Copyright @ Sienci Labs Inc. 2019-2020

Routers and Spindles

Last Update: 23 February 2021

Routers and spindles come in all shapes and sizes. When considering the right tool for your machine, there are several things you want to look out for such as

  • Power
  • Speed and speed control
  • Size and weight
  • Runout

For the LongMill, we recommend using the Makita RT0700/RT0701.

Makita RT0700/RT0701


Home Depot (US)       Home Depot (Canada)
Amazon (US)              Amazon (Canada)

The Makita RT0700/RT0701 router is a commonly used palm router boasting a 1-1/4HP motor. It offers a wide speed range (10,000RPM to 30,000RPM), which is electronically controlled for reliably consistent speed. With a metal body, it is extremely durable. Our test units have been used for hundreds of hours without fail, on projects that take over 6 hours. This is our go-to recommended router as it is widely available in both 120V and 220V.

Other possible routers

We supply the LongMill with several different size mounts. These aluminum mounts are offered in a range of diameters:  52mm, 65mm, 71mm, and 80mm.

If you plan on using a router that is not the Makita RT0700/RT0701, you may need to measure the diameter of the router. Here is a list of other routers that can be used, along with the diameter of their mounting points. Please note that these routers have not been tested by us, and we cannot guarantee that they will work:

  • Dewalt DWP611 (uses 71mm mount)
  • Carbide 3D Compact Router (uses 65mm mount)
  • Avid Power MW104 (uses 65mm mount)
  • MLCS Rocky 30 9056 (uses 65mm mount)
  • Ridgid R2401 (needs to adapt from 61mm to our 80mm mount to clear it’s ~6x15mm protruding body notch)
  • Bosch Colt PR20EVS (uses 71mm mount but sits much higher up than normal, you’ll have to space up your material)
  • Bosch Colt GKF125 (needs to adapt from 72mm to our 80mm mount, also sits much higher up than normal)

Three-phase spindles

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Three phase spindles are commonly used in higher end, semi-professional to professional level machines. They come with several advantages over traditional woodworking routers such as:

  • Quieter operation
  • More power
  • Lower run-out
  • Longer life
  • Ability to integrate speed and direction control directly from the control board

They also come with some downsides:

  • More expensive
  • Can be challenging to set up
  • Larger and heavier (we don’t recommend any spindle over 2.7kg or 6lbs)

The LongMill’s control box has the necessary outputs to interface with most market spindles. This includes:

  • 0-5V PWM signal for speed control
  • 0V or 5V toggle for direction control

Although wiring and programming of the VFDs required for spindle operation tend to vary between manufacturers, this is compatible with most spindle setups. Consult your spindle manufacturer for details on wiring and programming.

What we don’t recommend

Handheld rotary tools like Dremels are highly under-powered for use on the LongMill since they do not have internal hardware that allows them to support the high lateral and axial forces. In addition, these tools are fabricated for hand use, and as such aren’t designed for the minimal runout required to cut precisely.