65mm or 80 mm spindle

CNC Machines Shapeoko 5 Pro
1

Hello all,
I’m getting somewhat used to my 5 Pro.
I have been using a compact router, which has done everything that I have ask of it so far without any problems at all.
I am getting ready to start using it more and more so I would like to upgrade from my router to a spindle.
My question is, what do you all recommend most; a 65 (1.5kw) or 80mm (2.2kw) spindle?
Also, Water or air cooled?
Thanks in advance for the replies.

2

Like most things, it’s a tradeoff:

  • 80mm will have more potential torque than 65mm
  • air cooled is simpler, water cooled requires the complexity of a pump and tank and so forth

&c. it’s up to each person to determine where they fall on that spectrum.

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3

I have a 65mm air cooled spindle that has worked good for me, but I only use it for woodworking.
I think it depends on each person, and what they plan to machine. :grinning:

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4

I am wondering if the extra weight of the 80mmm spindle would cause quicker and more wear on my 5 pro than the 65mm spindle?
I don’t fore see myself ever using my 5 pro for anything except for woodworking.

5

The ball screw mechanism on the HDZ is quite low friction and if kept well-lubricated will have minimal wear even with a weighty spindle.

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6

Indeed, the HDZ is made with linear rails and ballscrews which are rated to much higher loads than these small spindles, also, cutting forces should be larger than the forces from the spindle weight.

To me the key differences between the spindles are;

  1. Water cooled, extra stuff, but silence! Blessed silence! (esp. if you have a reasonably quiet vacuum)
  2. The larger spindles run an ER20 collet which allows you to run up to 13mm or 1/2" tooling, doesn’t mean you can go wild with huge insert cutters but it does mean you can run some quite cheap 1/2" shank cutters, and get a broader range of dial indicator stems etc. into the collet
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7

One other thing to think about. Do you have 220V in your shop? If not, the 80mm won’t be possible.

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I’ve been running an 80mm spindle for around a year now on my 5 pro. Only thing I used the trim router for was the machine an adapter plate to mount my spindle mount.

I’ve been using 80mm water cooled 2.2 kw spindles for years on shapeokos. Would never go back to anything less powerful.

One thing that I suggest you keep in mind. If you do get an 80mm spindle I would go in and change the grbl settings for max z axis speed. I can’t remember what I changed mine to. A couple versions of CM ago they raised the grbl settings to the firmware max. I’ve had some issues with lost steps when rapid retracting the z during long jobs. Slowing it down resolve me issue.

9

A bit of discussion on this at:

and the matching link.

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10

Thanks for all the replies. I think I have decided that when I do go with a spindle that I will choose the 80 mm spindle.
I do have 220V already in my shop; most of my equipment runs on that; so it now seems like a no brainer to me after learning the 5 pro will handle the 80 mm spindle fine.

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I will be releasing a comparison video as soon as my 80 mm spindle arrives to replace my 65 mm which I now use. In the video I plan to make the same cut with both spindles showing the differences between the two. I ordered it Friday.

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Is there a link to purchase just the 5 pro compatible 80mm mount? Not interested in a locked down VFD and kit as I’m VFD certified by AB but the mount would be handy. Looks like you can buy it for the other Shapeokos but not the 5.

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