Spindle vs. Router: Which one is better for a Hobbyist CNC?
To start with this conversation I have to point out a few things. First, one generally doesn’t have both a Spindle and a Router CNC, so their is a distinct bias to what you own. I find that many of the forums are completely one sided either for or against the spindle, and that variance is based on what the hobbyist CNC operator is doing. A quick example would be the guy making hundreds of plywood cutout cabinets IS going to vote for the spindle, the maker creating bowls, spoons and signs will probably say the router. So the answer to this question is subjective.
Spindle vs. Router: What are the options?
Simply put, spindles and routers basically fall into three categories.
- 110v Router
- 110v Spindle
- 220v Spindle
What are the main differences between a CNC Router and Spindle?
CNC Router:
- Primary Function: Cutting and Shaping Materials
- Operating Speeds: Lower
- Torque Output: Lower
- Durability: Lower
- Material Compatibility: Limited to wood, plastics and soft metals
- Noise Output: Loud
- Cost: Low
- Applications: Woodworking, Sign-making
The CNC Router is what most people start with because it is the entryway into the CNC world. With that said you have some trade-offs; it’s not a professional device, it’s louder, it simiply can do less. But it that a bad thing? If you are a hobbyist do hobby things, I would say no! The router is a cheap and efficient way to create your CNC works!
CNC Spindle:
- Primary Function: Driving Cutting Tools
- Operating Speeds: Higher
- Torque Output: Higher
- Durability: Longer
- Material Compatibility: Wide Range, including harder metals
- Noise Output: Quieter
- Cost: Higher (up to 10x more)
- Applications: Precision machining, Industrial applications
The CNC Spindle is versitile, and can do just about anything. It requires more skill to operate, but that skill also offers you more flexiblity in your work.
What is the difference in operating cost between a CNC Router and Spindle?
CNC Router:
- Initial Cost: $100 to $1,000
- Power Consumption: 0.5 to 2 kW
- Maintenance: $50-100 per year
CNC Spindle:
- Initial Cost: $1,000 to $5,000
- Power Consumption: 1 to 5 kW
- Maintenance: $200-$1,000 per year
I like to point out that this is researched data, I didn’t make these numbers up. But, what I would say is that the maintenance costs seem WAY hight to me. For the Mikita, you could replace the brushes and cord for under $75. The Spindle IS much higher, but it IS way more reliable, meaning less chance of needing maintenance.
My second big point here is the Kilowattt per hour rating. This is something to subjectively look at again. If you are making toys for your grandkids, maybe the reduced power consumption of the router is the way to go. I know I have done carves that took 18 hours, and that power expenditure does add up!
What is the difference between a 110v CNC Spindle and a 200v CNC Spindle?
110v CNC Spindle:
- Voltage: 110v
- Power: Lower
- Current Draw: Higher
- Wiring Size: Smaller
- Breaker Size: Smaller
- Common Use: Hobbyist, DIY’er
220v CNC Spindle:
- Voltage: 220v
- Power: Higher
- Current Draw: Lower
- Wiring Size: Larger
- Breaker Size: Larger
- Common Use: Industrial
The power consumption of a CNC spindle depends on its voltage (110v or 220v), power rating (in watts), and efficiency. For example, a 110v 1500w spindle would consume about 13.6 amps of current, while a 220v 1500w spindle would consume about 6.8 amps of current. This is because the higher voltage of the 220v spindle allows it to draw less current to achieve the same power output.
In general, a 110v spindle will consume more power than a 220v spindle of the same power rating. This is because the 110v spindle has to draw more current to achieve the same power output. However, the difference in power consumption is not always significant. For example, a 110v 1500w spindle would consume about 15% more power than a 220v 1500w spindle.
The efficiency of the spindle also affects its power consumption. A more efficient spindle will consume less power to achieve the same power output. The efficiency of a spindle is typically measured by its power factor (PF). A PF of 1.0 is the most efficient, while a PF of 0.0 is the least efficient.
Would I choose a CNC Router or CNC Spindle?
Well luck me, I don’t have to choose. I have one at the shop and one at home. Which is better….
My answer is it truly depends on what you are doing. I feel that MOST, probably 95%, of hobbyist CNC operators should stick with the ol’ CNC router. It is so much easier to use with such a low learning curve. If you are making flags, cutting boards, signs, it’s just a logical choice. I like mine alot, no doubt.
With that said, I have to confound the problem by talking about the “cool things” about my Spindle. First of all, the vacuum table (which you can have with a Router CNC but it is less common) is a game changer. The ability to vacu-hold your material in seconds is just awesome. Then add on the tool changer. Changing bits on the fly is amazing. Of course you can see that I am no longer talking about the spindle v router conversation, but I say this because you generally see these upgrades on CNCs that have spindles.
My final answer.
The final answer is that you will need to decide for you what makes sense, but I do choose the 220v Spindle. One thing tips it for me, the Spindle can use 1/2″ bits whereas almost all CNC routers cannot. At the 1/2″ shank threshold, you really start getting into some of the more amazing bits with absolutely phenomenal ability. Couple that with the 220v effeciency, and theres my answer.
I hope you enjoyed or at least learned something from this article!
Make sure to check out the rest of my website and blog! My store has many of the common items I personally use and the WHY behind it.
Have a great one!
Royce
Hill Country CNC & Woodworking is an affiliate marketing business, but it is one with ethics and morals. We only promote the items that we use in our daily business. Let’s help each other! I will give you my experience (and discounts sometimes) and you can help me grow.
