosure looks to be custom and ready to accept the cables/connectors they provide. The PWN would be simple enough to install, but you will have VFD wires to connect.

The biggest difference I can see is the VFD itself. Onefinity looks to have created a custom case. The advantages are the plug and play connections. a full metal enclosure which would potentially reduce EMI interference, and it comes with a safety inspection. It also includes 3 mounting options to choose from. My guess is that having taken the time and expense to get this certification, their statements of fully grounded and shielded cables can be believed. PWN also provides a kit, but the specifications are very different and the cost gets higher than the basic option referenced above.

I have only ever used an 80 mm water-cooled ER20 2.2Kw 220 VAC spindle, and I also machine mostly aluminum. I would be interested in you getting feedback on your question from forum members who perhaps can speak to differences between using ER11(or ER16) vs ER20,1.5Kw vs 2.2Kw, and 65mm vs 80mm spindles.

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Thanks so much for your detailed response! I’m not worried about plug and play options versus doing my own wiring, and the largest bit shank size that I use is 1/4", so the ER11 should be fine.

The only issue might be the full metal enclosure and the shielded cables. I did have annoying EMI issues when I used the original Makita router, but not since I installed the current spindle.

There’s clearly a lot to consider. According to Onefinity, it’s going to be a few weeks before my Elite upgrade arrives, so I’m in no rush to make a decision on the spindle.

Thank you again!

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Happy to share my thoughts and (growing?) experience. :smiley:

It doesn’t hurt to reach out to PWN to ask questions as well, as I was only going by what I could find offered online, and they may have more to say if contacted directly.

I can say, from the direct experience of (happily) doing all of my own work and installations, that although very rewarding, it does take extra time, research, patience, attention to detail, and money. Especially the latter, as the costs of sourcing and buying (and shipping) high quality components of any kind quickly adds up - but you do get what you pay for.

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Another option is the Sienci Altmill Spindle Kit.

I just put one of these on my Woodworker. I made the control cable but I think PWNCNC sells one pre-made. The I/O can be reassigned so the router power outlet can be used to power up the VFD on start up. The VFD comes set up for RS485 control so I created a spreadsheet based on information provided by Sienci that documents changes required to the parameter settings for 0-10V speed control suitable for the MASSO G3.

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I purchased a water cooled highly recommend. I repeat water cooled spindle on Amazon. It slid right into my one Finity Z slider. It is incredible.

IMG_5234
IMG_5234927×1444 165 KB

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I am following this post with interest. I have a journeyman with buildbotics and a Makita router. I have had crazy failures that i am told are a result of EMI. I have applies all the EMI preventions modification recommended by One Inifinity but dont trust my machine. So what is the Elite upgrade? And can i apply that to my set up? Does it eliminate EMI issues?

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I bought this spindle (same PWN uses) along with a used PWN VFD. I had a cable done by my friend from electronics shop and VFD connector purchased straight from PWN.
All came close to $400. Once assembled it was basically plug and play. I’m very happy with this spindle over the LOUD Makita. This one is silent.

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