Sewing machine type motor/controller as a spindle motor with Acorn
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Sewing machine type motor/controller as a spindle motor with Acorn
I have seen a lot of questions regarding the use of sewing machine type motor/controller setups as a spindle motor, controlled by Acorn. I have a WEN 33013 mini mill that I bought used and I bought a CNC conversion package off the internet. I bought this spindle motor setup from Dan at The Custom Crafter.
https://www.servomotorkit.com/product-p ... pgrade-kit
Attached are the pinouts for the controller and how I connected them to Acorn. The Spindle ON/FWD on my control must be ON in order for the spindle to start in Forward, or for the spindle to run in Reverse, that is why the spindle Forward signal is jumpered to both the NC and NO positions on the spindle forward Relay. The spindle will not start unless it receives a voltage signal from Acorn, either in Manual mode or Automatic mode.
https://www.servomotorkit.com/product-p ... pgrade-kit
Attached are the pinouts for the controller and how I connected them to Acorn. The Spindle ON/FWD on my control must be ON in order for the spindle to start in Forward, or for the spindle to run in Reverse, that is why the spindle Forward signal is jumpered to both the NC and NO positions on the spindle forward Relay. The spindle will not start unless it receives a voltage signal from Acorn, either in Manual mode or Automatic mode.
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Re: Sewing machine type motor/controller as a spindle motor with Acorn
Do yourself a HUGE favor and return that kit. Buy a simple servo motor/driver combo. You'll spend half what you did on that kit and have a better mouse trap. Some are using the 1000 watt A6 servo drive from Stepper Online and that runs about $200.
Last edited by ShawnM on Tue Feb 25, 2025 7:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Sewing machine type motor/controller as a spindle motor with Acorn
if you want go this route there are lots of BLDC motor/drive combinations out there that accept PWM which Acorn can output for programmable spindle speed
and don't use a timing belt for a spindle motor drive unless you want to go deaf.
multi vee or micro vee is the preferred drive belt.
and don't use a timing belt for a spindle motor drive unless you want to go deaf.
multi vee or micro vee is the preferred drive belt.
Need support? READ THIS POST first. http://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=1043
All Acorn Documentation is located here: viewtopic.php?f=60&t=3397
Answers to common questions: viewforum.php?f=63
and here viewforum.php?f=61
Gear we use but don't sell. https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... _gear.html
All Acorn Documentation is located here: viewtopic.php?f=60&t=3397
Answers to common questions: viewforum.php?f=63
and here viewforum.php?f=61
Gear we use but don't sell. https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... _gear.html
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Re: Sewing machine type motor/controller as a spindle motor with Acorn
What did you say ?
Pls. speak louder

Uwe
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Re: Sewing machine type motor/controller as a spindle motor with Acorn
Thanks for all the input/feedback. It's not really loud with no load, maybe it will be louder when cutting, but for now I'm going to run it.
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Re: Sewing machine type motor/controller as a spindle motor with Acorn
Thanks Shawn,
I saw those on Stepper Online but only saw 240V. Also, what drive system would I use with that, belt, gears?
Thanks
Derrick
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Re: Sewing machine type motor/controller as a spindle motor with Acorn
I am using HTD belts for my spindles also. IMHO they are not that loud, but make a rigid connection with low tension (low radial bearing load).handymancanfixit wrote: ↑Tue Feb 25, 2025 12:39 pm Thanks for all the input/feedback. It's not really loud with no load, maybe it will be louder when cutting, but for now I'm going to run it.
Uwe
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Re: Sewing machine type motor/controller as a spindle motor with Acorn
I also use HTD tooth belts for all my belt drive reductions. The rubber belts are quieter but I use the poly belts. The poly belts are far better belts in several ways but they are noisier than its rubber equivalent. That said, you can't hear the difference when the machine is running.handymancanfixit wrote: ↑Tue Feb 25, 2025 12:41 pmThanks Shawn,
I saw those on Stepper Online but only saw 240V. Also, what drive system would I use with that, belt, gears?
Thanks
Derrick

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Re: Sewing machine type motor/controller as a spindle motor with Acorn
Are you using a 240V servo and drive?ShawnM wrote: ↑Tue Feb 25, 2025 1:48 pmI also use HTD tooth belts for all my belt drive reductions. The rubber belts are quieter but I use the poly belts. The poly belts are far better belts in several ways but they are noisier than its rubber equivalent. That said, you can't hear the difference when the machine is running.handymancanfixit wrote: ↑Tue Feb 25, 2025 12:41 pmThanks Shawn,
I saw those on Stepper Online but only saw 240V. Also, what drive system would I use with that, belt, gears?
Thanks
Derrick![]()
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Re: Sewing machine type motor/controller as a spindle motor with Acorn
Jep JMC AC Servos 1.5 kw on mill and lathe for spindle drive.
Uwe
Uwe
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