The spindle motor is what puts the “router” in “CNC router”. Usually mounted on a gantry, the spindle motor spins the cutting bit – the part that does all the work. As such, it’s a crucial component of any CNC router.
There are many different sizes and types of spindle motors to choose from, and they all meet different needs. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best spindle motors for your CNC router. As there are a lot of options, we’ve identified the best based on the following:
- Versatility: Different motors are capable of performing different tasks, and the most ideal motors are the ones with the highest level of versatility. This means that they can perform delicate tasks such as fine engraving but also heavy work such as cutting dense materials. The versatility of a spindle motor is definitely one of the most important considerations.
- High price–performance ratio: When you choose a spindle motor for your CNC router, you want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. Some motors on this list are surprisingly affordable, especially considering the features that they bring to the table. Sometimes, a larger motor is even cheaper than a smaller one!
- Accessories: Quite a few of these spindle motors include numerous accessories with your purchase. This is something to take into consideration when selecting a motor because buying a spindle motor and a variable frequency drive (VFD) speed controller in one package deal is often considerably cheaper than buying the two parts separately. Some common accessories include collet inserts, bits, speed controllers, motor mounting brackets, quick-disconnect plugs, collet wrenches, dust shoe bristles, and water pumps with tubing (if applicable).
Before we jump to our list, let’s review some of the key features that should be taken into consideration when choosing the best spindle motor for your application.
Considerations
Size
Spindle motors come in all different shapes and sizes. You wouldn’t want a 7.5-KW motor on a 3040 router, just like you wouldn’t want a 500-W engraving motor on a 6090 or larger CNC machine. For this reason, we’ve included a range of different-sized motors, and for some of the more popular sizes, we’ve profiled multiple options for you to choose from.
Cooling
Spindle motors need to be able to run for hours on end, so they’ve got to be able to keep their cool somehow. The options boil down to air-cooled versus water-cooled, with water-cooled being the more effective and longer-lasting. This list includes a mix of both types of motors, so you can pick whatever suits your needs and budget.
Water-cooled motors are typically more expensive, and they require a pump, hoses, and other equipment that’s sometimes not included. The most common pumps are submersible, which means you’ll have to place the pump in a tub of water that you supply. The greater the volume of water, the greater ability it has to perform as a heatsink, and the cooler your motor will run. Keep this in mind before purchasing a water-cooled spindle motor, in case you don’t have enough room by your machine for a tub or tank of water.
Power Input & Control Style
The ideal spindle motor is capable of a wide range of speeds, and the speed is controlled via a computer. This is typically done through a VFD speed controller. VFDs add to the price of a spindle motor kit, so we’ve included some pulse width modulator (PWM) motors as well. A PWM is typically controlled by hand and is much less expensive than a VFD.
Another alternative is a woodworking router that has either a built-in manual speed control dial or an inexpensive inline PWM. These are the most budget-friendly options.
Power input requirements also vary between models. Some VFDs run off AC power straight from an outlet, and some run off DC from your machine’s power supply. PWM motors are usually DC, with the exception of woodworking PWM routers that sometimes need AC. In the end, it’s all about preference.
Collet Size
The collet is the fixture on the end of the motor’s shaft. A larger series collet can accept inserts for larger-sized bits but will also be bulkier. For example, you won’t need to run a 3/4-inch end mill in your desktop engraver, so you won’t need a large collet.
Price
Obviously, price plays a big role in the selection of spindle motors. Price is usually a combination of all the factors above, which is why you’ll see motors ranging from $30 all the way up to $400+ on this list.
Small Motors
The motors in this category have less than 1.5 KW of power and are best suited for engraving and light cutting of soft materials. Most of these motors are designed for benchtop CNC machines, although some would function adequately on standalone machines as well.
500-W
If you’re shopping on a budget for a smaller CNC router, this motor is a good contender. It’s strong enough to handle small end mills and could cut easily through medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and even hardwood. With a diameter of 52 mm and a length of 200 mm, this motor is designed for smaller desktop CNC machines.
