Can Tormach PCNC 1100 Be Upgraded To BT30 Spindled From 1100M and 1100MX
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
There's a lot of questions as to whether a Tormach PNC 1100 R8 spindle can be upgraded to a Tormach BT30 spindle. However, there's no confirmation of someone having done it.
The comment by Tormach "Davie" on this TORMACH Forum post "If you have a PCNC1100 then conversion to BT30 is more of a choose your own adventure", seems to indicate that it is possible but not supported.
It seems that the head casting and spindle bore are identical with the PCNC 1100, 1100m and 1100mx. The R8 spindle part number is different for the PCNC 1100 vs the 1100m. The spindles appear to have slightly different designs, but the overall dimensions are the same, and so they should fit the same.
The PCNC 1100 R8 spindle, 1100m R8 spindle, and 1100mx BT30 spindle all have the same 120mm flange diameter and 80mm body diameter that fits inside the head casting.
The PCNC 1100 spindle is sold without the pulley or quick release drawbar assembly. It is sold as only the spindle cartridge, as shown here.
The 1100m spindle is sold as a complete assembly with a matched spindle pulley. It says "dynamically balanced spindle cartridge assembly", which may mean that it is balanced with the spindle pulley, so they are a matching set. The reason it's dynamically balanced, vs the PCNC 1100 not claiming that, is because the 1100m has a higher RPM limit. The 1100m also knows and can control the spindle position.
The 1100m spindle has a bolted on plate that covers the lower spindle bearings.
TORMACH PCNC 1100 R8 SPINDLE
These images of a Tormach BT30 Spindle for reference all come from this eBay listing. https://ebay.us/m/tcGKTG
Dimensions
Flange = 120mm
Body = 80mm
Body length above flange = 165.8mm
Shaft diameter where pulley key is = 29.29mm
Shaft diameter below pulley step = 31.10
TORMACH 1100M R8 SPINDLE
These images of a Tormach BT30 Spindle for reference all come from this eBay listing. https://ebay.us/m/AJsONd
TORMACH BT30 1100 MX SPINDLE
These images of a Tormach BT30 Spindle for reference all come from this eBay post. https://ebay.us/m/ipHMCO
SPINDLE MOTOR
The spindle motor is the same for the TORMACH PCNC 1100, 1100M and 1100MX Mills. Therefore the motor pulley will fit on any of the mills.
SPINDLE MOTOR PULLEY
We know that the spindle motor is the same across all the 1100 Mills, therefore the 1100m motor pulley will fit the PCNC 1100.
I was unable to find a replacement 1100m motor pulley on their website. You may have to call to order that.
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