Thank you so much for creating such an informative review video about the TwoTrees TTC450 500W Spindle Upgrade. We are thrilled to hear that our product has made such a positive impact on your entry-level CNC machine. We value your feedback and look forward to continuing to provide you with high-quality products that meet your needs. Thank you for your support and we hope to collaborate with you again in the future!
@@SteveMakesEverything That's great to hear! We appreciate your enthusiasm for our products and willingness to share them with the Maker community. I appreciate your support, and we look forward to continuing to work with you to provide high-quality products to our customers. 🤝🛠
Greeting! I'm interested in your opinion! You probably know that the TTC 450 already has a pro version, and you can buy an 800W spindle for it, which is very similar to a manual router! I have three questions: 1. How much do you think this spindle speeds up the production process? 2. Can the mechanics of the machine handle such a large spindle? 3. Can it be installed on the plain TTC450, and if so, will it not destroy the machine!? Thank you in advance!
1. The biggest benefits of a spindle are that they are designed to run for long periods of time, provide more torque and they are quieter 2. You can actually put a trim router on this CNC, though that would push things a bit in my opinion. But the 800W spindle should be fine. 3. I believe the running mechanics of the regular and pro versions are essentially identical, so what you can do on one will work on the other.
Hi Steve, thank you for sharing . I designed couple simple projects, put them in a memory and loaded them into my laptop, which is connected to my cnc machine, and nothing happened. I don't know what's wrong. Any ideas? please help.
I just bought the 450 with the 500w spindle. When I connected the spindle it's not working. Getting power to the control box, but no power to the spindle. I connected he 80w to see what would happen and it works fine. Any thoughts? I've contacted TT and haven't heard back from them yet.
Look on the Two Trees channel. They have a video that shows this. The bolts holding the spindle bracket are accessible from the back. You need to manually move the Z up and down the access the bolts
I suggest you test if that power supply box is grounded. I have one of these 500W 110V spindles, and it has 80V on its "ground" wire when compared to actual ground coming from your wall.
Is it good and precise enough for a small startup shop? Or is it a hobby machine that you have to frequently tinker with that doesn't get consistent and repeatable results?
If you want to do shop work then I'd suggest the Genmitsu ProverXL 4030 V2. It's a bit more heavy duty. You can find a review of this on the channel as well if you look in the CNC playlist.
@@SteveMakesEverything Thank you for responding. Due to budget constraints, I was rather excited about the TwoTree machine, I'm just concerned that it would end up more like a tinkering machine similar to cheaper 3d printers that you constantly have to tune, part replace and adjust to get any workable result out of. I've seen the Genmitsu ProverXL before, but since I already have a Snapmaker Artisan I decided to stick with that over dropping north of 2k on another CNC. The TwoTrees seems to hit a nice spot price wise, where I could get just enough extra working area to actually clamp 400x400mm pieces, while also easily installing a vacuum clamping table. Though, again, I'm concerned about its accuracy given that I need to flip my workpiece around to precisely cut on both sides (if the contours don't align that would be an issue). Hopefully you can let me know if the TT would be up to this task or if I should wait until I have the funds to scale to a better machine instead of trying to produce more volume with a TT.
@@kay6736 The Two Trees CNC is a decent machine, but as noted I would still lean to one of the 4040 Genmitsu models. They are just more robust for not a lot more money. The TT is definitely cheaper, but as the oild adage goes, you get what you pay for.
@@SteveMakesEverything Thanks, that's kind of what I thought but didn't want to be true. I'll keep using what I have until I can upgrade then. God bless.
Sorry to ask again! I finally got the 500W motor for the TTC450! I managed to install it, but I won't try it out until tomorrow! My first question would be, how high should the spindle be raised from the bottom of the machine when it is held in place in the clamp? I couldn't find any information anywhere, or I just missed it! My other question would be how many millimeters is the depth to which you can safely go in one step, without the machine being destroyed! I know you mention 5mm in your film, but as a beginner I find it too much, but I would be wrong, because it would be good to finish the work as soon as possible! Thanks! Friendly greeting!
There’s not set height for the spindle, though there’s no point setting so low that a tool bit could go much below the workspace surface. Insert your shortest bit and set the height so that bit just touches the workspace with the Z axis at its lowest point Going 5mm is pretty aggressive. Start with maybe 2-3 mms. If you XY movement is slow you won’t break a bit
The most accurate way is to run it through a power monitor, but then you need to already own the spindle. However, the max power is 500W (or about 5 incandescent light bulbs), so it probably won't rack up your power bill in any big way. But the spindle is only running while you are engraving, and you will rarely be running at maximum speed. Regardless, it will use less power than a trim router and will certainly be a lot quieter.