Don’t expect it to do anything relating to metals aside from engraving. Spinning a 2-inch surfacing bit is also off the table. If you’re looking for an upgrade from the stock spindle motor on your desktop engraving machine, however, this would make a good candidate.
One thing to note about the design of this motor is that the air-cooling function is made possible by an oversized axial fan mounted on the top of the motor. The fan moves plenty of air around the outside of the motor to keep it cool, but it’s exposed, so make sure to keep your fingers clear!
This design is better than that of a typical woodworking router or other general-use motors because the cooling fan blows air around the outside of the motor rather than sucking air in and pushing it by the starter. This means that your motor won’t fill up with sawdust, and the bearings will last longer, which is a plus.
The package includes the spindle motor, a power supply with a built-in PWM speed controller, a manual control knob, and also the ability to connect to Mach3 or a similar program to control the spindle speed. A motor mount clamp bracket, a handful of engraving bits, a collet wrench, and a set of 13 different collet inserts are also included. The price is low considering what’s included, but there are cheaper options if costs of $100+ price tag turns you away.
- Size: 500 W
- Cooling: Air cooling with a shaft-mounted fan
- Control style: DC PWM with manual and computer control
- Collet size: ER11
- Rated speed: 0-12,000 RPM
- Price: ~$100
- Where to get it: Amazon
800-W
Vevor is a great place to shop for inexpensive CNC components, and this 800-W spindle motor, in particular, deserves a spot on our list because it’s simply too good to pass up.
The motor, a spare collet insert, and a plug to wire the motor to a VFD are all that’s included, but the motor itself looks to be of very high quality considering the price point. You’ll need to supply a VFD and water pump yourself unless you’re getting this motor to replace an old one and you already have a VFD and a water cooling system in your machine.
Keep in mind that this motor is by no means the largest one out there, so it’s best suited for smaller operations on softer materials. The water cooling makes it ideal for long run times, but it’s best suited for engraving and light cutting of softer materials.
- Size: 800 W
- Cooling: Water cooling, pump not included
- Control style: 220-V AC, VFD not included
- Collet size: ER11
- Rated speed: 0-24,000 RPM
- Price: ~$105
- Where to get it: Vevor
1.5-KW
A 1.5-KW motor is a good choice for mid-sized to smaller machines, as well as even some large benchtop machines. You couldn’t cut metals with a motor this size, but you could do some awesome engraving. You could also perform the most common operations on wood and plastic workpieces.
The kit includes the spindle motor itself, the VFD, a single collet insert, a 5-m roll of tubing, a submersible water pump, and a spindle motor mounting bracket. Keep in mind that the collet size this motor uses is ER11, which is relatively small and only allows you to use bits with a shank less than 7 mm. You could upgrade the collet assembly, but you would have to consider the limitations of the motor before attempting to put any really large bits in it.
- Size: 1.5 KW
- Cooling: Water cooling with pump and hoses included
- Control style: 110-V AC VFD with computer control
- Collet size: ER11
- Rated speed: 0-24,000 RPM
- Price: ~$360
- Where to get it: Amazon
Woodworking
Another popular choice for makers looking to save money on a spindle motor is the trusty trim router. A trim router is a slightly less common tool than a normal fixed-base router, but it can still be found in many traditional woodshops. A trim router is mainly used for trimming laminate flush with the edges of countertops and the like.
They typically don’t offer too much horsepower (HP), but they’re light and easy to use with one hand, or they can be added to your desktop machine. If your CNC router isn’t quite strong enough to wield a full-sized woodworking router, a trim router may be a good alternative. Just like the fixed-base woodworking router, however, you have to make sure the trim router doesn’t suck up too much sawdust because the motor isn’t sealed.
The featured brand for this product, Makita, makes high-quality power tools that are trusted by professional tradespeople. The alternative brand, Drill Master, is an inexpensive alternative. Drill Master’s trim router is said to be comparable to the Makita RT0701C but at a fraction of the cost. While it may not last as long and may not offer adjustable speed, the lower price tag makes it great for a CNC on a budget.
