I’m starting to assemble my LR3 CNC router with a usable cutting area of 1500mm (X) × 2600mm (Y), and I’m planning to use steel tubes 25x3mm for the frame. I’m currently deliberating on selecting the right spindle. I have a few questions and would like to share my thoughts while seeking your experiences and suggestions.
Preferences:
Collet System: ER11 – I prefer this standard for compatibility with my existing accessories.
Options I’m Considering:
Kobalt 5207238 Spindle
Pros: Fits well with existing ER11 collets and accessories.
Cons: Operates at 110V and lacks the CE marking, which might pose issues when importing to Europe.
In the post Kobalt Router Featuring the LR3, @Tokoloshe was mentioned. Does anyone have any information regarding the import process and potential issues related to the Kobalt 5207238 spindle? Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Pros: More powerful, potentially better performance.
Cons: Weighs approximately 3kg, which I’m concerned might be too heavy for the gantry compared to, for example, the Makita spindle at around 2kg. This additional weight could pose operational challenges.
My Questions:
Is the Kobalt 5207238 spindle recommended despite the lack of CE marking and its 110V specification?
Are the alternative spindles from OpenBuilds or AliExpress a good choice?
Would a 1.5kW VFD air-cooled spindle be suitable, or should I avoid it due to the weight difference compared to spindles like Makita’s 2kg option?
Does @Tokoloshe have any information regarding the import process and potential issues related to the Kobalt spindle?
Do you have other recommendations for ER11-compatible spindles that comply with European standards?
I would greatly appreciate any advice, experiences, and suggestions. I aim for my LR3 setup to operate smoothly and reliably, and selecting the right spindle is crucial to achieving that goal.
Hey David, since it was the Beta, Kobalt refused to ship me one to Europe, which was understandable. Ryan offered to ship one to me out of pocket, but I declined since I didn‘t want him to spent money on a router because I‘d also would have needed a converter to get it working.
Since warranty seems to work completely different in the US compared to the EU, I‘d also refrain from buying something there that might break or is prone to breaking (speed control on the Kobalt wandering, for instance), because there is no easy way to exchange it.
I‘d advise to get the Makita, or, if you want to spend a little more money, the AMB spindles are really, really great.
/edit: Using that span I‘d recommend to wait for the LR4. It should not be tooo far out (no promises though, only Ryan knows exactly) and the 32mm rails are a huge improvement over the LR3‘s 25mm ones.
Thank you so much for your detailed response and insights. I completely understand the challenges with importing the Kobalt spindle, especially concerning the warranty and voltage differences. I appreciate you sharing your experience.
I have considered the Makita spindle with modifications (Makita ER Collet Conversion), but there are very few opinions regarding runout. The AMB spindles seem interesting, although the cost is not low as you mentioned. I’m also curious if anyone has experience with the Chinese spindle from AliExpress or from Router11?
Unfortunately, after finishing printing the parts for LR3 V3, I noticed information about LR4. I was considering whether to wait for LR4, but I saw a post here where Ryan recommended proceeding with building the LR3.
@Tokoloshe Do you know how much time may pass until LR4 is published?
Only Ryan knows, sorry. I think what I am allowed to say is that the beta team didn‘t find any major flaws with the last version though.
Regarding the RoütER11, I also thought about buying it before going with the Makita for my first Primo because of the ER11 collet. Besides that I think that it is a 1:1 Makita clone. So should be good to go as well.
The RoütER11 sounds like an interesting option! It’s reassuring to hear that it’s a 1:1 Makita clone and should work well with the ER11 collet system.
Additionally, the Chinese spindle i mentioned AliExpress Link seems like another viable option. Despite being a Chinese spindle with 1500W, the price is quite attractive, and the weight is almost 2kg, which is similar to the Makita spindle. This makes it a good alternative considering both performance and mounting concerns. What you think about the chinese Spindle?
Thanks, I asked at the Vevor chat, and they didn’t have any restock plans for the next 3 months. However, they did inform me that the spindle weight is 3.5kg.
With my planned 1500mm width at the X axis, what thickness of the 25mm tubing would you recommend? Should I go with normal steel or stainless steel if I choose a 3.5kg VFD spindle? @Jonathjon, which thickness of the SS tubing did you choose? Any issues with the heavy spindle and the stiffness of the gate?
Looking forward to your advice!
This was WAY back on my LR2. I sold that machine over 2 years ago now and I cannot remember what thickness it was. On the LR3 I run 3/4" EMT and have it set up with a 1450mm beam with zero issues. The LR4 uses even larger 1" EMT and is even better.
You could also get an AMB, they are excellent spindles with digital speed control without the FU and they are a manufacturer that still produces nearly 100% in Germany. They are also very friendly and helpful.
You’d need to adjust your prints to make that work, as 1" stainless tubing (or structural pipe) is 1" OD, whereas 1" EMT is about 1-1/8 OD. I do love structural pipe for some things, but EMT is sooo much cheaper.
