VFD versus Compact router

CNC Machines
1

I currently have the Shapeoko Pro XL with a compact router. I’m leaning toward upgrading to the VFD. While I’ve read as much as I can find about the upgrade, I would like the input from the experts on here.

The only true downside I see is a potential issue with GFCI circuits, which I don’t have in my shop.

Is there anything else I’m missing?

Thanks in advance.

2

TLDR: The spindle is a fabulous upgrade!

Pro XL here as well. I upgraded to the 65 mm Spindle just as the new version came out (the ER16 collet version). I love it. A bit quieter than the router (though my dust collection is still pretty loud).
It works quite nicely.
“Issues” (in quotes since they are more “Issues with the operator rather than the system”)

  1. Part of the VFD system is powered from the control board and part from the wall plug. I have the control box a bit below my line of sight, so if I forgot to turn the VFD main switch on (next to where the power plug comes in) I don’t always clearly see the rpm display being off. But the enable/disable button is illuminated from power from the connection to the control board. A pilot light on the front panel (not recessed like the display) would be a nice improvement, but really its just getting your work flow down to make sure you turn things on.
  2. The rubber connector cover flops towards the limit switch when the logo is pointed to the front. Has not affected operation.

Suggestions

  1. I went and got collet nuts for each of the different size collets I have so I don’t have to swap them around.
  2. I found it handy (though this may be just the types of projects I do ) to get the deep brush for the Deep Sweepy And switch back and forth as needed between the deep and normal.

Bottom line a great upgrade

John

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3

Excellent information thanks @Stankus.

4

Do you have the HDZ as recommended here?

“This spindle is 65mm in diameter, so it should fit any Shapeoko 3, 4, Pro, or 5 Pro. That said, it is significantly heavier than a standard trim router, so we prefer to pair it up with an HDZ but the Z-Plus works well too. We do not recommend adding the VFD Spindle to the original Shapeoko 3 belt-drive Z-Axis.”

This is from the C3D product page.

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5

I have whatever was the standard the summer of 2022 when I ordered the machine originally. I added the spindle last year (May 2025). I have not had issues with the mount.

(well, that is not exactly true… I had a screw drop out of things, I finally realized it was the screw I put back in from the ground wire from the bitrunner (which is no longer needed (the wire and the bitrunner)) I screwed that one in since I didn’t know where to put it and didn’t tighten it up. Again operator issues, not an issue with the system )

John

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6

I would echo what John said and add that I have almost no disconnects since moving to the 65mm spindle.

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7

Thanks as always for the feedback.

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I have an S3 with the Z Plus - not the HDZ. I am using the 65mm spindle with it, and it has been absolutely no problem.

I don’t see the specs for the S Pro, but I think the Z it shipped with is about equivalent to the Z Plus (or better), so it shouldn’t be a problem.

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9

I upgrade to the HDZ and 65mm spindle on my 4XL. I bought the 4XL used so I figured upgrading the HDZ from the Zplus it wasn’t a bad thing to do

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10

I strongly suggest moving to a VFD router. I changed from a hand router to a VFD. What a world of difference in the precision of the cuts. I do small batches of simple cuts for my wood toy line. I’ve cut down on my cutting time because I can increase the speed and feed on the VFD and get a precise cut.

As for the GFCI issue, I had to remove mine and put a regular plug on a 20amp circuit. the GFCI would intermittently cut off with the startup load. or if I ran another machine at the same time. Eventually I will wire in a dedicated circuit for my VFD.

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