- Size: 1.25 HP
- Cooling: Air cooling with an internal fan
- Control style: 110-V AC with onboard speed dial
- Collet size: 1/4-inch standard router collet
- Rated speed: 10,000-30,000 RPM
- Price: ~$100 (Makita), ~$50 (Drill Master)
- Where to get it: Amazon (Makita), Harbor Freight (Drill Master)
Engraving
A problem with many of the motors on this list is that they’re simply too large to be used on a small desktop CNC. This motor, made by Genmitsu, is designed to be a bolt-on upgrade for most 3018 CNC engravers as well as many other desktop machines. Genmitsu is a trusted brand, and they’ve earned themselves a good reputation online for their inexpensive desktop CNC engravers.
The motors on desktop CNC engravers are typically single-speed and are rated for about 10,000 RPM. Genmitsu’s motor is rated for 20,000 RPM, so you’ll get a much better surface finish and overall better performance than from your off-the-shelf CNC. Better torque and lower noise are also benefits attributed to this motor. In general, though, these small motors tend to be pretty expendable.
An ER11 collet with a 5-mm insert is included. If you want to use different-sized bits, you’ll need to buy a separate collet set. The whole motor and collet assembly measures 112 mm, so it’s not that teeny tiny.
Note that some users’ starting G-code had to be modified so that the motor could speed up properly without tripping the overcurrent protection on the stock power supply.
- Size: Not listed
- Cooling: Air cooling with an internal fan
- Control style: On or off relay control, 24-V input. Could be modified with a DC PWM.
- Collet size: ER11
- Rated speed: 20,000 RPM
- Price: ~$30
- Where to get it: Amazon
Mid-Sized Motors
These motors are between 1.5 KW and 3 KW. They’re best suited for performing a wide range of operations on a wide range of workpieces, but they may still struggle to cut most metals. These motors would work best on a standalone CNC router and are a bit too cumbersome and heavy for use on most benchtop machines.
2.2-KW – The Works
A 2.2-KW motor is an excellent choice for mid-to-large-sized CNC routers. This motor comes in a kit with a VFD, a water pump, water lines, 13 different collets, a handful of small bits, a motor mounting clamp, and a roll of brush bristles for a dust shoe. Basically, everything you’ll need to set up your router and start making chips!
The included VFD runs off of 110-V household AC current and has a respectable output rating of 3 HP. The output of the VFD and motor should be plenty to tackle CNC operations on soft metals like aluminum, brass, and copper. If you’re feeling ambitious, and your machine is up to it, this motor could probably push through some cuts in steel too!
While the brand, MySweety, is not that well known, this specific product has received numerous positive reviews at Amazon and has proven to be pretty popular.
- Size: 2.2 KW, 3 HP
- Cooling: Water cooling, pump included
- Control style: 110-V AC VFD
- Collet size: ER20
- Rated speed: 0-24,000 RPM
- Price: ~$430
- Where to get it: Amazon
2.2-KW – Budget
As mentioned before, Vevor specializes in inexpensive products such as spindle motors and other CNC parts. Unlike most other 2.2 KW spindle motors, this one is air-cooled. All that’s included in the kit is the motor, a spare collet insert, and a plug for the spindle motor. You’ll have to buy a VFD separately, but at least you won’t have to worry about the hassles of a water cooling system.
This spindle motor is an ideal choice for somebody who wants a capable and powerful spindle motor with a large collet but doesn’t need professional features that are really only needed for long run times. Plus, buying the motor and the VFD separately allows you to spread out the cost of building your CNC router.
- Size: 2.2 KW
- Cooling: Air cooling with an internal fan
- Control style: 220-V AC, VFD not included
- Collet size: ER20
- Rated speed: 0-24,000 RPM
- Price: ~$160
- Where to get it: Vevor
Fixed-Base Woodworking
What better way to top off your CNC router than with an actual router? Woodworking routers are popular in the CNC community for two main reasons. They’re very inexpensive, and they’re very durable. Bosch, the manufacturer of this particular router, makes very high-quality power tools that are trusted by traditional woodworkers.