@SteveMakesEverything Thanks Steve. Power is a big factor for me as it's very expensive in Australia 🇦🇺. I just purchased the consumption adaptor this morning for 20AUD. Going to test and see how much the pc, laser+enclosure and air assist costs to run this will be interesting. Always learning! Need to factor overheads like power into final cost as a novice I'm getting paid to learn once I start selling.
HI! Sorry to bother you again! I have the TTC450 machine, it's great, it's a pleasure to work with it, but I have two problems that I can't fix! 1. it often happens that I move either the X or Y axis in one direction with a given value, and all of a sudden it doesn't go any further, yes in the opposite direction, but not in the original direction! I can only solve it if I send it to the Home position! Then it's good for a while! 2. I wanted to place the Home position in the right, rear corner, but there the limit switch of the X would not stop it, it would continue, do you know what sound it makes? However, the Home position works in the left rear and right front corners! I think that the problem may be with $$ values, but I dare not touch it! Can you help me? Maybe you could send me all the correct $$ values! Thanks!
Hmm. #1 sounds like you are either at a limit or the axis is binding and preventing movement. On the TTC450 I've seen the Y-axis get into this state because the cable they slide through the left rail slot is too thick. I took that left shield off and took a grinder to it to make it wider so the cable can move freely. #2 I'm not sure you can change the hardware home position on the TT450.
Hi Steve have a problem I have the TTC 450 with the 500 watt motor, have just assembled it plugged it in but won't run, plug the 180 watt motor in and it runs is the something in need to do in settings or software to fix this problem cheers from NZ
Check the polarity of the motor connections. It isn't obvious wire coloring like red/black so you will either need to look in my video or contact TwoTrees support. I actually has a similar problem and they ended up replacing the power supply for the spindle.
Hi Steve, have you tried the 20w laser module they offer? I've been 3d printing for a while and want to move into router and laser. Dedicated machines sound better to me, but curious if I could get away with one that does both, for diode anyway. Thanks!
HI! I'm Zoltán Kabódi and unfortunately I don't speak English! According to the automatic translation that I used in the video, I mean that you set 5mm for the Deep/pass 500W motor! Am I right? won't it damage the machine? (TTC450) Perhaps you could tell me what parameters (Deep/pass, Feed rate, Plunge rate) you are working with, say for hardwood a 3mm and a 6mm End Mill! That would be a big help to me! Thanks!
It certainly would t be 5mms because that would probably stall the spindle or at least cause it to get hot. Unfortunately I don’t remember the setting I did use. It would make more sense to set the depth per pass at 2-3mms, though it would depend on the mater8al a bit
I have already ordered the machine together with the 500W spindle, but it is still on the way! I think 2-3 mm is a very good result compared to 3018, which I am using now, it significantly shortens the time! Thank you for taking the time for me!
The spindle isn't really that big, and it is downward force on a threaded shaft, so the motor had no trouble dealing with it. I haven't tried metal with this spindle, but it should work fine as long as you aren't trying to brute-force the job. I think the right bit matters more than the spindle - and, of course, the feed rate will need to be slower than for wood.
How would one know what feed rate and plunge rate (speed) you should add to the tool database for the included cnc mills that come bundled with the 500w + Machine + mill package? Is this a try and error approach or is there some baseline settings to start with?
Kind of yes. It depends on a lot of things. (E.g the material, your tool bits etc). It’s a bit of dark art to get these right, but I usually start by going slow and not trying to remove too much material at once. If it is obvious easy going, you go increase the speed and feed.
Apparently, Twotrees has a SERIOUS QC issue with their 500 watt motor power supplies. I ordered one brand new from Amazon, and D.O.A. Still no response from Twotrees. Thinking this may be a company to avoid.
@@SteveMakesEverything It's not ME "singling them out" if they have QC issues. It's THEM having QC issues. You said yourself "I actually has a similar problem and they ended up replacing the power supply for the spindle." That sounds like a definite problem, and honesty about the issue should prevail. Even if you get free stuff from them. Integrity.
@@letmepicyou yup, I hear you. My point is that quality issues are endemic in this business. My personal concern is that support is also an issue an it’s a recipe for disaster, if a company has neither.
