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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.
⚠️ 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 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.
This product comes with our standard 60-day 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 | 17% | |
| 3 star | 10% | |
| 2 star | 2% | |
| 1 star | 4% |
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Bob B. (verified owner) –
Can’t rate since the CNC has yet to operate.
Cory (verified owner) –
Great when it runs, but the support, videos, and instructions are so out-dated and jumbled that it was a horrible startup.
Brae Barnes (verified owner) –
have not used yet but excited to try it!
Scott J. (verified owner) –
Not a bad addition to the Altmil but not as fast as traditional turning on a wood lathe.
Greg (verified owner) –
Neutral feedback here. Bought it, have had it 6 months, haven’t used it once! The issue is that with the default spoilboard build – 3/4″ base layer, t-track and strips, the AltMill gantry doesn’t actually clear the Vortex. I built this thing in a day, bought some round blanks and everything… popped it on the bed, started jogging it…. only to realize it wouldn’t have enough clearance. I haven’t yet decided how I’m going to tackle this and if I want to rejig the spoil board to accommodate this thing.
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.
Roda Lyndaker (verified owner) –
I would like to see more videos on how to get projects on vcarve to gsender. I would love to do a baseball bat project from start to finish. I do love the vortex but haven’t used it very much though.
Craig Colpitts (verified owner) –
Having trouble figuring out how to load the post processor. Please help.
Joseph Carpenter (verified owner) –
i think it could be faster but i am still learning alot