Hello all,

I have finished my first CNC and had a couple questions about spindles. I am currently using a Dewalt DW660 (30K RPM) to cut wood and some plastic. It seems to work just fine, except there are a couple things I would like to improve and I suspect it may be a good idea to try another cutting tool. I have seen all kinds of spindles on Ebay or various sites but I am not sure if they are overkill for what I am looking to do. Would anyone mind weighing in with their experienced opinion?

Requirements/Questions:
1. Primarily used to cut wood and plastic.
2. Cutting Aluminium would be a nice benefit, but not essential
3. Collet size of ~<=1/8" at minimum. Some traditional wood routers have collets of 1/4", this is OK, but I need the ability to cut with smaller endmills. Do they make small endmills with such a large shaft?
4. Variable speed. I have a few endmills that have become dark after use. I assume it is getting too hot probably from spinning it at such a fast rpm.
5. Is it possible to get a quieter spindle? Routers are pretty loud, any chance a better spindle is more quiet?
6. Should I be looking at something that needs a VFD or water cooling?

Thanks!