thinking about moving up to spindle, router can’t keep up a lot of brushes.any recommendations?
I had a router based CNC for a couple of years. Then I switched to a OneFinity Elite with a PwnCNC ATC spindle. What a big difference! I really like the power of the 2.2 kW spindle and the closed loop control of the OneFinity Elite. The ATC is also very nice as it speeds up projects that use multiple bits. If it is in your budget a spindle and ATC is a great way to go.
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A spindle is the way to go. The power, smooth operation, and speed are all things you will truly appreciate. I got my PwnCNC spindle for my Foreman Elite before Onefinity announced their spindle offering. I selected a 1.5 kW water-cooled spindle. I wanted a water-cooled spindle so that my dust collection wasn’t fighting a spindle cooling fan.
Going with the Redline spindle option gives you a single point of support. I don’t really know what options Onefinity has with the Redline.
You will not regret a spindle upgrade.
Dirkus
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Yes, even a mediocre spindle will be better than a really good trim router.
Even a plagiarized knockoff spindle/vfd from a company that doesn’t even really exist will be an improvement over a trim router. It just really comes down to whether or not you care about sending your money to a company that exhibits some integrity.
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Ordered mine with a spindle, but got the machine a few weeks before the spindle. So I used a trim router to at least get it running and get familar.
The minute I turned the spindle on for the first time I was startled at how much quieter and smoother it is. And having it be closed loop is another massive difference. Plus you can run a spindle slower than a router, with more torque.
I went with the 220v 2.2kw air cooled from redline. That’s just me, you will get 3 opinions on the subject for every 2 posts.
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There are pros and cons. I may have documented them here { insert shameless self promtion} 
-Tom
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I had a lot of problems with my Makita router. I 3D printed a locking lever to keep the router speed the same as it would often change speed when the router vibrated. But my biggest issue with the router was the poor collet that allowed my upcut bits to be pulled down into the material and ruining my piece and often cutting into my spoil board. The PWNCNC spindle I purchased is so much better. Also, with a spindle you don’t have to remember to change the speed since it comes over in the code.
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