Note: On May 2025, the 65mm VFD Spindle Kit was updated to include an ER16 spindle*
Is there a way to retro-fit or trade in the 65mm VFD Spindle I bought 6 months ago? I’m wanting to use 3/8 Bits as the type of work I’ve been doing it not detail and would be so much faster with 3/8 bits.
For whether or no there is an upgrade option, please check in w/ the folks at sales.
In the past, most folks using 3/8" collets have only used it for metrology — the ER-20 folks seem to go straight to 1/2".
As an alternative to 3/8" tooling have you looked into 8mm (and 5/16")? it is far more rigid than 1/4", and doesn’t waste so much material as the larger size does, and seems a very good fit for the machines and the scale of most projects folks are doing.
To build on what @WillAdams wrote, I have a (not Carbide 3D) ER-11 spindle and bought this 8mm collet, and it works just fine for me, but I am only using 8mm bits for wood - for now.
There is no option to retrofit the 65mm spindle shaft with a shaft that supports the ER-16 collet/nut at this time. You can get the newer 65mm spindle or go with the 80mm spindle from carbide or go aftermarket as others have done.
The 8mm is a great option. I don’t think you would see much of a difference in the cutting speed you can go between the 8mm (.315) and the 3/8 (.375). If you need it to do that much more than you should probably make the move to the 80mm.
Good comment. I was thinking about the newer 65 mm spindle. I don’t need the 80 mm at this point.
You are correct and it’s a good stepping stone.
Thanks for saving me money
I saw your post about a flexible setup supporting 5/16 - I’d like to go that route.
Is that picture in the link what your 8mm looks like or just a generic collet for reference?
I got an 8mm and was surprised by how little metal was left with the 8mm hole in the middle.
I noticed that when I used the mcfly. It hasn’t slipped yet. I does thread up the spindle higher than the others.
It’s probably a generic pic. I agree, my 8mm collet is incredibly thin at the back taper. I’d almost say it is sharp enough to cut me without trying too hard.
You wont regret it. The 5/16’- 8mm tooling was a real step up on the 65mm spindle. Based on my needs as of now I do not need a larger spindle. The Maritool collet/nuts fit perfectly and run true. Make sure you don’t bottom out the bit in the spindle shaft, you need some head room to fully tighten the collet nut. I have found that inserting the bit 1/16” above the collet is sufficient for full collet/bit engagement for properly securing the tooling.
The Maritool was the same, collet is thin to get the larger shaft diameter in the ER-11 nut. I spent some time with ensuring I had proper engagement of the tooling before I actually let the spindle spin up.
@CullenS my photo was the 3/8 bit set I bought when I heard the 65mm spindle supported it, but then later read that’s only if you bought one last month and thereafter.
I’m going to the the 5/16th, but apparently the shaft doesn’t fully fit, but maybe enough? Hopefully that will work!
As the saying goes Buy Once, Cry Once.
If you even think you might want to go to the 80mm in the future, do it now & save the money from buying a third spindle.
With an ER-20 Spindle you can also save by using your existing bits and just get a full range of Imperial & Metric collets.