Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Recycled parts for my CNC


I am all about reusing,  recycling junk in my builds.  The cutter/spindle motor is no exception.   I've been shopping around for my spindle motor for my cnc.  Estimated this would cost me $70-$150 for this part alone.  Then while looking for some hardware in my junk box,  I came across the perfect motor! 
This is a Ryobi SS180 speed saw/circle cutter that I purchased as part of a Ryobi tool package almost 10 years ago and has never been used.  I cracked it open and found the perfect spindle for my cnc.  Perfect especially since it is FREE! 


The motor is rated at 26,000 @ 18v dc.  I can hook this up to the cnc controller or more likely,  I will connect it to it's own DC PWM controller for manual speed control.  It has a 1/8" and 1/4" reversable collet sleeve already on the shaft as well as a high speed bearing.  It appears the shaft is hardened tool steel,  so it should work  very well.  Also is air cooled (fan). 
 Mounting threaded screw holes on the body and the beefy 32mm bearing on the shaft will make mounting extremely easy. Never know when you will be able to use something in your junk drawers!



  Another new addition to my shop is a Grizzly G8750 compound slide table for my drill press!  Until now I have been doing all my metal machining freehand.  I wish I had this when I started my build.  It makes everything so much easier and precise! Next upgrade will be a new drill press.


Bearing and motor mounts in t6061 aluminum are so much more precise with the X-Y compound table!  It's a dream!