Buying task · Measuring and buying
Before you buy: identify the machine, measure the mount, check the seller
Before buying CNC router parts: identify your machine and Z axis, measure the body, match the maker's named fit, check electrical marks, the seller and import costs.
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Short answer
Before you order a CNC part, identify your machine and Z version, measure the router or spindle body and note its collet and the table thread, and buy only a part whose maker names that fit. For powered parts, look for a recognized safety mark on the exact model; then check who the seller is, the return terms and any import costs.
Why order matters
Each check below catches a different wrong order: a mount for the right body but the wrong Z axis, a collet for the right system but the wrong nut, or a kit that needs a supply the shop does not have. The five checks below run in the order a part has to pass them. Each topic hub goes deeper on its own parts.
The checks, in order
1. Identify the machine and the Z axis. Fit is stated per machine and often per Z version. Carbide 3D says its 65 mm VFD Spindle Kit should fit the Shapeoko 3, 4, Pro and 5 Pro and is not compatible with other CNC machines.[1] FoxAlien lists its Z clamp for several of its machines and states it is not compatible with the XE-Ultra.[2] Start with identify your CNC machine and Z axis or the CNC machine part finder.
2. Measure the body, and note the collet and thread. The measuring guide covers the router or spindle body. Keep units exact: an inch is exactly 25.4 mm,[3] so a 1/4 in shank is 6.35 mm, not 6 mm. Note the collet system from the collet finder and the table thread from your machine's page.
3. Match the maker's named fit. Buy the part whose maker names your machine and size; use the mount size finder to see which bodies, rings and boots go with each mount size. A seller's "fits most machines" is the seller's sizing, not a maker's fit statement.
4. Check the electrical marks on powered parts. OSHA states that the CE mark is unrelated to the requirements for product safety in the United States.[4] Health Canada advises not to buy or use plug-in products without a certification mark such as CSA, cUL or cETL.[5] See UL, ETL, CSA and CE marks on spindle kits.
5. Check the seller, returns and import costs. FoxAlien names Amazon, AliExpress and Walmart as its authorized brand stores and requires proof of purchase from them.[6] DeWalt says it does not sell tools directly to end users online and points buyers to its authorized retailer list.[7] AliExpress Free Returns apply only to products with the Free Returns icon, in covered countries, once per order.[8] CBP says the suspension of duty-free de minimis covers goods valued at $800 or less arriving by all modes,[9] and CBSA says postal imports over CAN$20 pay duty and taxes on the full value.[10] See the online buying checklist and returns and import costs.
How to choose
Once steps 1 to 3 give you a machine and a measured body, the holder follows. Two approved examples show what a stated fit looks like: the bore, the machine list and the exclusions.
Picks that fit2 products
Genmitsu 101-63-ZC65: 65 mm bore, listed for the 4040-PRO, 4040-PRO MAX, 4040 Reno, 3020-PRO Ultra and 3030-PROVer MAX.
More on choosing
FoxAlien 69 mm Z-clamp: 69 mm, listed for the Masuter Pro, Masuter 3, 4040-XE, XE-PRO, WM3020, Vasto series and CL-4x4, not the XE-Ultra. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or the brand.
65 mm holder for the Genmitsu 4040-PRO family
Genmitsu 65 mm aluminum spindle holder (101‑63‑ZC65) for the 4040‑PRO family
69 mm Z-clamp for FoxAlien machines (not XE-Ultra)
FoxAlien 69 mm Z-clamp for Masuter, 4040‑XE, XE-PRO, WM3020 and Vasto
Every page on measuring and buying
Guides
- Identify your CNC machine and Z axis before buying parts
- How to measure a router or spindle body for a mount
- Buying CNC spindles and accessories on Amazon or AliExpress: what to check
- UL, ETL, CSA and CE marks on spindle kits and VFDs
- Returns and import costs for CNC parts in the US and Canada
Finders
- CNC part finder: pick your machine and Z axis
- Mount size finder: 52, 65, 69, 71 or 80 mm
- Collet finder: ER11, ER16, ER20 or a router collet
Machines, by maker
- Carbide 3D: Shapeoko 3, Shapeoko 4 and Pro, Shapeoko 5 Pro
- Onefinity: original Z-16, Z-20 Gen 1, Gen 2 Elite Z-20
- Sienci: LongMill MK2
- Inventables: X-Carve 1000 mm (legacy)
- Genmitsu: 4040-PRO, 4040-PRO MAX, PROVerXL 4030 V2, PROVerXL 6050 Plus
- FoxAlien: Masuter Pro, 4040-XE and XE-PRO
Key terms
Maker claim, seller of record, brand storefront, NRTL, CE mark, free return, de minimis and caliper.
