Where oh where dose my spindle now go (what position should i place my spindle in the spindle mount)

Onefinity Spindle Kit by Redline CNC
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This is not a new topic, but I still have yet to see a definitive answer to the question of “where” as in “how high up” should I mount my redline 80 mm 220V air cooled spindle on the elite journeyman with a rapid change ATC and the SM suck it dust boot. There, that should be specific enough. I would love to get a specific answer. Also, when I get my sm dust boot what is the optimal position for it as well in this specific configuration? I am sure some that are fortunate enough to have all these parts running can take a few pictures and post them along with their thoughts on this matter. And Again, thank you all.

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From my experience - not with the Easy ATC - but with my own ATC setup, there is absolutely no definitive answer to your first question, likely your others as well.

There are too may variations and use cases - spoil board heights, ATC mounting heights, max/min end mill stick-out requirements for typical machining, … the list is long.

I personally like to limit the amount of spindle below the lowest mount. I would put in the tool I use with the least stick-out, and adjust my spindle position so that I can machine where I typically have my stock - if on the spoil board then it should be able to reach perhaps a few mm lower.

With that position, I would test to see if I can reach low enough, and clear high enough, for the proper use of the Easy ATC.

Knowing that, I would adjust my dust shoe based on max/min expected tool stick-out, and make sure that the dust shoe in those positions also work with the required clearances when doing auto tool changes.

This will be different I believe for every user.

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soooo, it’s by guess and by golly? Ok thanks

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Your summary of my response is completely inaccurate - but not surprising as I know you often like to ‘stir the pot’. :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes: If you have followed my responses over the years here and on other forums you know I don’t guess at things like this, and I never golly either.

In all seriousness, my hope is that others will not so easily dismiss or misinterpret the information and suggestions I shared, and may even find them somewhat useful, which was my goal when taking the time to respond to your post.

I know I didn’t answer your question, at least not with the information you were hoping to receive, which may explain your reaction to it. Hopefully you allowed yourself to at least consider the main point I was making.

I am excited to see some of the photos and recommendations of others - hopefully we will be joined in the conversation.

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I meant no offence whatsoever. I could easily have said trial and error too. I apologize for my weak attempt at levity. I have read your posts with interest from the very beginning of my CNC journey and found them very helpful.

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Thanks for that, I was hoping you were having fun with your response :grinning_face:

I just felt the need to respond because I felt you asked a good question, but wanted others to know that some questions which may at first appear simple and straightforward, have answers that end up being a bit more involved.

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I think a good initial setup is to…

Place a piece of 3/4" plywood on your spoilboard.
With spindle not installed. Lower the z carriage as low as it will go.
Put a collet, and collet nut in the spindle, with no cutter installed.
Slide the spindle into the Onefinity spindle clamp, resting the collet nut on the 3/4" plywood.
Tighten up the Onefinity spindle clamp bolts.

This is probably a good starting position for most people.
As you use the machine your requirements may make you realize a tad higher, or lower would be better- and its not too difficult to change.

Fair warning - after you fine tune the position, you will no longer be able to give others a straight forward answer on where to position the spindle. :wink:

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