SPINDLE REPAIR AND
EXCHANGE SERVICE

Warranty

Spindle Repair

Spindle Exchange

Spindle Repair 101

FAQ

Where Spindle Damage Occurs

Most Common Air Bearing Spindle Failure Components

Reasons for Single Component Failure - Rear Journal Bearing Rub

Reasons for Single Component Failure - Rear Lift Bearing Rub

Reasons for Single Component failure - Front Journal Bearing Rub

Reasons for Single Component Failure - Thrust Bearing & Shaft Assy. Rub

Reasons for Air Bearing Spindle Failures in General

Where Spindle Damage Occurs

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Most Common Air Bearing Spindle Failure Components

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Reasons for Single Component Failure - Rear Journal Bearing Rub

This failure mode is most often caused by clogged air ports. It may also be caused by an unbalanced shaft. For Routers, aggressive routing speeds or clogged bits will contribute to this failure mode. The air pressure to keep the air bearings "stiff" must be at least 80 PSI at the input to the spindle. Using collets that are not specifically designed for the spindle will cause high speed unbalanced condition.

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Reasons for Single Component Failure - Rear Lift Bearing Rub

This failure is caused when large tools are pinched in the material and the spindle tries to retract or by the Z axis having mechanical Slop (loosness). For routers, routing too fast or loaded tool bits.

The air pressure to keep the air bearings "stiff" must be at least 80 PSI at the input to the spindle. Improperly balanced shafts will also cause this condition. Using collets that are not specifically designed for the spindle will cause high speed unbalanced condition.

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Reasons for Single Component Failure - Front Journal Bearing Rub

This failure mode is most often caused by improper vacuum flow or lift. Vacuum lift should be 20-25" water. Polished ("rebuilt") front bearings will not have the correct air gap.

For routers, routing too fast will over power the bearing.

The air pressure to keep the bearings "stiff" must be at least 80 PSI at the input to the spindle.

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Reasons for Single Component Failure - Thrust Bearing & Shaft Assy. Rub

This failure is typically caused by Chip Loads that are too aggressive, or by normal chip loads but with large tools that are dull. This may also be caused by hitting or drilling tooling pins/clamps.

The air pressure to keep the air bearings "stiff" must be at least 80 PSI at the input to the spindle.

Improperly balanced shafts will also cause this condition. Using collets that are not specifically designed for the spindle will cause high speed unbalanced condition.

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Reasons for Air Bearing Spindle Failures in General

Air bearings are between .00015" to .0004" wide.

Any contaminates in the air supply will clog the air portals which are .006-.008" in diameter

The air pressure to keep the air bearings "stiff" must be at least 80 PSI at the input to the spindle. Air pressure must not exceed 90 PSI.

Maintain the cooling system. Overheating a spindle causes the metal to expand, sufficating the air bearing gaps.

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