Question Operating time & spindle

Hello to everybody,

I would like to ask how long is the maximum time that would be the ideal for the machine to work?
For example if I have a 90-minutes job would it be safe?
And second, if there is other motor than the HF 500 that can fit in the Stepcraft (600) machine which can carry collets larger than ER-11 in order to use bigger end-mills.

Thank you for your time
Alexandros

I can't answer this but Rory said Kress and Stepcraft HF spindles can run all day. My first planned jobs are 2 to 9 hours estimated cut times.

Doug

Thank you Doug,

You helped a lot. My project requires a lot of working hours and I wasn't sure if the machine can take it.
I guess the end mill will be the most vulnerable to break after so much time of continuous usage.

alexkk wrote: Thank you Doug,

You helped a lot. My project requires a lot of working hours and I wasn't sure if the machine can take it.
I guess the end mill will be the most vulnerable to break after so much time of continuous usage.

.
I don't see how running the machine for a long time will break the end mill. It will eventually become blunt but not for a long time if it's a carbide end mill.

I am a little concerned about the machine missing steps based on what I have read on here. I don't know how common this is, especially if the machine is well tuned. Hopefully it won't be a problem. I will try a few practice cuts to see what happens before committing any decent tonewood.

I'll let you know when I eventually get up and running.

Doug

I machined a 4 hour job without issues.
Cutter breakage is usually from hitting clamps. (3mm cutter)
As for missing steps that would most likely be from having too tightly adjusted slideways, or milling cutter machining too fast.
Depending on the material being machined, but wood is normaly not a problem from my experience.

I had issues with missing steps all the time. Got rid of the crap lubricant they ship with the machine and am using White Lithium based on Stepcraft USA's suggestion. Difference is NIGHT and DAY. The stuff they send with the machine will get stiff in temperatures less than 65 degrees F.