400 W vs DP611

[sternman318]

Hey folks,

I have searched  a bit and could not find an answer aside from specs.

Aside from price, which unit is the way to go? I understand the spindle is much quieter, but I see the RPM ranges are the key difference, which to me suggests the choice is dependent upon the materials I wish to work on. Any wisdom on this choice?

thank you!

[aforww]

Personally, the only thing a spindle has going for it is noise. And when you get a router, you will find it's decently quiet down around 10k RPM as well. Router is going to have more torque and the higher speed bracket is going to mean faster milling. I'd say get one of the Dewalt routers from Millright over the spindle unless noise is your primary concern.

[Derek the Admin]

Here is my standard response on the matter. I get the question enough that I actually saved it:

I'd say the router is probably better overall, but they each have their own advantages:
Router:

16 to 27k RPM range
More powerful
Quarter inch collet than can be made a 1/8 with a reducer
More Expensive
DeWalt is a great brand

Spindle:

0 to 12k RPM range (only about 7 to 12k is useable though)
Much much quieter than a router
1/8 inch collet, but you can get all kinds of sizes
Speed controlled by turn knob or if you know what you are doing you can wire it for speed control and on/off with your computer
Less expensive

The spindle is a good choice, but I run the router if that tells you anything.

Derek

[mrbigj]

Mar 11, 2017 2:18:18 GMT sternman318 said:

Hey folks,

I have searched  a bit and could not find an answer aside from specs.

Aside from price, which unit is the way to go? I understand the spindle is much quieter, but I see the RPM ranges are the key difference, which to me suggests the choice is dependent upon the materials I wish to work on. Any wisdom on this choice?

thank you!

I will tell you, I have an M3 that I recently built, and I purchased it with the 400w spindle. IMHO the spindle is great. It is cutting everything I want it to cut so far (wood/plastic) without issue and is much quieter than the DW router. However, that being said, I'm already considering a router so I can cut metal. So, if you're going to cut metal, skip the spindle and get the router. If wood/plastic are going to be your media of choice, the spindle is great. I have had ZERO issues with it, and it cuts great and is much quieter as has already been said.

J

[markwisniowski]

I choose the 400W because it's much quieter since I do most of my cutting when the young toddlers are napping or sleeping for the night. But when I need much more power I'll swap out the 400W and use the Bosch Colt with the Openbuilds router mount. To swap out you'll have to loosen the Z rods and re-route the drive belt so you can mount the new spindle holder. It takes some time but definitely doable within 45 minutes.

[aforww]

Mar 13, 2017 4:24:18 GMT markwisniowski said:

I choose the 400W because it's much quieter since I do most of my cutting when the young toddlers are napping or sleeping for the night. But when I need much more power I'll swap out the 400W and use the Bosch Colt with the Openbuilds router mount. To swap out you'll have to loosen the Z rods and re-route the drive belt so you can mount the new spindle holder. It takes some time but definitely doable within 45 minutes.

You have to do all that? I got my spindle mount on without taking it all apart. Small wrenches are your friend lol.

[sternman318]

Thanks for the insight folks! Looks like I'll do a router. Noise isn't an issue and the extra power can't hurt.



I also looked into the RT0701 but the thought of having to shim a spindle mount freaks me out in regards to making sure everything is square and aligned (65 mm mount to a 64.75 mm spindle). Is this a valid concern or do you think I'd be alright shimming up something like this?

[Derek the Admin]

On the RT0701 you can take a DW660 mount and press it in with firm hand pressure (at least in my experience). This will splay out the bolt holes a little, so you can drill out the cap piece to an oversize hole (about 1/4" worked for me) and the bolts will line back up.

Your mileage may vary.

Even the Bosch Colt mount we use with the DWP611 needs to be shimmed in, but that's never been a problem for me personally and I really haven't heard any complaints on the matter.

[aforww]

Mar 22, 2017 1:56:16 GMT sternman318 said:

Thanks for the insight folks! Looks like I'll do a router. Noise isn't an issue and the extra power can't hurt.



I also looked into the RT0701 but the thought of having to shim a spindle mount freaks me out in regards to making sure everything is square and aligned (65 mm mount to a 64.75 mm spindle). Is this a valid concern or do you think I'd be alright shimming up something like this?

I used the 660 mount for the same reason. Didn't want to shim. The 660 mount is 63.5. I used my spindle sander and just sanded away material until the fit for the RT was perfect.

[sternman318]

Mar 22, 2017 2:15:53 GMT Derek the Admin said:

On the RT0701 you can take a DW660 mount and press it in with firm hand pressure (at least in my experience). This will splay out the bolt holes a little, so you can drill out the cap piece to an oversize hole (about 1/4" worked for me) and the bolts will line back up.

Your mileage may vary.

Even the Bosch Colt mount we use with the DWP611 needs to be shimmed in, but that's never been a problem for me personally and I really haven't heard any complaints on the matter.

Ill take your word on it, press fitting sounds fun. So this mount?

I'm holding off till funds permit me but I started figuring out the software side of things. Fusion 360 offers a free license for hobbyists or startups under $100k revenue, if you didn't know already! I saw lots of recommendations for MeshCam and CamBam... but free is free ..!