I got used to going to a +z position,

General CNC CNC Routers
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1

I got used to going to a +z position, homing to 0,0 and then editing my gcode before shutting down my system for the night.

I got a pair of earplugs that claim 25db hearing protection too. My ear buds that I bought for $10 and let me play audio seemed to work better than these $3 earplugs. I may be going out again tomorrow for $18 ear muff style hearing protection for about 25-30 db protection. I wonder if I can use both at the same time. If I am not happy with the ear muff style hearing protection, I might be tempted to make my own. It seems like you get a better deal spending a couple of hours to make something yourself anymore anyways and it probably won’t take that long.

2

Years ago, combining plugs and muffs was recommended to me for very noisy environments by a safety professional

3

$10 + $3 + $18 = much closer to the purchase of a Quiet Cut Spindle from Inventables!

4

Get a DC Spindle! The cost and effort are well worth it to protect hearing and the comfort of others. You can also run it any time you want, unless your in the same room you won’t hear it. Best purchase I ever made for my ShapeOko.

5

By the way you can upgrade to a TinyG and use Chillipeppr which has a pause function. That’s another great combination to have too!

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@Michael_Omiccioli I totally agree about the spindle! No regrets!

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I think the quiet cut spindle was about $183. Any other spindles to consider? I am a cheap ass. Is an enclosure a good idea too? I also have noise from my vacuum cleaner to deal with.

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I think 183 is on the high side but your hearing is worth it. Enclosure might help but the DC Spindle is worth it and is first in my book.

9

The spindle and power supply are really all you need. The speed controller isn’t really needed… yet

10

Marc is correct, however I am lazy and I like to have my Gcode control the spindle.

11

For sure Michael. And a relay is maybe $5 including shipping.

12

I may want to add a relay even if I don’t upgrade the spindle because having the spindle (a rotary tool in my case) and a vacuum cleaner running intermittently instead of constantly would be a great noise reduction. Maybe even a mosfet.