@@SteveMakesEverything Agreed. So far, I haven't seen much from them in terms of support. I finally got SOME message from them, but all it was was a request for me to send them a video of the problem (!). I mean, who does that? Imagine if your brand new car broke down driving it home from the dealership, and you call the dealer and they're like "Well, maybe take a video of your vehicle broke down on the side of the road and maybe we'll see what we'll see." That's literally where I'm at now, having sent then 2 videos (to 2 different addresses) and haven't had a response from either. It's not a good sign.
Hello! I am trying to determine if there is a budget CNC for me. I am wanting to get into making parts for my channel and for different designs I've already 3d printed. my goal would be to use a cnc for HDPE to make certain triangular parts at no more than 12mm thick. Is this possible with or without this upgrade and if not, is there a CNC you may recommend? Thanks!!
HDPE is pretty soft so it might be possible to do this with the standard motor. The 500w motor would certainly work an probably let you get through this material in a couple of passes
Those spindles usually have regulators connected to the network, quite a dangerous thing (how can you use a 120V power source and control the output with a pwm mosfet), but it's all useless because the bearings are stored in flexible rubber. It does not have the necessary rigidity for use as a cnc spindle.
I ordered this machine based off of this video over a week ago, and they have yet to ship it. Only email I got was asking me what kind of plug I needed. Which it clearly stated in the order. Seems like a scam. About to request a refund.
Well I obviously don’t have any business relationship with TwoTrees so there’s not much I can do. It has been bothering more lately that customer service is taking a backseat with a lot of companies. FWIW companies do this to me too sometimes and I’m supposed to be in a situation where I helping them get exposure in the market. I haven’t had anything but good experience with TwoTree though, if that matters.
I’m not sure what your criteria is, but you certainly won’t plunge 5+ mms into walnut in a single pass with the default motor. If all you ever want to do is engrave text then the 80W spindle is fine, but for $120 you can turn a hobby CNC in a serious tool
Thank you so much for creating such an informative review video about the TwoTrees TTC450 500W Spindle Upgrade. We are thrilled to hear that our product has made such a positive impact on your entry-level CNC machine. We value your feedback and look forward to continuing to provide you with high-quality products that meet your needs. Thank you for your support and we hope to collaborate with you again in the future!
I'm always happy to connect great products with the Maker community
@@SteveMakesEverything That's great to hear! We appreciate your enthusiasm for our products and willingness to share them with the Maker community. I appreciate your support, and we look forward to continuing to work with you to provide high-quality products to our customers. 🤝🛠
Greeting!
I'm interested in your opinion!
You probably know that the TTC 450 already has a pro version, and you can buy an 800W spindle for it, which is very similar to a manual router! I have three questions:
1. How much do you think this spindle speeds up the production process?
2. Can the mechanics of the machine handle such a large spindle?
3. Can it be installed on the plain TTC450, and if so, will it not destroy the machine!?
Thank you in advance!
1. The biggest benefits of a spindle are that they are designed to run for long periods of time, provide more torque and they are quieter
2. You can actually put a trim router on this CNC, though that would push things a bit in my opinion. But the 800W spindle should be fine.
3. I believe the running mechanics of the regular and pro versions are essentially identical, so what you can do on one will work on the other.
@@SteveMakesEverythingThanks!
Hi Steve, thank you for sharing . I designed couple simple projects, put them in a memory and loaded them into my laptop, which is connected to my cnc
machine, and nothing happened. I don't know what's wrong. Any ideas? please help.
This isn’t much to go on. What tool are you using to load the files to your CNC?
I just bought the 450 with the 500w spindle. When I connected the spindle it's not working. Getting power to the control box, but no power to the spindle. I connected he 80w to see what would happen and it works fine. Any thoughts? I've contacted TT and haven't heard back from them yet.
Check the connections from the control box to the spindle. I had a similar problem with mine and TT ended up sending me a new control box.
Can you tell me how to install the bracket behind the spindle thank you
Look on the Two Trees channel. They have a video that shows this. The bolts holding the spindle bracket are accessible from the back. You need to manually move the Z up and down the access the bolts
Ok thank you
I suggest you test if that power supply box is grounded. I have one of these 500W 110V spindles, and it has 80V on its "ground" wire when compared to actual ground coming from your wall.
Wow. Mine is definitely grounded
Is it good and precise enough for a small startup shop?
Or is it a hobby machine that you have to frequently tinker with that doesn't get consistent and repeatable results?
If you want to do shop work then I'd suggest the Genmitsu ProverXL 4030 V2. It's a bit more heavy duty. You can find a review of this on the channel as well if you look in the CNC playlist.
@@SteveMakesEverything Thank you for responding. Due to budget constraints, I was rather excited about the TwoTree machine, I'm just concerned that it would end up more like a tinkering machine similar to cheaper 3d printers that you constantly have to tune, part replace and adjust to get any workable result out of.
