Carbide 3D VFD Spindle Kit User manual

VFD Spindle Kit
INSTALLATION GUIDE

1
[e-mail]
6/24/2022 v1.0
Table of Contents
Welcome and Congratulations ...........................................................................2
Step 1: Remove the Old Router..........................................................................4
Step 2: Install the VFD Spindle..........................................................................10
Step 3: Enable the Spindle in Carbide Motion .................................................13
Step 4: Test the VFD Spindle.............................................................................14
Step 5: Install a Collet .......................................................................................15
Controlling the VFD Spindle..............................................................................16
Tramming the VFD Spindle ...............................................................................18
6/24/2022 Version 1.0

2
[e-mail]
6/24/2022 v1.0
Welcome and Congratulations
The long-awaited VFD spindle kit has arrived. It’s more powerful and has quieter, smoother operation than a
standard trim router, and it’s plug-and-play to boot. We've handled all of the testing, integration, and wiring for
you. All you have to do is set it up.
In this guide we’ll walk you through the super-simple installation and setup of your new VFD Spindle kit.
Additionally, you’re also welcome to check out the VFD Spindle Kit Installation video at youtu.be/lf23E374dAU.
If you encounter any issues during installation or setup, contact our tech support team at
[e-mail] and we’ll get you up and running ASAP.
Details & Specs
The VFD controller includes custom electronics to reduce electrical noise and a custom controller board to make
the system plug-in compatible with a Shapeoko so that your spindle RPM is controlled by your G-code. In
addition, we provide a 6-month warranty on the spindle and VFD.
VFD Spindle Specs:
•65mm Air-cooled 1200W spindle.
•Uses ER-11 collets.
•110V, 12A draw.
•8k–24k RPM.
•RPM is fully controlled by your G-code.
•VFD controller has built-in AC filtering.
•VFD controller has built-in adapter board for speed control from Carbide Motion.
NOTE: In an attempt to make the VFD spindle kit as plug and play as possible, and to ensure that we can
support it properly, the VFD controller comes preprogrammed with the parameters locked. This protects
against accidental changes to the configuration.
Compatibility & Software Requirements
Carbide Motion version 551 or higher is required for the VFD spindle.
The VFD spindle is 65mm in diameter, so it should fit any Shapeoko 3, 4, or Pro. That said, it is significantly
heavier than a standard trim router, so we prefer to pair it up with an HDZ—although the Z-Plus works well too.
We do not recommend adding the VFD spindle to the original Shapeoko 3 belt-drive Z-Axis.
NOTES:
•The 65mm VFD spindle is compatible with Sweepy 65 for dust collection.
•If you have Shapeoko 3 with a V2.3 board and below (Shapeoko 3 machines purchased before Black
Friday 2019), you will also need to purchase a Carbide Motion PCB with enclosure, which includes a
new circuit board with the BitRunner connector installed.

3
[e-mail]
6/24/2022 v1.0
VFD Spindle Kit Contents
Item
Description
Qty
A
VFD Controller (with Built-in Speed-control Board and AC Filter)
1
B
65mm Air-cooled 1200W Spindle (with Collet and Collet Nut)
1
C
ER11 Precision Collets (¼” and 1/8”)
2
D
6-pin Logic Cable
1
E
VFD Controller Power Cable
1
F
Spindle Wrenches
2
NOTE:
•If any items are missing or damaged in shipping, contact us at [e-mail] and we’ll ship
you a replacement ASAP.
Figure 1

4
[e-mail]
6/24/2022 v1.0
Step 1: Remove the Old Router
1. Power off and unplug the machine and the router.
2. Clip any zip ties securing the router power cable to the machine.
3. Measure (approximate is okay) how much of the router is showing below the spindle mount. (You will
need this measurement in order to install the VFD spindle in the spindle mount.)
Shapeoko 3 Machines ONLY
4. Use a 4mm hex key to loosen the two M5 screws securing the old router, and remove it from the
spindle mount.
5. Go ahead and skip ahead to Step 2: Installing the VFD Spindle on page 10.
Shapeoko Pro & Shapeoko 4 Machines ONLY
4. Use a 5mm hex key to loosen the two M6 screws securing the old router, and remove it from the
spindle mount. See Fig. 2.
5. Follow the steps on the next pages to remove and reinstall the router drag chains.
Figure 2

5
[e-mail]
6/24/2022 v1.0
6. Remove the X-Axis router drag chain. See Fig. 3.
a. Use a 2mm hex key to remove the two M3 screws securing the X-Axis head to the bracket on
the back of your Z-Axis.
b. Use a 2mm hex key to remove the two M3 screws securing the tail to the drag chain support
panel.
c. Set all of the screws aside for reinstallation.
Figure 3

6
[e-mail]
6/24/2022 v1.0
7. Remove the Y-Axis router drag chain. See Fig. 4.
a. Use a 3mm hex key to remove the two M5 screws securing the X/Y transition bracket to the
Y-left gantry plate.
b. Use a 2mm hex key to remove the two M3 screws securing the Y-Axis tail to the drag chain
support panel.
c. Set all of the screws aside for reinstallation.
Figure 4

7
[e-mail]
6/24/2022 v1.0
8. Open the both drag chains, remove the router power cable, and set the router aside. See Fig. 5.
a. Be sure to note which way the drag chains attach to the gantry to you can reinstall them
correctly.
b. Use a medium size hex key to pry open the drag chain links from one side.
c. You may need to remove the tail links from both axes to be able to remove the power cord.
See Fig. 5. Make sure to note their orientation so you can re-install them correctly. Use a small
screwdriver to pry off the tail links.
Figure 5

8
[e-mail]
6/24/2022 v1.0
9. Route the gray spindle power cable exiting the side of the VFD controller through the drag chains.
See Fig. 6.
a. The spindle power cable’s screw-on connector and about 14 inches of cable should extend
beyond the head of the X-Axis drag chain.
b. The VFD controller will be at the tail of the Y-Axis drag chain.
Figure 6

9
[e-mail]
6/24/2022 v1.0
10. Reinstall the drag chains. See Fig. 7 (Y-Axis) and Fig. 8 (X-Axis).
Figure 7
Figure 8