PwnCNC Spindle Kit

What’s Included with the PwnCNC Spindle Kit?

The PwnCNC Spindle Kit is our lower-cost DIY spindle upgrade package. Each kit is configured around the spindle motor, voltage, cooling type, and controller option selected before checkout.

This kit includes the core components needed for a VFD-controlled spindle upgrade, but it does not include the finished PwnCNC VFD enclosure found with the full Spindle System.

Core Kit Components

• Selected spindle motor — based on the motor option chosen on the product page.
• Pre-programmed VFD — configured for the selected spindle motor.
• Detachable VFD keypad — includes manual speed control dial.
• Power cord — matched to the selected system voltage.
• Shielded spindle cable — pre-crimped and matched to the selected spindle kit.
• Collets and spindle wrenches — matched to the selected spindle size.

Spindle Cable Length

• Standard spindle kits include a 20' pre-crimped shielded spindle cable.
• 3.5kW and 4.5kW ER32 spindle kits include a 29' spindle cable.

Also Included When Applicable

• Controller cable or control accessory — based on the CNC controller selected during configuration, when available.
• Water-cooling components — included with water-cooled spindle kit variants.
• Machine-specific or controller-specific accessories — included only when selected or listed with your configuration.

Water-Cooled Kits

Water-cooled spindle kit variants include a 110V pond pump and standard blue coolant tubing.

Coolant liquid and coolant reservoir are not included. Many customers use a dedicated bucket or reservoir with an appropriate coolant mixture.

Kool Connectors are not included with the standard Spindle Kit, but they can be purchased separately for customers who want a cleaner water-cooling connection.

Air-Cooled Kits

Air-cooled spindle kits do not require a cooling pump, coolant tubing, coolant liquid, or reservoir. This makes them a simpler option for customers who want fewer supporting components.

Included Collets and Wrenches

ER11 Spindle Kits

• 1/16" ER11 collet
• 1/8" ER11 collet
• 1/4" ER11 collet
• 13mm and 17mm spindle wrenches

ER20 Spindle Kits

• 1/8" ER20 collet
• 1/4" ER20 collet
• 1/2" ER20 collet
• 21mm and 30mm spindle wrenches

ER32 Spindle Kits

• Assorted ER32 collet set with approximately 21 common sizes
• ER32-compatible spindle wrenches

ER32 square-body spindle kits include a broader collet assortment than standard ER11 and ER20 kits to help customers get started with larger tooling right away.

What’s Not Included

• Finished PwnCNC VFD enclosure
• CNC controller control cable, unless selected or included with your configuration
• VFD keypad mount or keypad extension cable
• Kool Connectors
• Coolant liquid
• Coolant reservoir
• Spindle mount, unless selected or included separately
• Machine-specific mounting hardware not listed with your selected configuration
• Machine-specific square-body spindle mounting solution, unless specifically selected or included
• Optional accessories not selected during configuration

Spindle Kit Compatibility

PwnCNC Spindle Kits are designed to work with many popular hobby and prosumer CNC machines when configured correctly. Compatibility mainly depends on your CNC machine, controller, spindle mount size, available power, selected spindle motor, and how comfortable you are completing the installation yourself.

Quick Compatibility Checklist

Before ordering, confirm these key details:

• Spindle mount size: 65mm spindle motors require a 65mm mount. 80mm spindle motors require an 80mm mount. Square-body ER32 spindle kits require a compatible square-body mounting solution.
• Available power: Choose a 110V or 220V spindle kit based on your shop power and machine capability.
• CNC controller: Make sure your controller can support spindle control using a compatible control method, such as PWM, analog voltage, or Modbus.
• Controller cable: Controller cables are not included unless specifically selected or included with your configuration.
• VFD mounting: The Spindle Kit does not include a finished VFD enclosure. Plan a safe, protected, and ventilated location for the VFD.
• Cooling type: Air-cooled kit variants do not need coolant parts. Water-cooled kit variants include a 110V pond pump and standard blue coolant tubing, but still require coolant liquid and a reservoir.
• Machine clearance and rigidity: Make sure your CNC can physically support the selected spindle motor, especially larger ER32 square-body options.

Common CNC Platforms

PwnCNC Spindle Kits are commonly used with CNC platforms such as:

• Onefinity CNC machines
• Shapeoko CNC machines
• Sienci LongMill and AltMill machines
• WorkBee-style CNC machines
• X-Carve-style CNC machines
• Stepcraft CNC machines
• Masso-controlled CNC machines
• Other CNC machines with compatible spindle mounts and controller outputs

If your machine is not listed, that does not automatically mean it is incompatible. Many machines can work with the correct spindle mount, wiring approach, controller setup, and installation planning.

Controller Compatibility

Your CNC controller must be able to start, stop, and control spindle speed using a supported control method. Depending on your controller and selected kit configuration, this may involve PWM, analog voltage, Modbus, or manual VFD keypad control.

• Known controller: Select or source the controller cable and setup instructions that match your CNC controller.
• Not sure: Choose “I’m not sure / help me choose” if available, or request a compatibility review before ordering.
• Other controller: Your setup may still work, but additional wiring, configuration, or controller-manufacturer support may be required.

PwnCNC can provide spindle-side guidance and documentation for supported configurations, but controller-specific setup may also depend on the CNC controller manufacturer’s documentation.

Spindle Mount Compatibility

Your CNC must have a spindle mount that matches the motor you select. If your machine currently uses a trim router, you may need to upgrade the mount before installing a spindle kit.

