Replacing shapeoko VFD + other upgrade questions

General
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Hi! I’ve had a 80mm C3D spindle for awhile and I’m ready to expand my capabilities but frustrated at the closed sourced nature of the company. I need the capability to run the spindle in reverse and to run the spindle below 8000 rpm (not for cutting). Carbide 3D specifically restricts that ability. I have a couple questions regarding this that I can’t find answers to (I’ve done hours of googling to no avail):

  1. Does anyone know or have a PWN CNC VFD connected to the carbide3d controller that can tell me if M4 commands and low spindle speeds (let’s say 1500 rpm) are controllable? I don’t know if the limitations are baked into the controller or the VFD itself and its custom control board.
  2. If I were to switch out my VFD for a PWN CNC one, can I keep my current spindle? (2.2kw 80mm)
  3. If I were to do this, what cable would I have to use to connect the VFD and spindle?
  4. A Masso upgrade is in my future plans, are there any issues adapting the PWN CNC VFD to this?

I’ll probably have more questions later. Hah

1 Like
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The problem isn’t necessarily the vfd with running in reverse at 1500, the problem is the spindle. At those low of speeds, your spindle is more likely than not going to stall. You’re going to need a 800hz 4 pole motor. It’s about $1,100 for the system, or you can get atc for $3,200

The conversion to masso from the carbide controller on your vfd is a few parameter changes and a new control cable. About $20.

I don’t know if carbide can do m4, it might, but i don’t think so.

I can help you save a few bucks if you use promo code chriss

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Totally understand it will stall out. Not going to be cutting at 1500 RPM, but wanted to use something like https://rapidchangeatc.com since I don’t have the budget to spend on a true ATC. Requires spindle speeds at 15-1600 rpm. Carbide 3d specifically disallows anything below 8000.

I think I wasn’t super clear here. For now, I am keeping the Carbide3D machine controller. My questions revolved more so around that than Masso. Budget is an issue, which is why I am trying to do this piecemeal if possible.

2 Likes
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There is a work around in the vfd for m4 if it doesn’t work but it’ll require you to change the parameter everytime you transition from wood to metal, and it’ll work forward and reverse with m3

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Ah, added context is nice. Same thing, i don’t think carbide can do m4. You can try it just to see, or multimeter the spindle pins on the controller.

Have you seen other people use rapid changer on carbide controller, or are you in uncharted territory?

Masso can do rapid changer

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I have not, and it’s mostly because C3D blocks the reverse mode somehow. The VFD is password protected and I can’t access any of the parameters. I’ve seen videos on PWNCNCs YouTube connecting your VFD to a Shapeoko so I was hoping someone has tried to use a reverse mode command and could tell me if it works.

Additionally, are your VFDs compatible with the c3D spindles? I believe they use a 4 pin connector.

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As far as I’m aware they use the same spindles, but i don’t know about them using the same connectors. Pretty sure the use the same vfd too, but again password protected

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It’s not so much a mystery. It’s as easy as not connecting a wire and setting the parameter… that is assuming the controller is capable, which I’m pretty sure it’s not. It’s more than m4, it’s the logic too

A suggested path is:
Spindle kit
Masso conversion
Rapid change

That will allow you to use new toys when you get them instead of waiting for another component