Wolfgang Spindle Questions

cueman

cueman

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I would like to know what people think about the wolfgang spindle packages. I just bought a CNC machine that has one on it. I contacted Wolfgang and they say it will only run 20,000 rpm. And it seems underpowered, but will it do the job without bogging down and breaking lots of bits? I have not got the machine up and running yet. I checked the bit run out and it is way less than .0005" which is much better than my PC that runs out .001". But the PC has much more power and runs 30,000 rpm. So are any of you using them and do you have any suggestions for making it better, faster or more powerful.
 
The one I had said it was rated for up to 50K RPM's when I bought it if I remember correctly. I built a bigger pully for the motor. Mine is currently running at around 32K RPM's. I built a second pully where I got the machine up to around 50K RPM's, but I didn't like the way it was cutting so I don't use that one.

I cut silver and brass sheet with mine and I haven't had any issues.
 
I bought one his first ultra-sonic models with the separate power supply. I don't think he still makes them now but I believe it was 90,000rpm. It's a bit underpowered for some things, but it's fine for inlay work. It's runout was negligable. I often use the 1/64" cutters which are very easy to break if your spindle isn't running true. I mounted a second (PC) laminate trimmer on my z axis for operations where more torque is necessary.

Sherm
 
I think he has made several models over the years.
Chris, Can you post a photo of the one you have?

I tried two of his spindles and they both worked good but they used 12vdc motors with brushes that would wear and need replacement.
And they required an outboard power supply.
A better motor would be a brush-less type but of course they are more expensive.

I plan on buying a NSk spindle later on as those seem to be very high quality units ... but also expensive.
 

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The Spindle looks just like yours Bill. The motor looks just like the set up he has on Ebay now. If it had a larger pulley step I might try one of my 3/4HP 5000 rpm Mid Size Cue Smith motors with a 6 to one pulley ratio on it and try it. He told me his bearings are only rated to 24,000 rpms, so that might not be a good idea. How much would an NSK spindle with wide pulley step like Align Rite uses cost?
 
I plan on ordering an NSK either this week or next and you're looking at around $3K for the spindle and controller. A little more for the 60K RPM model.
 
Tony does the NSK require an air source for cooling?

A few years ago Pechauer was upgrading his spindles and selling the used ones. Wish I had bought one of those.

The Unique Quite router works just fine but ...
It is big and heavy and I am always looking for something better ... within reason.
 
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I believe they do require an air source Willee. I'm not 100% sure what all I have to order, so I will talk to somebody that has one before I order.
 
Hey Tony. Ask about the air chuck spindles when you do talk to them. I believe they make them for the 55000rpm units. I did not see any for the 80k units.
 
Depending on what you are doing, Ushio pencil grinders might be worth a thought.The new ones have quite high rpm and the exhaust air goes out the back of the unit. They also run real smoothe.
Neil
 
conetip said:
Depending on what you are doing, Ushio pencil grinders might be worth a thought.The new ones have quite high rpm and the exhaust air goes out the back of the unit. They also run real smoothe.
Neil
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I looked these up. Nobody lists the runout anywhere and I couldn't find a website for the company.
 
IMO thre air cooled ceramic bearing NSK 50K unit is super nice. Real quiet real accurate and not cheap. You can carry on a conversation right next to it when it is cutting. Sounds like a dental drill.

John
 
RocketQ said:
IMO thre air cooled ceramic bearing NSK 50K unit is super nice. Real quiet real accurate and not cheap. You can carry on a conversation right next to it when it is cutting. Sounds like a dental drill.
John
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GRRRRRR - every time I read that makes me cringe!!!

But I do have a serious question. Are 50k and 80k spin speeds realistic for cue making or is this for a metallic project?

Just trying to learn.

Thanks

Gary
 
GEBrown said:
GRRRRRR - every time I read that makes me cringe!!!

But I do have a serious question. Are 50k and 80k spin speeds realistic for cue making or is this for a metallic project?

Just trying to learn.

Thanks

Gary
Click to expand...

The smaller the cutter diameter the less efficient it becomes at cutting. It needs to run faster and truer or else it will break easily. 25,000 rpm is fast enough for .0312 (1/32) cutter at moderate speeds but if using a finer cutter or for more speed of movement more rpms are needed.

Dick
 
Well said Dick...
Astro E500Z is the controller I have and the spindle is the NR453-E.
Requires 20 psi to allow the spindle to turn.
Light duty only an 1/8 collet.
John
 
I purchased one of the new models just here recently. No modifications, just as it came. If I slow the speeds on the machine just a little, it works great.
Here are some pics of his new models.As you can see, it cuts very nice IMO.

104_0300Small.jpg

104_0303Small.jpg
 
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