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Thread: New Spindle

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2000
    Location
    Thorp, WI
    Posts
    2,845

    Default New Spindle

    Well, after 12 years, my 4hp HSD spindle finally said "Enough"!

    Instead of getting another one, to the tune of $1800 for a bare spindle, I decided to give AliExpress a try and try one of the Chinese clones. This is a HQD 3.5kw (4.7hp) air cooled square body one that bolted right up to the Z without modification. It was originally pictured on AliExpress as having the same plug as the HSD, but came with the connection as shown, so I had to cut off the cord and wire it in. No big deal, just not as convenient as it could have been. For $350, I can live with it. So far it's working nicely and the noise from the shaft driven fan is not bad at all. It's running at 12000 rpm in the video. Phone mic doesn't reflect the real sound, but it's 70db at 2 feet from it. Way better than the old one in it's last days!

    https://youtu.be/xKSPhmZdbZc
    Scott




  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    cnc routing, portland or
    Posts
    3,633

    Default

    good to know. I know it was hard to fork out for a new spindle a couple years ago.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Kennebunkport, Maine
    Posts
    4,419

    Default

    Thanks Scott!
    VERY good to know...keep us informed!
    No problems with the existing VFD?
    scott
    scott P.
    2013 Desktop/spindle/VCP 11.5**
    Maine

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Rogers, Arkansas
    Posts
    1,010

    Default

    Yes, let us know how it goes after several months, a year etc. I'm on my backup spindle now, would cost $1500 to put bearings in the one that's down. Could buy a lot of these for that cost, let alone cost of new one.
    Ken Zey
    Lookout Mercantile / Digital Millwork
    Rogers, AR
    www.CedarSlabSigns.com
    www.lookoutmercantile.com
    www.digitalmillwork.com

    6x12 PRS alpha

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2000
    Location
    Thorp, WI
    Posts
    2,845

    Default

    Hey Scott,

    The only thing is that these spindles don't have the thermistor for overheat protection shutdown via the VFD, so you have to disable that in the VFD parameters or just jumper the SBHQ connections to bypass it. The cooling fan on these put out a lot more cooling air than the 80mm electric fan on the HSD's, so I'm not too concerned. Ran a 3.5 hour 3D yesterday and it was just a good warm temp when finished.
    Scott




  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Diamond Lake, WA
    Posts
    1,746

    Default

    Very interested in the longevity of this spindle, Scott. Mine is approaching 10 years and I'm pretty sure it's ready to **** out. This would be a great alternative to a $1500 replacement HSD, plus it would boost my HP from 2.2 to 3.4. More for less? Didn't think that existed anymore....
    Don
    Diamond Lake Custom Woodworks, LLC
    www.dlwoodworks.com
    ***********************************
    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece; But to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, bank accounts empty, credit cards maxed out, defiantly shouting "Geronimo"!

    If you make something idiot proof, all they do is create a better idiot.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2001
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Posts
    445

    Default

    I have had a 3.5KW Chinese spindle for over 5 years with no problems. I love it and am thinking of buying another just to have a spare.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Rogers, Arkansas
    Posts
    1,010

    Default

    Scott, While it's fresh in your mind, would you be able to document wiring and vfd settings on here so we could find it later?
    Ken Zey
    Lookout Mercantile / Digital Millwork
    Rogers, AR
    www.CedarSlabSigns.com
    www.lookoutmercantile.com
    www.digitalmillwork.com

    6x12 PRS alpha

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Kennebunkport, Maine
    Posts
    4,419

    Default

    Thanks Scott,
    Not even sure my little 1hp HSD shaft driven fan spindle HAS overheat protection.
    Good to know though(as well as the plug difference).
    Good luck
    scott
    scott P.
    2013 Desktop/spindle/VCP 11.5**
    Maine

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Diamond Lake, WA
    Posts
    1,746

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by srwtlc View Post
    Well, after 12 years, my 4hp HSD spindle finally said "Enough"!

    Instead of getting another one, to the tune of $1800 for a bare spindle, I decided to give AliExpress a try and try one of the Chinese clones. This is a HQD 3.5kw (4.7hp) air cooled square body one that bolted right up to the Z without modification. It was originally pictured on AliExpress as having the same plug as the HSD, but came with the connection as shown, so I had to cut off the cord and wire it in. No big deal, just not as convenient as it could have been. For $350, I can live with it. So far it's working nicely and the noise from the shaft driven fan is not bad at all. It's running at 12000 rpm in the video. Phone mic doesn't reflect the real sound, but it's 70db at 2 feet from it. Way better than the old one in it's last days!

    https://youtu.be/xKSPhmZdbZc
    Do you happen to have a link to this spindle you could please share? Thank you!!!
    Don
    Diamond Lake Custom Woodworks, LLC
    www.dlwoodworks.com
    ***********************************
    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece; But to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, bank accounts empty, credit cards maxed out, defiantly shouting "Geronimo"!

    If you make something idiot proof, all they do is create a better idiot.

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