• 65mm spindle motors require a compatible 65mm spindle mount.
• 80mm spindle motors require a compatible 80mm spindle mount.
• ER32 square-body spindle motors require a compatible square-body spindle mounting solution.
• Some machines may require a PwnCNC spindle mount, adapter plate, or custom mounting solution.

Power and Cooling Notes

• 1.5kW 110V kits are commonly used by hobby CNC owners upgrading from a trim router.
• 2.2kW 220V kits require 220V power and are better suited for machines and shops that can properly support the additional power requirement.
• 3.5kW and 4.5kW ER32 kits require 220V power and additional planning for mounting, machine rigidity, clearance, and electrical setup.
• Air-cooled kits are simpler because they do not require coolant, tubing, a pump, or a reservoir.
• Water-cooled kits require coolant circulation and include a 110V pond pump and standard blue tubing. Coolant liquid and reservoir are supplied by the customer.

Always verify your available electrical service before ordering. If you are unsure, consult a qualified electrician.

VFD Enclosure Planning

The Spindle Kit includes the VFD, but it does not include the finished PwnCNC VFD enclosure used with the full Spindle System. Plan to mount or enclose the VFD in a safe, protected, and well-ventilated location.

• Protect the VFD from chips, dust, coolant, and accidental contact.
• Use proper strain relief and cable management.
• Keep spindle power wiring separated from low-voltage signal wiring when possible.
• Consider a keypad mount or keypad extension cable if the VFD will be mounted away from the front of the machine.

Order Review Safety Net

PwnCNC Spindle Kits are built and configured based on the options selected before checkout. If something appears mismatched or unclear, we may contact you before building or shipping your kit.

This does not replace confirming compatibility before ordering, but it helps reduce the chance of an obvious configuration mistake.

Spindle Kit Installation

The PwnCNC Spindle Kit is designed for customers who want the core components needed for a VFD-controlled spindle upgrade and are comfortable completing more of the installation themselves.

Unlike the PwnCNC Spindle System, the Spindle Kit does not include a finished VFD enclosure. Installation requires proper mounting, VFD placement or enclosure planning, controller setup, grounding, cable routing, and cooling setup for water-cooled models.

Installation Overview

1. Mount the spindle motor
   Install the selected spindle motor using a compatible 65mm, 80mm, or square-body spindle mount depending on the motor selected.
2. Plan the VFD location
   Mount or enclose the VFD in a safe, accessible, well-ventilated location. The VFD should be protected from chips, dust, coolant, and accidental contact.
3. Connect the spindle cable
   Connect the included spindle cable between the VFD and spindle motor. The spindle cable shield should be properly drained to ground as recommended in the installation documentation.
4. Connect controller wiring
   Connect the appropriate controller cable or spindle control wiring for your CNC controller. Controller setup may vary depending on whether your machine uses PWM, analog voltage, Modbus, or another supported control method.
5. Set up cooling if water-cooled
   Water-cooled spindle kit variants include a 110V pond pump and standard blue coolant tubing. You will need to provide coolant liquid and a coolant reservoir.
6. Verify operation before cutting
   Confirm spindle direction, speed control, coolant flow if applicable, and controller communication before running a job.
7. Complete spindle break-in
   Follow the recommended spindle break-in process before running the spindle under load.

VFD Enclosure and Mounting

The Spindle Kit includes the VFD, but it does not include a finished VFD enclosure. The included VFD should be installed safely and protected as part of your machine setup.

• Mount the VFD in a safe, accessible, and ventilated location.
• Protect the VFD from dust, chips, coolant, and accidental contact.
• Use proper strain relief and cable management for spindle and power wiring.
• Consider a keypad mount or keypad extension cable if the VFD is installed away from the front of the machine.

Controller Setup

Controller setup varies by machine and controller type. Your CNC controller may require settings changes before it can start, stop, and control spindle speed from G-code.

• PWM / analog control: May require spindle speed range, output mode, and calibration settings.
• Modbus control: May require controller-specific communication settings.
• Manual control: The VFD keypad can be used for manual spindle operation when supported by your setup.

For controller-specific setup, refer to the PwnCNC documentation and your CNC controller manufacturer’s documentation.

Cooling Notes

• Air-cooled spindle kits do not require coolant, tubing, pump, or reservoir.
• Water-cooled spindle kits include a 110V pond pump and standard blue coolant tubing.
• Water-cooled spindles should not be operated without coolant flow.
• Coolant liquid and coolant reservoir are not included.
• For cleaner water-cooled tubing connections, Kool Connectors can be purchased separately.

Grounding and EMI

Proper grounding and cable routing are important for reliable spindle operation. Incorrect grounding or poor cable routing can contribute to electrical noise, false limit triggers, communication issues, or controller instability.

• Drain the spindle cable shield to ground as recommended in the installation documentation.
• Keep spindle power wiring separated from low-voltage signal wiring when possible.
• Use proper strain relief and cable management.
• Follow safe electrical practices when working with VFD and spindle wiring.

Safety Notes

• Spindle kits involve high voltage and moving machinery.
• Disconnect power before wiring, servicing, or modifying the system.
• Do not operate the spindle without proper mounting and secure wiring.
• Water-cooled spindles should not be operated without coolant flow.
• If you are not comfortable with electrical installation, consult a qualified technician or electrician.

Installation Documentation

View PwnCNC installation documentation, controller-specific setup guides, spindle support articles, and setup notes here:

View PwnCNC Installation Documentation →