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$77.99 – $509.99
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.
Open-loop Vortex ships in 1-2 weeks.
Close-loop Vortex ships in 3 weeks.
This product will ship in its own carton, separate from the LongMill and AltMill.
⚠️ 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 Close Loop, 48" Rail with Close Loop, Upgrade to Close Loop |
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 48in and the 30in 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.
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.
This product comes with our standard 60-day warranty. Learn more.
| 5 star | 68% | |
| 4 star | 18% | |
| 3 star | 5% | |
| 2 star | 2% | |
| 1 star | 4% |
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
James Phillips (verified owner) –
I am very pleased with my altmill and customer service!
Ron O. (verified owner) –
Nice
Joshua Cole (verified owner) –
Have not had a chance to use the vortex much yet as I’m still learning but the hardware is quality
Peter M. (verified owner) –
I’m a huge fan of all Sienci products and have bought them all. The vortex I purchased was a closed loop intending to go in the Altmill. But due to long production run, decided to place on my LongMill. Contacted Sienci and was told it was possible to mix the two with their jumper wire that was part of kit. Unfortunately the motor always kept the power on and seized the motor. Reached out to Sienci and they saw my footage and testing and decided to send a replacement. The new motor is on its way so hoping it works as intended and happy with Sienci standing behind their products. I’ll be sure to switch it to a 4 or 5 star rating once I get it going again and ones up to all their other products.
Chris Moore (verified owner) –
Have not been able to use this unit.
Jerry Corman (verified owner) –
Love the Vortex! Awesome design and friendly user.
Dan Skinner (verified owner) –
I like it so far.
Mark (verified owner) –
Have not used as yet
William McConnon (verified owner) –
Very solid and intuitive to use. I was surprised how easy it was to set it up. I am really looking forward to using this for many of the ideas I have in my head.
Rpb Murphy (verified owner) –
Although so far I’ve only made the sample chess piece, that proved the efficacy. Now I’m designing my own chess set, because I understand the parameters and the potential. FYI: I set the tool into a pocket in my table to bring the center to about the level of the spoil board. Traded off a few inches of the Y axis, but that works for me. When I make a good set, I’ll be sure to boast in the forum!
Edward Bigham (verified owner) –
Still trying to learn how to program it. It is relatively fast and I like hoy it is its own touch plate.
Alex Krasnovitch (verified owner) –
Set up a Week or two ago. Assembly was straight forward easy enough. Customer service was good when I picked up machine. Don’t have a spindle yet was in no hurry. still waiting??? Was told 1 1/2 months when I picked up but did not hear anything and called was told another 2 months not happy. When I set it up bearing blocks on left side Y axis are binding and I found 5 or more tiny bearings in bottom of box. The machine works and moves but is binding on left side Y axis. How do I get bearing blocks to replace for left side do not want to operate till it is fixed it shudders as it moves forward Y axis will cause problems with finish when I get spindle I am sure. Everything else moves as it should, as I can tell. until I get the spindle I won’t know. Thanks for inquiring but until I can use it not much to tell. Thanks
Norman Hamel (verified owner) –
Love it
Bruce Campbell (verified owner) –
Not out of the box yet.
Robert (verified owner) –
Excellent but takes a little bit to get used to using it.
Donald S. (verified owner) –
I’m going to give this five stars only because of the experience I’ve had with the rest of the machine but I have not used it yet when I get around to playing with it my expectations will be high
David Nicholson (verified owner) –
This unit went together with no issues and is working very well. I made three Baseball Bats last week, just for fun.
Joe B. (verified owner) –
seems to good very well, took a time to get it to work. but service guys were great.
Corey Johnson (verified owner) –
Installation was relatively simple although configuring gSender took multiple attempts. Outside of that, using the Vortex is not as straight forward as a CNC/AltMill. I would greatly appreciate more projects and focus on the Vortex from the Sienci team.
Bob Harrison (verified owner) –
Love the vortex.