Frage Check your HF spindles...

Hi folks, just a short note to recommend that anyone running an HF spindle checks it for tightness frequently. We've had the end cap begin to unwind before and on Friday I happened to be next to the machine as the main grey body started to unwind from the base as it was machining. Eeek.
Owen.

Indeed yes. Mine unscrewed itself during operation then the control unit failed for a second time.

The Stepcraft HF spindle system is not currently fit for purpose in my opinion.

Get rid of it and either get a Kress or StoneyCNC's new small industrial HF spindle.

Doug

Thanks for the heads-up, guys. My Stepcraft HF500 is still relatively new, and so far, it's just about the only part of the entire system with which I've been pleased (the solid aluminum table is great, but that doesn't count). I usually seem to err on the side of over-tightening, but didn't think about checking from time to time.

Does anyone know if there is a vendor in the US that sells the small HF industrial spindle? If not is there an adapter for US current? Looking at the cost of this vs the HF500 in the US,it will cost me nearly the same including shipping.

Hi,
I know he's not in the US, but Rory (StoneyCNC) has a suitable VFD industrial grade spindle soon to be available. Not sure of pricing in USA, but worth investigating.

Initial reports say it performs extremely well.

Peter.

Owen S schrieb: Hi folks, just a short note to recommend that anyone running an HF spindle checks it for tightness frequently. We've had the end cap begin to unwind

Can you post a photo about what screws I should check?

There are no screws. The Stepcraft HF spindle bodies comprise two sections which screw together.

The problem being highlighted here is the propensity of the two sections to unscrew from each other if subject to a torque in use, e.g. if the bit stalls in the stock.

Doug

Ah! Thanks Doug.
When/if that happens what I can do???

Mine is almost 2 years old and zero problems. I cross my fingers!

2 years with no problems? Lucky you. I guess that you are using it for light duty cuts?

I don't know what to do if that happens. Apply some threadlock glue and screw it tightly back together again?

Mine was less than 6 months old so I sent it back to Rory and requested a replacement Kress 1050E spindle.

I got lucky and he sent me the small industrial HF spindle to evaluate instead. There is no comparison with this and the Stepcraft item for maybe 20% extra outlay, it's 400% better.

Doug