I've seen the Genmitsu ProverXL before, but since I already have a Snapmaker Artisan I decided to stick with that over dropping north of 2k on another CNC.
The TwoTrees seems to hit a nice spot price wise, where I could get just enough extra working area to actually clamp 400x400mm pieces, while also easily installing a vacuum clamping table.
Though, again, I'm concerned about its accuracy given that I need to flip my workpiece around to precisely cut on both sides (if the contours don't align that would be an issue).
Hopefully you can let me know if the TT would be up to this task or if I should wait until I have the funds to scale to a better machine instead of trying to produce more volume with a TT.
@@kay6736 The Two Trees CNC is a decent machine, but as noted I would still lean to one of the 4040 Genmitsu models. They are just more robust for not a lot more money.
The TT is definitely cheaper, but as the oild adage goes, you get what you pay for.
@@SteveMakesEverything Thanks, that's kind of what I thought but didn't want to be true.
I'll keep using what I have until I can upgrade then. God bless.
Sorry to ask again!
I finally got the 500W motor for the TTC450! I managed to install it, but I won't try it out until tomorrow!
My first question would be, how high should the spindle be raised from the bottom of the machine when it is held in place in the clamp? I couldn't find any information anywhere, or I just missed it!
My other question would be how many millimeters is the depth to which you can safely go in one step, without the machine being destroyed! I know you mention 5mm in your film, but as a beginner I find it too much, but I would be wrong, because it would be good to finish the work as soon as possible! Thanks! Friendly greeting!
There’s not set height for the spindle, though there’s no point setting so low that a tool bit could go much below the workspace surface. Insert your shortest bit and set the height so that bit just touches the workspace with the Z axis at its lowest point
Going 5mm is pretty aggressive. Start with maybe 2-3 mms. If you XY movement is slow you won’t break a bit
Thank you very much!@@SteveMakesEverything
How do I work out how much power it uses?
I'm working from home and don't want a huge power bill.
The most accurate way is to run it through a power monitor, but then you need to already own the spindle. However, the max power is 500W (or about 5 incandescent light bulbs), so it probably won't rack up your power bill in any big way. But the spindle is only running while you are engraving, and you will rarely be running at maximum speed. Regardless, it will use less power than a trim router and will certainly be a lot quieter.
@SteveMakesEverything Thanks Steve. Power is a big factor for me as it's very expensive in Australia 🇦🇺. I just purchased the consumption adaptor this morning for 20AUD. Going to test and see how much the pc, laser+enclosure and air assist costs to run this will be interesting. Always learning! Need to factor overheads like power into final cost as a novice I'm getting paid to learn once I start selling.
HI!
Sorry to bother you again! I have the TTC450 machine, it's great, it's a pleasure to work with it, but I have two problems that I can't fix!
1. it often happens that I move either the X or Y axis in one direction with a given value, and all of a sudden it doesn't go any further, yes in the opposite direction, but not in the original direction! I can only solve it if I send it to the Home position! Then it's good for a while!
2. I wanted to place the Home position in the right, rear corner, but there the limit switch of the X would not stop it, it would continue, do you know what sound it makes? However, the Home position works in the left rear and right front corners!
I think that the problem may be with $$ values, but I dare not touch it! Can you help me? Maybe you could send me all the correct $$ values! Thanks!
Hmm. #1 sounds like you are either at a limit or the axis is binding and preventing movement. On the TTC450 I've seen the Y-axis get into this state because the cable they slide through the left rail slot is too thick. I took that left shield off and took a grinder to it to make it wider so the cable can move freely.
#2 I'm not sure you can change the hardware home position on the TT450.
Hi Steve have a problem I have the TTC 450 with the 500 watt motor, have just assembled it plugged it in but won't run, plug the 180 watt motor in and it runs is the something in need to do in settings or software to fix this problem cheers from NZ
Check the polarity of the motor connections. It isn't obvious wire coloring like red/black so you will either need to look in my video or contact TwoTrees support. I actually has a similar problem and they ended up replacing the power supply for the spindle.
Hi Steve, have you tried the 20w laser module they offer? I've been 3d printing for a while and want to move into router and laser. Dedicated machines sound better to me, but curious if I could get away with one that does both, for diode anyway. Thanks!
I haven’t. Like you I think if you want a laser and a CNC then two machines is a better option than trying to do two thing with one machine.