Everything in this topic
Guides
- Buying CNC spindles and accessories on Amazon or AliExpress: what to checkHelps you confirm the variant, the voltage and the seller before you order a CNC part from a marketplace.
- Returns and import costs for CNC parts in the US and CanadaHelps you count duty, fees and return shipping before ordering a heavy CNC part from another country.
- Identify your CNC machine and Z axis before buying partsHelps you record the machine, Z axis, controller and motor you have, so you only buy parts their maker names for it.
- UL, ETL, CSA and CE marks on spindle kits and VFDsHelps you tell whether a spindle kit or drive carries a recognized safety certification for the US or Canada, and how to verify it.
Tools
- CNC part finder by machine and Z axisShows what your machine's maker publishes about its mount, kits, table thread and dust boots, so you buy parts named for your exact Z axis.
Common questions
Is that AliExpress store official?
Only the brand can say. FoxAlien names AliExpress among its authorized brand stores. MICROJIG's retailer list and POWERTEC's named channels do not include AliExpress, and POWERTEC says other sites claiming to sell its products are not affiliated with it. More in Buying CNC spindles and accessories on Amazon or AliExpress: what to check
Is huanyangvfd.com Huanyang's own site?
We found no evidence it is. The site says it takes part in the Amazon Associates program, does not say it makes Huanyang drives and names no operating company. More in Buying CNC spindles and accessories on Amazon or AliExpress: what to check
How do I check who sells an Amazon listing?
Read the 'Ships from' and 'Sold by' lines for the offer you are about to buy. Amazon describes Brand Stores as self-service storefronts for showcasing a brand's products; the seller of each offer is shown on those two lines, so read them every time. More in Buying CNC spindles and accessories on Amazon or AliExpress: what to check
Does a spindle listing's voltage apply to every country?
Not necessarily. Genmitsu sells its V2 water-cooled kit in regional variants, while the page states only a 110 V/60 Hz input. Confirm the exact variant's supply before you order. More in Buying CNC spindles and accessories on Amazon or AliExpress: what to check
Will I pay duty on a spindle from China?
In the US, the duty-free de minimis treatment for goods valued at $800 or less is suspended, so plan for duty. In Canada, postal imports over CAN$20 pay duty and taxes on the full value, and courier or broker fees come on top. More in Returns and import costs for CNC parts in the US and Canada
Can I return a spindle kit to AliExpress?
Only under the seller's terms, unless the listing shows the Free Returns icon in a covered country. For Mainland China sellers, Free Returns allow 90 days from the order date, in original condition with all accessories and packaging, once per order. More in Returns and import costs for CNC parts in the US and Canada
Who pays return shipping?
It depends on where you bought. FoxAlien's direct store charges the customer unless FoxAlien made the error, and SainSmart's direct store makes customers responsible for return shipping. Amazon Canada says options depend on location, seller, item and reason. More in Returns and import costs for CNC parts in the US and Canada
Do I get duty back if I return a part to a seller outside Canada?
CBSA can refund duties and taxes on qualifying personal imports returned to a seller outside Canada, but not brokerage fees or shipping and handling. More in Returns and import costs for CNC parts in the US and Canada
Questions
How do I know a part fits my machine?
The part's maker names your machine and Z version, and its size matches what you measured. Carbide 3D says its 65 mm VFD kit is not compatible with machines other than its Shapeokos, and FoxAlien says its Z clamp is not compatible with the XE-Ultra.[1][2]
Is a CE mark enough in the US?
No. OSHA states that the CE mark is unrelated to the requirements for product safety in the United States. Look for a recognized certification mark on the exact model; see the electrical marks guide.[4]