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Price range: $110.00 through $720.00
The Vortex Rotary Axis is a plug-and-play system to enable rotary axis capability on your LongMill or AltMill CNC. Designed in-house, it’s a compact and precise add-on that directly integrates with gSender, our machine interface software.
This product will ship in its own carton, separate from the LongMill and AltMill. If you currently own a Vortex and use it on an MK2.5 or earlier, and just bought an MK3, reach out to us for an upgraded track.
⚠️ Please scroll down and read the Description below to ensure you purchase the correct system for your CNC.
The Vortex Rotary Axis is an exciting plug-and-play rotary axis system for the AltMill and LongMill.
***Please read the following carefully to ensure compatibility with your machine and controller.***
Each system comes with:
| Weight | 19.4 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 33 × 6 × 5 in |
| Variation | 30" Rail with Open Loop, 48" Rail with Open Loop, 30" Rail with Closed-Loop, 48" Rail with Closed-Loop, Upgrade to Closed-Loop, LongMill MK3-only 30" Rail with Closed-Loop, LongMill MK3-only 48" Rail with Close-Loop |
| Avg. Number of Weeks Item Ships After Date of Purchase | 2 |
Please review the compatibility chart in the product Description, and ensure you purchase the correct Vortex variation for your AltMill or LongMill, or any other CNC machine.
What is the difference between the 48″ and the 30″ versions?
These numbers describe the track length for the rotary axis. Customers should purchase the size that matches the working width of their LongMill.
What is the cutting volume?
| Configuration | Max Stock Diameter | Max Stock Length |
| 30” Rail Kit | 101.6mm / 4” | 558.8mm / 22” |
| 48” Rail Kit | 1016mm / 40” |
Note that cutting volume will also depend on your table setup and you may have to modify your table setup to accommodate large pieces of material.
Which machines is the Rotary Axis compatible with?
The Vortex Rotary Axis is designed to be compatible with the AltMill and all versions of the LongMill, with the exception of the LongMill MK1 12×12, due to the track width (however it can be modified to work). Please refer to the chart in the product Description for more info about compatibility. Although users may be able to integrate the Vortex Rotary Axis into other hobby CNC machines, we will only guarantee compatibility and support for AltMill and LongMill users at this time. For more information about machine clearance, CAD models will be published in the future in our resources.
How is the Rotary Axis driven?
In the current configuration, the Vortex uses the X-axis and Z-axis to move along the rotational axis of the material, with the Y-axis drivers disconnected and reconnected to the Vortex Rotary Axis motor to provide rotational movement. This means that in this configuration, the system is not a full 4-axis machine, but more of a 2-axis + rotary system. Each kit will come with a switch to toggle 3-axis and rotary-axis modes.
Can I do simultaneous 4th axis machining with the Vortex?
In the future, we are planning to provide full simultaneous 4th-axis motion through the SuperLongBoard.
Does the Rotary Axis come with software?
We’ve implemented gSender to integrate the ability to control, set up, and home the Vortex Rotary Axis. Users will need to use or purchase CAM software that supports rotary carving. We recommend VCarve Desktop or VCarve Pro, as this is the software that we primarily use and do testing on.
Items such as our Vortex Rotary Axis are covered under our 1-year warranty. Learn more.
Just like all our products, the Vortex Rotary Axis comes with high-quality tutorials, support, and resources to make it easy to install, learn, and use your rotary axis.
Check out these videos to learn more.
| 5 star | 65% | |
| 4 star | 16% | |
| 3 star | 11% | |
| 2 star | 1% | |
| 1 star | 4% |
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Richard Jaffe (verified owner) –
I own a LongMill MK2 that I am thoroughly satisfied with and enjoy. However, the Vorte Rotay Axis was a nightmare. It came with a defective motor which was replaced with another defective motor. After which technical support went above and beyond in an attempt to coordinate the communication between it and the MK2. I could cut the small chess parts but when it came to turning a cylinder it was out of calibration and I could not cut a self-designed project. I was refunded my money and gave I up. Customer service was awesome. Thanks
Russell W. (verified owner) –
Have not used but like it so far
Harold S. (verified owner) –
Fun to use.
Jeremy (verified owner) –
Solid item. Works excellent!