HI! I'm Zoltán Kabódi and unfortunately I don't speak English! According to the automatic translation that I used in the video, I mean that you set 5mm for the Deep/pass 500W motor! Am I right? won't it damage the machine? (TTC450)
Perhaps you could tell me what parameters (Deep/pass, Feed rate, Plunge rate) you are working with, say for hardwood a 3mm and a 6mm End Mill! That would be a big help to me!
Thanks!
It certainly would t be 5mms because that would probably stall the spindle or at least cause it to get hot. Unfortunately I don’t remember the setting I did use. It would make more sense to set the depth per pass at 2-3mms, though it would depend on the mater8al a bit
I have already ordered the machine together with the 500W spindle, but it is still on the way! I think 2-3 mm is a very good result compared to 3018, which I am using now, it significantly shortens the time! Thank you for taking the time for me!
I wonder if the small nema17 on the x axis really can hold that big spindle.. Dies anyone have any experience with this machine and aluminum or brass?
The spindle isn't really that big, and it is downward force on a threaded shaft, so the motor had no trouble dealing with it. I haven't tried metal with this spindle, but it should work fine as long as you aren't trying to brute-force the job. I think the right bit matters more than the spindle - and, of course, the feed rate will need to be slower than for wood.
How would one know what feed rate and plunge rate (speed) you should add to the tool database for the included cnc mills that come bundled with the 500w + Machine + mill package? Is this a try and error approach or is there some baseline settings to start with?
Kind of yes. It depends on a lot of things. (E.g the material, your tool bits etc). It’s a bit of dark art to get these right, but I usually start by going slow and not trying to remove too much material at once. If it is obvious easy going, you go increase the speed and feed.
Forgot to tell you: my machine is a TTC450. Thank you again.
Apparently, Twotrees has a SERIOUS QC issue with their 500 watt motor power supplies. I ordered one brand new from Amazon, and D.O.A. Still no response from Twotrees. Thinking this may be a company to avoid.
I wouldn’t necessarily single them out for quality issues. There are a few companies struggling.
@@SteveMakesEverything It's not ME "singling them out" if they have QC issues. It's THEM having QC issues. You said yourself "I actually has a similar problem and they ended up replacing the power supply for the spindle." That sounds like a definite problem, and honesty about the issue should prevail.
Even if you get free stuff from them. Integrity.
@@letmepicyou yup, I hear you. My point is that quality issues are endemic in this business. My personal concern is that support is also an issue an it’s a recipe for disaster, if a company has neither.
@@SteveMakesEverything Agreed. So far, I haven't seen much from them in terms of support. I finally got SOME message from them, but all it was was a request for me to send them a video of the problem (!). I mean, who does that? Imagine if your brand new car broke down driving it home from the dealership, and you call the dealer and they're like "Well, maybe take a video of your vehicle broke down on the side of the road and maybe we'll see what we'll see." That's literally where I'm at now, having sent then 2 videos (to 2 different addresses) and haven't had a response from either.
It's not a good sign.
Can this cnc print to cut?
I don’t know the answer this.
Hello! I am trying to determine if there is a budget CNC for me. I am wanting to get into making parts for my channel and for different designs I've already 3d printed. my goal would be to use a cnc for HDPE to make certain triangular parts at no more than 12mm thick. Is this possible with or without this upgrade and if not, is there a CNC you may recommend? Thanks!!
HDPE is pretty soft so it might be possible to do this with the standard motor. The 500w motor would certainly work an probably let you get through this material in a couple of passes
Thanks so much for your response
Those spindles usually have regulators connected to the network, quite a dangerous thing (how can you use a 120V power source and control the output with a pwm mosfet), but it's all useless because the bearings are stored in flexible rubber. It does not have the necessary rigidity for use as a cnc spindle.
Yeah those spindles aren’t the best for the long term. A trim router would be a bitter choice for longer life.
I ordered this machine based off of this video over a week ago, and they have yet to ship it. Only email I got was asking me what kind of plug I needed. Which it clearly stated in the order. Seems like a scam. About to request a refund.
Well I obviously don’t have any business relationship with TwoTrees so there’s not much I can do. It has been bothering more lately that customer service is taking a backseat with a lot of companies.
FWIW companies do this to me too sometimes and I’m supposed to be in a situation where I helping them get exposure in the market. I haven’t had anything but good experience with TwoTree though, if that matters.
First!
Dont buy its not worth the price
I’m not sure what your criteria is, but you certainly won’t plunge 5+ mms into walnut in a single pass with the default motor. If all you ever want to do is engrave text then the 80W spindle is fine, but for $120 you can turn a hobby CNC in a serious tool