Guides
Practical answers to buying and setup questions, with links to the relevant choices.
- Guide65 mm vs 80 mm CNC spindle: collet, supply and what changesHelps you decide between a 65 mm and an 80 mm spindle by the collets, supply and parts each kit's maker lists.
- Guide65 vs 69 vs 71 vs 80 mm CNC mounts: which bodies each holdsHelps you match a mount bore to the router or spindle body you own, using the bodies each maker names.
- Guide80 mm spindle mount upgrades by machine and Z versionHelps you find the 80 mm mount your machine's maker names for your Z version before you buy a larger spindle.
- GuideAir-cooled vs water-cooled CNC spindle kits: what's includedHelps you compare spindle kits by what is in the box and what you must add, rather than by claimed cooling benefits.
- GuideBuying CNC spindles and parts on Amazon or AliExpress: checklistHelps you confirm the variant, the voltage and the seller before you order a CNC part from a marketplace.
- GuideCarbide 3D 65 mm VFD spindle: ER11 (V1) vs ER16 (V2)Helps you tell which Carbide 3D 65 mm spindle you own and buy collets and parts for that version only.
- GuideCarbide Compact Router vs ER-11 Compact Router: which colletsHelps you buy the right collets for the Carbide 3D router you own, since the two models' collets do not cross over.
- GuideCollet runout claims: TIR, measuring points and studiesHelps you compare collet runout claims only where the makers state how they measured them.
- GuideWill a dust boot fit? Mount diameter, machine and Z axisHelps you choose a dust boot whose diameter and machine list match what you own.
- GuideCNC hold-down clamps: top, toe, low-profile and stopsHelps you choose a clamp type that fits your table's thread and leaves the toolpath clear.
- GuideCNC parts returns and import duties in the US and CanadaHelps you count duty, fees and return shipping before ordering a heavy CNC part from another country.
- GuideCNC router dust: what OSHA and NIOSH say about wood dustExplains what US agencies say about wood dust so you can judge what a dust boot can and cannot do.
- Guide110 V vs 220 V CNC spindles and 1.5 vs 2.2 kW labelsHelps you shortlist spindle kits whose stated supply matches the circuit you already have, without adapting plugs or outlets.
- GuideCNC spindle upgrade checklist: kit, system and missing partsHelps you list every part a spindle upgrade needs before ordering, using each kit maker's own parts list.
- GuideDeWalt DWP611 on a CNC: 69 mm or 71 mm mount?Helps you pick a DWP611 holder or boot by the size its maker names for your machine, instead of guessing between 69 and 71 mm.
- GuideDust-boot hose ports, adapters and brush ringsHelps you connect your hose to a dust boot and find the right replacement brush.
- GuideER collet nuts: standard vs mini threads, and finding yoursHelps you order the ER nut whose thread matches your spindle nose.
- GuideER11 collet sizes and the 1/4 inch limitShows which ER11 collet sizes exist, which one your bit needs and which nut thread your spindle takes.
- GuideER11 vs ER16 vs ER20 collets: which shanks each system holdsTells you which ER system your spindle uses and which collet size holds your bit shank.
- GuideER20 collets for 1/2 inch bits: sizes, makers and limitsHelps you choose the right ER20 collet and nut for 1/2 inch bits without overstepping the spindle or bit maker's limits.
- GuideHow to measure a router or spindle body for a CNC mountHelps you record your own motor's body diameter correctly before you choose a 52, 65, 69, 71 or 80 mm mount.
- GuideSeating an ER collet and bit: what the makers sayWalks you through changing an ER collet and bit in the order the makers and safety agencies describe.
- GuideIdentify 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.
- GuideM6 vs 1/4-20 (and M8) spoilboard threads: which hardware fitsHelps you buy clamps, bolts and inserts in the thread your table already uses.
- GuideMakita RT0701C and DeWalt DWP611 collets, nuts and wrenchesHelps you buy a replacement or aftermarket collet that fits your exact trim router.
- GuideSpindle mount adapter rings, shims and adapter platesHelps you tell whether you need a reducing ring, an adapter plate or a machine-specific holder, using only documented pairs.
- GuideT-track for CNC hold-downs: profile, bolts and miter trackHelps you pick T-track and bolts that fit each other and your clamps.
- GuideThreaded inserts for a CNC spoilboard: thread, wood and drillHelps you choose a threaded insert and the drill its maker specifies for your spoilboard material.
- GuideTrim router vs spindle for CNC: keep the router or upgrade?Helps you decide whether a spindle kit is worth it for your machine, using the makers' stated collets and supply rules.
- GuideTrim routers for CNC: Makita RT0701C, DeWalt DWP611, Carbide 3DHelps you choose a trim router by the mount size your machine takes and the collet you need, using each maker's stated specs.
- GuideUL, ETL, CSA and CE marks on CNC 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.
- ShortlistCNC clamps, T-track and inserts with the thread statedHelps you buy workholding in the thread or track your spoilboard already uses.
- ShortlistCNC dust boots with the mount diameter and hose port statedHelps you pick a dust shoe that fits your router or spindle body and your vacuum hose.
- ShortlistER collet sets with the system and size range statedHelps you buy an ER collet set in your spindle's system that covers the shank sizes you actually run.
- ShortlistCNC spindle and router mounts with a stated bore and machine listHelps you pick a holder made for both your router or spindle body and your machine's Z axis.