[eitanwaks]

The way I see that there are three things to deal with when building the new CNC machine. These three things are:
1. The electronics (everything from software to the motors)
2. The static hardware and framing (this includes all framing, linear rails, ballscrews, etc.)
3. The active hardware (steppers/servo motors, spindle, etc.)

From the topic of this subject you can guess what my question is about. I pretty much understand what goes into the first two subjects that I mentioned. Of course I have a lot to learn however, I feel that I have some base to stand on. The last subject totally eludes me. I have already bought my stepper motors and gecko drives. I'm not trying to understand which spindle would best suit my needs. I plan on cuts in wood as well as metal.

Could someone please explain to me what the spindle is? What is a comprised of? What parameters do I need to look at and how will they effect the spindle's performance?

Thanks,
Eitan Waks

[CNCgr]

This thread and this one will get you started.