Had to choose between a Chinese import spindle and a name brand one for my CNC conversion - glad I went cheap

I was building a DIY CNC router to cut aluminum parts for side projects. The import spindle was $180 from a seller on AliExpress, the name brand one was closer to $700 from a local distributor. I went with the cheap one figuring I could always upgrade later if it blew up. Well 6 months later and it's still running smooth, cutting 6061 aluminum at 18000 RPM without any issues. The runout is like 0.001 inches which is totally fine for what I do. Has anyone else tried the cheap spindles and had them hold up for longer than expected?

2 comments

2 Comments

wendy_jackson14d ago

Cheap spindles are a crapshoot, but you got lucky with that one.

craig.sage14d ago

Wait, do you really think cheap spindles are always a gamble? I've had way different luck than you have. @wendy_jackson, I get what you're saying about luck playing a part, but for me it's mostly about how you set them up and what you're spinning with them. A cheap spindle with good bearings and a balanced whorl can spin just as well as an expensive one if you take the time to adjust it right. I've got a $9 spindle that I've used for years without any wobble or wear issues. It's more about knowing how to pick the right cheap one than just hoping it works.