Woodworking routers typically use a 110-V AC current from a wall outlet and can be actuated with an inexpensive contactor coil. Some routers, like this one, use an onboard speed control dial; this isn’t the most precise or the most convenient way to control RPM on a CNC, but it does work. That being said, it’s not recommended that these routers be used for anything other than wood and engraving soft metals because the RPM dial is too imprecise for more difficult machining operations.
The internal cooling fan can suck up sawdust and wear the bearings prematurely, so make sure to use adequate dust collection on your CNC. If the motor gets filled with dust, use compressed air to blow it out. You’ll be surprised at how much dust gets trapped in the windings!
The other good thing about these motors is that they’re very simple and can be serviced easily. New armature bearings can typically be installed in a woodworking router for less than $20 and in under an hour.
While brands like Bosch, Makita, and Dewalt make very reliable woodworking routers, you can also pick a similar Drill Master router up from Harbor Freight, a budget tool store, for about $60. If you’re lucky enough to find a coupon, you can get that same router for less than $50, which is an amazing bargain.
Just note that these inexpensive routers usually don’t have a built-in speed controller. If you plan on using any large bits or machining anything other than wood, you’ll need an external PWM.
- Size: 2.25 HP
- Cooling: Air cooling with an internal fan
- Control style: 110-V AC with onboard speed dial
- Collet size: 1/2- or 1/4-inch standard router collet
- Rated speed: 8,000-25,000 RPM
- Price: ~$170 (Bosch), ~$60 (Drill Master)
- Where to get it: Amazon (Bosch), HarborFreight (Drill Master)
Large Motors
The motors in this category are 3 KW or larger. These motors are the most expensive but also the most powerful. They’re capable of performing almost any operation typical to a CNC router, including cutting metals (as long as the rest of your CNC is up to the challenge).
These motors are very large and heavy, so it’ll take a lot of strength to move them around on a gantry. Therefore, they’re best suited for use on large, powerful industrial machines.
3-KW
This spindle motor is best suited for large CNC routers that do a lot of heavy machining of metals and other hard materials. For instance, mild steel would be possible if your machine is up to it and you have the right tooling.
Most motors of this size feature air cooling rather than water cooling, which may lead to overheating issues if they’re run continuously. Fortunately, this motor is water-cooled, so continuous production runs shouldn’t be a problem.
Included in the package is the motor, a VFD, and an electrical fitting to connect to the motor. The brand, Taishi, isn’t particularly well known, although they’re no stranger to online sales. They offer a variety of spindle motors in various sizes and cooling methods.
- Size: 3 KW, 4 HP
- Cooling: Water cooling
- Control style: 220-V AC VFD
- Collet size: ER20
- Rated speed: 0-18,000 RPM
- Price: ~$400
- Where to get it: Amazon
7.5-KW
The mother of all spindle motors, this 7.5-KW monster deserves a place on this list. This motor is absolutely massive, and if installed on a sturdy machine with appropriate tooling, it would be able to machine almost anything you could throw at it.
The motor features an extruded aluminum shell that acts as a heatsink to keep the motor cool. An enclosed fan blows air through passageways in the heatsink. The motor measures over 41 cm and weighs almost 20 kg, so it’s best suited for very large industrial CNC routers.
The motor runs off of a typical VFD, but there’s no VFD included with its purchase. You would need to source a VFD elsewhere, but make sure it’s capable of 15 A and 380 V – the requirement to run this monster of a motor.
This is another product from Vevor, and it was too unique to pass up. For the relatively inexpensive price, you know you’re getting a legitimate product from a trusted brand.
- Size: 7.5 KW
- Cooling: Air cooling with an aluminum heatsink and internal fan
- Control style: 380-V AC, VFD not included
- Collet size: ER32
- Rated speed: 0-18,000 RPM
- Price: ~$300
- Where to get it: Vevor
License: The text of "The Best CNC Spindle Motors/Heads for CNC Routers" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.