Re: Semi-good high speed spindle idea? - Thanks and an explanation.

> I would like a high speed spindle for small diameter tools for my
> mill which is limited to around 4K rpm. It would be nice if it did
> not alter my x/y position and not use up much of my 8" of spindle
> travel.

Thanks for all the input. I had been looking at the taig spindle and
it looks like you can get one with motor for about $100. The problem
though remains the same. The motor has to be mounted parallel to the
shaft and generally above the pully as there isn't room to move it
below. My mill is part of the problem. It is pretty massive and has
a wide face on the bottom of the head unlike a bridgeport which by
the use of a longer belt the motor can be raised next to the head.
The quill also fully retracts so I can't mount stuff on the end of
the quill.

What I'm doing is large parts with smaller details (large steam
trains). I need large tools on the order of .5" to profiles 12"
wheels followed by 3/32" tools to relieve around spokes. I probably
don't need anything much smaller than that. Cutting with a 3/32
cutter at 4K is exceedingly slow. My cam program tells me over 24
hours. My power isn't that stable.

If I use a quill with a parallel motor I am going to have to move
the knee and change the x/y offesets. As I can't clamp anything to
the quill the offset is going to be pretty random because I can't
controll the quill rotation. If I loose the x/y position then
repositioning the table for the backside and journal offsets is
going to be a problem.

For a cheap high speed spindle see
<http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?
ViewItem&item=7574933790&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1>.

Thanks for all the input. I'll keep thinking.

Roger S