Noisy Shaft mounted fans on Fimec & HSD spindles
 

Received two HSD spindles today - except for the colour and cable connector, they are identical to the Fimec. These photos show the the fan arrangement before any modifications:


Easiest option? Remove fan and blow compressed air into the grille area of the cover...... (seal the grille so that no cold air escapes out that end)

Gerald,
I noticed that the fan on this FIMEC/HSD spindle is of the radial-vane type. I recall from past experience that fans with "backwardly-inclined" vanes are typically quieter. Although - I doubt that the difference would be significant enough in this application, it is perhaps another "angle" to explore.

PS - Outstanding job on the MechMate Project - sharing your knowledge experience and design is a wonderful gift to fellow enthusiasts. Thanks!

The really quiet fan is a separate Pabst 3656 fan mounted on the back (same as used by some Colombo spindles) Spec Sheet. This range of fans has a choice of Sintec bushes or ball bearings - the Colombo guys have discovered that the bushes don't work too well.

With my first Fimec, I removed the standard plastic fan off the shaft (it broke in the process) and replaced it with the Pabst. A small duct/adapter was needed.

These spindles or the water cooled ones, can they work upside down ? Like on a router table
Attachment 11086

I see no reason why they cannot be used "upside down."

Thank's Gerald, so there are no limitation on the bearings by turning it around.

The moving part of the spindle (rotor/armature) weighs much less than the cutting forces, so the main bearing loads are not created by gravity. I don't see that dust ingress should be a worry on a properly sealed spindle. I have seen some spindles in tables that way around (direct drive spindle moulders)