Ebay Spindles

[GlenP]

Hey Everyone. I am doing some thinking about spindles instead of my PC router. I have seen the off shore models on ebay and wanted some feedback for anybody using one. Water vs. fan, size etc. I do not know what wattage of a spindle transforms to hp. I did a search and got some past posts but looking for more info. Also I see alot of different size collets....iI assume the bigger the number the larger the collet???
Thanks in advance for replies and hope all are keeping the woodchips flying.

[rcnewcomb]

1kW = 1.34hp

[supertigre]

750w = 1HP

[cabnet636]

i have been told the bearings are of a type that require the water cool vs the aircool, an austrailian friend of mine fried one on his first use, he had to learn you do not run these without water (DUH) since then he has had several machines and never did that again, i would imagine you would want a very good pump controlled at the turn on of the spindle and a visual check each time, many have stated to check the chinese pump at the outset. i would definantly make sure you have er 20 or 25 collet,

[jerry_stanek]

Jim is right about the collet but ER 20 or ER 25 you will need the 1/2 inch to use some of the specialty bits.

[danhamm]

Been using the 3 kw air cooled one for 1.5 years no problems, bought a spare.. and tried to kill the old one by running it slow cutting aluminum and even some steel..still trucking no problems..just sayin..

[waynelocke]

I have had an air cooled 3kw spindle for a month or so now. It is a quantum leap up from a router. You can buy either a water cooled or air cooled. The air cooled doesn't need water. Make a ridiculous offer on ebay. You may be surprised.

it seemed from what i read that the Chinese vfds were not very reliable so I bought an Hitachi vfd. The cost for the power cable, vfd, spindle, wrenches, collets, and miscellaneous was about $800 and took a bit of scheming, engineering and research to install and program. It's not an HSD or a Columbo but it is much better than my Milwaukee router.

I also plan to get a spare for whenever the inevitable happens.

I am singing a happy tune today but who knows about next week.

[GlenP]

Thanks guys. Dan sent you a pm about something.