Hi
Thanks that is helpful - I will have to just see how it goes then but it doesn’t sound as bad as I thought.
Mark
I have been running CNCs since 2007, started with a router. It was what I could afford and the technology at the time. Today spindles are much more affordable.
- If you have the funds, buy it
- If you plan on only using the machine occasionally, couple of hour/week use a router
The quality of the cutting will not be a noticeable difference however, your cut speeds could be less. Not a game changer. - If you plan on using your CNC as a business and not a hobby, get the spindle
- Buyer’s remorse- Buy from a reputable dealer if you do get a spindle. If you buy a router you may say” I should have bought a spindle. $150-$200 that could have gone towards the purchase.
Best of luck with your decision, hope everyone’s feedback has not confused you😉
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Thank you - the more comments the better. Maybe someone can explain what a VFD is with regard to a spindle?
Spindles require three phase power. The VFD takes incoming one (US) or two (Europe) phase power and converts it to three phase. The VFD also can communicate with CNC controllers to set the spindle speed, or you can run it standalone without direct communication to the controller.
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Hey Mark,
The speed of the motor is then controlled only by the variable frequency of the three-phase current.
VFDs can drive asynchronous induction motors, some like Omron MX2 or Hitachi WJ200 also are able to drive synchronous motors (permanent magnet motors). The latter can be used for slow speed high torque applications like milling steel.
Regarding using a VFD see also the following informative postings:
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The only Chinese machine I’ve found that’s worth a half a damn has been the Foxalien WM3020, as it comes with ball screws & 15mm linear rails. But even at that, I felt compelled to create new side plates to eliminate all manner of misalignment. I did some substantial upgrades on it, and got it trustworthy to within +/- 0.005" repeatability when machining aluminum parts. Ultimately though, I stole the nice aluminum table off it and put it on the Onefinity.
So yeah, good advice to @Dantech on steering clear of any of the typical Chinese CNC machines. I can’t even recommend the X-Carve (one of the OG of home CNC machines). With belt drive & V-roller guidance, it’s ok for light casual hobby work, but not recommended for anything serious.
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If you go the router route (see what I did there) consider getting the 80mm mount and using a shim/sleeve to adapt the 65mm router. If you go 65mm now (like I did) and want to upgrade to an 80mm spindle (like I want to), then you have to buy a new 80mm Z-Slider and try to sell your 65mm at a discount. I wasn’t thinking ahead enough when I did my non-Elite to Elite upgrade and now I have that extra step/hassle when I am ready to up my game to a spindle.
Merely a suggestion to consider it. The shim is easy and cheap to get from PwnCNC and you set yourself up for a future upgrade and no harm if you don’t upgrade.
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Great advice - thank you! I will do that.
Mark
I have had my 1F for two years now and use it about 5 days a week. I use a router
Thank you
I value your feedback and have decided I will start with a router. My workshop built fit it should be ready in the new year so I will order a 1F then. I just don’t know which software to go for yet so will need advice on that. Mark
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I use Vectric Vcarve Pro. Does everything I need and more.
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I think that’s a good choice to start out with the router, cheap, less technical and more than capable. If this is your first CNC You have a steep learning curve ahead of you, and adding a spindle on top of that just makes that climb steeper. Also OF does not support Spindles when it comes to support if you have any problems they will tell you to remove it before further assisting you, so I think its best to get the feel for the machine, comfortable and seasoned with it. If it turns out you don’t end up using it too much no loss, if you find you are advancing and expanding your usecase then upgrade to a spindle then.
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Hey Mark,
don’t change the topic in the middle of a thread. Make an own thread for every new question.
Dude…wth
In the time it took you to chastise him, you could have simply offered the advice he was asking for.
?? not really 
diverting a topic means to have a all subsequent visitors having difficuties to search and find because of wrong topic title.
And regarding the question itself, it is really a so frequently asked (and frequently answered) question, usually you don’t ask this as a question but you use the search function of the forum.
Anyway, I’m always glad to provide a helpful link:
PS: Maybe I should better have written: “Feel free to create a new topic anytime”
It’s a big button on the upper right of the forum start page.
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Thanks for your comment. I went to the Harrogate Woodwork show in the UK today and chatted to a Vectric demonstrator who went through the programme features. The programme does seem to have all the features I need. , but the V Carve desktop is cheaper to start with so will start with that. He said I can upgrade later and just pay the difference.
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I’m also from the UK and my first machine was a second hand Denford. I moved on to a Onefinity Elite, and went directly with a spindle. I didn’t use spindle or any plug and play route due to the added import taxes and customs, so researched and bought a recommended VFD and spindle. With the money saved I then paid £40-£80 (1-2 hrs work) for an electrician to properly solder it with the correct double shielded wire, and he even grounded the shielding. I did this for peace of mind. If you know what you’re doing though and are confident, then you can easily do it yourself, it isn’t super complex. If you have any questions please feel free to message.
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Hi John
Am I allowed to ask what make VFD and spindle you bought and where from so I can research it.
I still like the idea that a spindle is quieter although my son bought me the Palm router that works with the 1F already. So I could try both. I learnt the CNC stuff twenty five years on a Denford Miller and Denford lathe so I am not a complete Novice but that was a long time ago. Software has developed so much since then. So it will be a new learning curve I’m sure.
Mark
Hi Mark,
I bought a 220v - 2.2kw Huangyang VFD and Spindle, as a kit on eBay. I went air cooled, but if you want water cooled there isn’t much difference in the set up, beyond the pump and pipes. If you were interested I could send you the link.
I have the settings for programming the VFD if you need it, in a PDF document. The rest I out sourced to an electrician. All in, it was about £250-£300 for the setup and electrician, including the correct wires etc.
I also bought a cable online from a retailer in Canada that plugs straight into the Masso, via the VFD, to control the Spindle via the controller (turn it on\off and the correct RPM etc). I could find those details and pass those on too. That cost around $25 CAD including postage, and saved a lot of work.
Any more questions let me know.
Thanks,
John
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Here is the link for what I bought Pardon our interruption...
It has done me well for nearly 18 months and counting.
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