Colombo Spindle Noise

[yendor]

I have a Colombo 5HP spindle on a pretty new Alpha. I notice noise and vibration in the RPM range of 12,500 to 15,000 RPM. It's not terrible but it is annoying because above and below that range the spindle is extremely quiet and smooth.

The vibration doesn't seem to be dependent on specific cutter but was slightly less when I removed the cutter, collet and collet nut.

Has anyone else experienced similar or know what might be causing such a vibration.

[Brady Watson]

Yes...Rod I have experienced it, but only from about 15500 to 16700 RPM. I believe that it is a harmonic thing and there may be things on the bot (possibly even the cooling fan on the Colombo) causing this.

I know that the Delta drive gives you some kind of option to adjust harmonics, but I never really cared to try anything. I'm a firm believer, If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

-Brady

[elcruisr]

I isolated a similar noise on mine to just the right harmonic around 14,000 causing my fan guard and shroud to "sing". If I put my hand on them it goes away. Not sure if this is what's happenng with yours.

Eric

[yendor]

Eric, Brady,

Thanks for the responses. Even though a little disappointed I feel better knowing it is a quirk which was what I hoped it was. Harmonics can be a difficult thing to correct but I'll check a few things out on the bot. Other than the annoyance it's a nice spindle.

[Brady Watson]

Just dampen the fan shroud/housing...It hasn't bothered me enough to mess with it. Especially with ear protection and a good FM station


-Brady

[yendor]

Thanks, problem solved or at least understood. It's the fan shroud and of all things it seems to be sensitive to temperature. In the mornings when the shop is cold and the entire machine isn't very warm the annoying harmonic vibration is worse. After the shop and machine get up to about 65+ and the spindle has been used a while the vibration is limited to about a 500 RPM range. Non of it shows up in a part.

[admin@stahmer.com.au]

Where is the Colombo Electro Spindle website???
Have been trying but no luck

[gerald_d]

Hi Gerron, down in Australia,

Colombo in Italy (http://www.elettromeccanicagcolombo.com/home_en.htm)

Agent in Australia (http://www.advancedrobotic.com/)

The American distributor (http://www.pdscolombo.com/index.htm) who supplies to ShopBot.