So I have the AutoSpin T1 Router, and I’m loving the simplicity of it. I have two questions that I did not think about when I bought it.
1: The specs say the tool life is 500 hours. Is that correct? 500 hours does not seem like a lot to me. So, if I run this thing for 5 hours per day, it is only going to last 100 days?
2: I bought a Rapid Change ATC a while ago and am finally thinking about installing it. It obviously requires a reverse-capable spindle to work. Is the AutoSpin T1 Router reversible, or do I need to go back to the regular spindle? If it does not, you guys should add the line (DOES NOT WORK WITH AN ATC) to the description. Not blamin, just sayin…
It’s a router and has a life like a router. I am actually surprised that they give an estimated life. I have never seen a normal router give that spec (although truth be told, I never looked for that info). Anyway, it isn’t a production tool. If you want a tool that runs 5 hours a day, use a proper spindle.
ATC’s normally use compressed air to clamp/release the tool. The Rapid Change ATC was built as an inexpensive/affordable alternative to a normal ATC and makes many trade-offs to reduce cost. One of the trade-offs is that it uses reverse spin to unload tools instead of an air actuated system.
A regular spindle also does not work with a normal ATC, you need a spindle that is ATC ready. Asking Sienci to specify that the T1 router doesn’t work with a Rapid Change ATC is like saying that an auto manufacturer needs to specify that it doesn’t fly and driving it off a cliff is likely to result in a bad day.
@Windlasher From what I understand about the Rapid Change ATC, it works with a regular spindle with ER collets. Their site says it is designed to work with regular spindles and routers as long as they can run in reverse.
I don’t know if the Autospin can run in reverse. I also don’t know if it can apply enough torque to tighten the collet nut. You might want to ask Sienci directly. This is a user forum and Sienci may not respond here. They do respond in the gSender sub-topic though.
Yes, sounds a little harsh, so allow me to retort…
First of all, because they don’t normally, as you stated, supply this information, I was surprised to see it. I have power tools that I have had for twenty-plus years that I am sure have an excess of 500 hours on them, and are still running great. Yes, a spindle is designed in general to run constantly, but seeing this number makes me feel as if it were designed to be less robust. I have a Sears Craftsman router that still runs like a champ after many, many years. I don’t see what is wrong with asking for clarification on the expected life of a purchase. They are selling it as a CNC router where jobs can be expected to be several hours long, and several hours over time add up.
Also, I get the ATC thing, however not everyone dips into the minutia of everyday specifications, so your analogy of a flying car is a non-starter. Cars are not expected to fly. Car tires, however, DO come with specific speed, conditions, and inflation recommendations for specific use cases. I do not see a difference between “this router will not do this” and “do not drive these tires at 140 mph on a wet road”.
Finally, I wasn’t blaming Sienci for anything because I didn’t investigate better. I was simply asking a question. I was using a regular spindle, and the VFD started throwing errors about the time that they came out with the Autospin, and I thought, “Hey, that might be nice.” I have another spindle still sitting here, and I may install it. The point of my post here was to investigate those few things that I overlooked previously, and I really don’t appreciate your little slap for bothering to do so.
Yeah, I figured that. Too bad because it’s a slick piece of kit and I really like it. I replaced a failing 80mm spindle because it was just a beast and a pain to configure. I have had a spare because I’m annoyingly anal about things like not having spare parts, so at some point, I may go back to it. For now, I’ll put the ATC in the box of things I need to get back to at some point. Thx though.
no worries - I still like the autospin. I may have to put the spindle back on the 30 x 48 and buy a 30 x 30 for the auto spin. I’m sure the wife won’t mind.
