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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.
Eric (verified owner) –
PRODUCT MEETS EXPECTATIONS
Jack Scott (verified owner) –
I haven’t had a chance to set up my new Altmill or use any of the other things I received from Sienci Labs because of medical issues within my family. When I do get things set up and running I will gladly fill out a real review.
Blake B. (verified owner) –
A bit difficult to setup, and wish I was able to machine larger diameter blanks.
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
Chris Moore (verified owner) –
Have not been able to use this unit.
Dan Skinner (verified owner) –
I like it so far.
Mark (verified owner) –
Have not used as yet
Bruce Campbell (verified owner) –
Not out of the box yet.
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.
Brad Bogstie (verified owner) –
go after we got it going
Kevin (verified owner) –
Great product. I bought this with the Altmill,
auto zero touch plate along with numerous milling bits. It took a bit to learn but enjoying the process. Only complaint is that I broke a 1/4″ tapered ball nose bit when following the skull carving tutorial from Sienci on Youtube.
I Zeroed the endmill and did the surfacing no problem, then changed the bit to my 1/4″ tapered ball mill and re-zeroed on the chuck, then once complete started the skull program which then moved the bit down and to the right at the same time forcing the bit to break on the chuck before it could get to the project. I hadn’t even had a chance to use the bit yet which is the frustrating part. Maybe user error, but frustrating never the less.
José Sánchez Díez (verified owner) –
Todavía no he trabajado con él
Jason Harbor (verified owner) –
Works amazingly. Only complaint was some corrosion on the chuck after a few months of use. Went back and forth with Sienci support and couldn’t trace down the issue. Sienci provided a replacement without issue. Zero issues with the actual use of the vortex
LARRY ROBINSON (verified owner) –
Pretty descent quality, easy to install, works pretty well. I have it hooked up as 4th axis so it’s a little tricky to do that but it’s working fine.
greg simpson (verified owner) –
It was easy to set up. Im just waiting to for the SLB to arrive to set that up before running my first project.