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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.
Daniel C. (verified owner) –
Nicely designed and it went together easily. I haven’t used it yet.
Chris Wineland (verified owner) –
Love it
James Phillips (verified owner) –
I am very pleased with my altmill and customer service!
Ron O. (verified owner) –
Nice
Jerry Corman (verified owner) –
Love the Vortex! Awesome design and friendly user.
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.
Norman Hamel (verified owner) –
Love it
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.
Bob Harrison (verified owner) –
Love the vortex.
David Prud’Homme (verified owner) –
Simple 4th axis system that opens up a lot of unique milling possibilities.
Leonard D. King (verified owner) –
Have not used it yet. But was easy to assemble. I wish it had a a motor cover like the other motors. Still need to learn design software for rotary projects.
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!!