First post on the forum. Pulled trigger on an Elite Foreman about 7 weeks back (order# 46614) and hoping that lead time reduction means it’ll be on its way shortly. As I wait I’ve been getting everything else sorted for when it shows up. I’ll be going with a 2.2kW 220V spindle and have read lots of the available info around here. I do still have a couple lingering questions that didn’t quite get answered. Would greatly appreciate anybody willing to share answers and experience.
Q1:
Roughly what is the bend radius of the stock elite drag chains?
Q2:
Has anyone experienced issues using spindle cable with braided single shielding?
The gold standard recommendation is of course double shielded spindle cable. Does the double shielding actually make a difference to a good amount of users or is it overkill that covers the rare niche cases? Many of the motor cables from Lapp/Igus with low minimum bend radius (MBR) are braided single shield with good coverage. If anyone has actual experience where a braided single shield wasn’t enough I would be interested to hear the scenario.
Currently looking at the following cables in 16/4 size:
Igus CF31 - More expensive, braided single shield with good coverage (70% linear, 90% optical), low MBR
Igus CF6 - A bit cheaper than CF31, braided single shield with good coverage (70% linear, 90% optical), lowest MBR
If single shielded with the above coverage will be more than good enough for real world use I will go with that for the better MBR. Currently leaning towards the CF6, though listed as a “control cable” the 4 conductor construction is identical to the CF31 but has better MBR at lower price.
Q3:
Is there any real difference quality wise between the main Chinese 2.2kW VFD’s?
Currently looking at the typical HY, the YL600 and the H100. They all look to have the same functionality and connectivity but vary on Hz capability with the H100 supposedly going to 1000Hz. If all else if the same the 1000Hz capability would be nice for motors with different # poles/rpm.
Fully aware of the general flaws with the basket I’m picking from here and just trying to weed out known bad actors if there are any.
Thanks in advance and hope I haven’t blown through my question quota in the first post!
Looks like this post got derailed a touch by us eager folks. Thanks for the data points on order numbers, turns it into a bit of a treasure hunt getting clues on where you stand.
Nice setup indeed @Woodpecker and I think you inadvertently answered Q1 with that side profile shot. Knowing the rail is 50mm, can see the bend radius of drag chain is ~2.5 inches. What’d you go with for a spindle cable?
The standard Drag chain on the x rail fits this wire OK But not the y rail. as you can see I bring the spindle wire out from the X rail and run a slider along the top of the y rail Also do that with the two water lines… It Works GREAT.
On the overhead (That you cannot see) I have a 80/20 rail that has two slider to hold up both the spindle cable and the two water lines.
I’ve had a X-50 with a Water Cooled Spindle for quite sometime in which there has been no issues. The newer Elite model poses a few hurtles. First E-chains that you receive from are way to small to house the Spindle motor cables and the water lines. You will need a 50mm min. width. I have used a 50mm with but now I use a 70mm. The other thing you have to consider is the special mounting that comes with the elite. All these connectors that are used in the upgrade are in my mind not applicable. If you have a decent DYI, as I did. The 3D printed wire tract holder width change is all I needed as well, I made all new Molex connector in one length instead of having several connective points.
