The Vortex Rotary Axis is a plug-and-play system to enable rotary axis capability on your LongMill or AltMill. Designed in-house, it is 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.
30" Rail with Open Loop, 48" Rail with Open Loop, 30" Rail with Close Loop, 48" Rail with Close Loop, Upgrade to Close Loop
Product FAQ
FAQ
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 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 Rotary 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 Rotary Axis 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 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 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.
Went together very well. Playing with feeds and speeds. Having Great Results!!!!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Geoffrey Young (verified owner)–
Very well made, no issues with setup.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Philip Prosser (verified owner)–
Not inboxes yet but going by the Longmill I’m sure it’ll be worthy of a 5 star. Ineed to master the cnc first but will let you know soon.
(0)(0)
Rated 5 out of 5
Keith Leatherwood (verified owner)–
Rotary is fun to watch. Haven’t run much on it. I do have a gremlin in there. More of a software issue in gsender I think.
(0)(0)
Rated 5 out of 5
Avery B. –
Very happy with my rotary attachment. It was super easy to assemble. The videos on first use, were easy to follow. Been making spindles for rocking chairs. With 2.5D figures wrapped around them. It only took a couple of cuts to get comfortable with the unit. Very easy to get started.
(0)(0)
Rated 5 out of 5
Sébastien C. –
Parfait
(0)(0)
Rated 5 out of 5
Stanley Derrick Cundy (verified owner)–
Great, simple to set up ,simple to run.
(0)(0)
Rated 5 out of 5
Hubert Blais (verified owner)–
one of my favourite tools in my fully equip shop had bee the lathe because you could put a piece of wood on it and end up with a finished piece when you take it off.Unfortunately it tends to be the one that gets everything staked up on it .So when I got the vortex I love it.Now I wish I had a wider bed.
(1)(0)
Rated 5 out of 5
Sean Hagerty (verified owner)–
I can not say enough good about this system. The system, the cost, and the instructions are all great!! This thing has given me a new functionality on my CNC. Just like anything else in this CNC world, there is a learning curve. Once this is over came, you will be amazed at what you can do. I would buy this again!!
(0)(0)
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Lynn STAUBER (verified owner) –
Nice setup
Paul Graddick (verified owner) –
Went together very well. Playing with feeds and speeds. Having Great Results!!!!
Geoffrey Young (verified owner) –
Very well made, no issues with setup.
Philip Prosser (verified owner) –
Not inboxes yet but going by the Longmill I’m sure it’ll be worthy of a 5 star. Ineed to master the cnc first but will let you know soon.
Keith Leatherwood (verified owner) –
Rotary is fun to watch. Haven’t run much on it. I do have a gremlin in there. More of a software issue in gsender I think.
Avery B. –
Very happy with my rotary attachment. It was super easy to assemble. The videos on first use, were easy to follow. Been making spindles for rocking chairs. With 2.5D figures wrapped around them. It only took a couple of cuts to get comfortable with the unit. Very easy to get started.
Sébastien C. –
Parfait
Stanley Derrick Cundy (verified owner) –
Great, simple to set up ,simple to run.
Hubert Blais (verified owner) –
one of my favourite tools in my fully equip shop had bee the lathe because you could put a piece of wood on it and end up with a finished piece when you take it off.Unfortunately it tends to be the one that gets everything staked up on it .So when I got the vortex I love it.Now I wish I had a wider bed.
Sean Hagerty (verified owner) –
I can not say enough good about this system. The system, the cost, and the instructions are all great!! This thing has given me a new functionality on my CNC. Just like anything else in this CNC world, there is a learning curve. Once this is over came, you will be amazed at what you can do. I would buy this again!!