FAQ

Can you help me determine if I need to send my spindle in for repair?
Please call us and speak with one of our experienced spindle repair specialist. We can help you troubleshoot your spindle using proven testing procedures. In some cases it is a minor problem that you can address on-site with your own personnel. We are here to work with you to solve your problems whether we receive an order or not. We believe that if we help you today, you will think of us when your spindle really needs to be repaired.

What do I need to send with my spindle when I get it repaired? 
Whenever possible we would like all the parts that rotate with the spindle. Example: 12k milling spindles, with a cat 40 taper. This spindle has a drawbar, Belleville washers, and gripper fingers that are very important to how the machine performs. These items are almost always the cause of taper damage and need to be inspected on a regular basis. We will request these items if you do not send them in with the spindle.

How long should my spindle last? 
We have repaired spindles that have been running for 30 years and we also repair spindles that only run for 6 months. The quality of the spindle components and the assembly procedures used plays a significant role in the lifespan of a spindle. This is the reason for our specialized grinding and machining departments. There are very few spindle rebuilders that have the extensive knowledge and specialized equipment to insure a top grade spindle repair.

The life of your spindle is also dictated by what you do with your machine, how you take care of it, the kind of work you do, and at what speeds. The higher the speeds and feeds the shorter your life will be. We have customers that accept short spindle life for high part output. We work closely with them to make sure we use all of our skills to make the spindles last as long as possible.

Contamination is probably the main cause of spindle failure. We recommend spindle upgrades to help prevent contamination and we will also discuss the process with you to see what realistic changes could be made to decrease the impact of contamination.

My spindle was repaired not long ago, and it already failed again. Why?
This sometimes happens when your spindle rebuilder does not share with you the cause of the spindle failures so action can be taken to prevent the failures from re-occurring. Northland Tool will always give you your spindles cause of failure and what steps can be taken during the repair and on-site to prevent future failures.

What is the difference between getting my spindle rebuilt by you, versus buying a new or rebuilt one from the OEM?
Generally the biggest difference is the price. Northland Tool Spindle Rebuilding Specialists can sometimes repair the spindle for half the cost of the OEM. We also have over 30 years of rebuilding experience on just about every type of spindle. We apply this knowledge to every repair to improve the performance of your spindle. The OEM only deals with their own design and usually will not deviate from a spindle design that may incorporate 20-year-old technology.  

Can my spindle be upgraded?
Yes! Northland Tool Spindle Rebuilding Specialists has performed 1000’s of spindle upgrades in the 30 years we have been in business.

• Speed increases
• Increase spindle rigidity
• Change lubrication style
• Prevent contamination
• Tooling style changes
• Spindle design improvement
• Meeting extreme tolerance requirements

What’s Northland Tool Spindle Rebuilding Specialist's warranty?
One year. Unlike most of our competition we have very few warranties but if we do WE BACK OUR WORK 100% for our customers. View our warranty information.

A gentleman called and visited me with a weird name?? Who is he? 
Why, that is none other than Givin McLaren Owen, the most famous spindle salesmen the land has ever seen.

When should I change my rotary union?
If you rebuild your drawbar, or spindle, you should change the rotary union. It is a wear item that when it fails can cause significant damage to your spindle.

Why choose Northland Tool Spindle Rebuilding Specialists?

With Northland Tool you get a company that only employs people who truly have a desire to help you succeed. We realize one of the last things you want to do is pay for a spindle to be rebuilt. We work hard to make sure we work with you to decrease your repair expenditures. We do this so you continue to do business with us along with the many other companies we have been serving, some for over 30 years.