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.
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.
⚠️ Please scroll down and read the Description below to ensure you purchase the correct system for your CNC.
30" Rail with Open Loop, 48" Rail with Open Loop, 30" Rail with Close Loop, 48" Rail with Close Loop, Upgrade to Close Loop
Measurements
Please review the compatibility chart in the product Description, and ensure you purchase the correct Vortex variation for your AltMillor LongMill, or any other CNC machine
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 VortexRotary 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.
58 reviews for Vortex Rotary Axis
4.5
Based on 58 reviews
5 star
72
72%
4 star
13
13%
3 star
6
6%
2 star
3
3%
1 star
3
3%
Rated 5 out of 5
Robert (verified owner)–
Excellent but takes a little bit to get used to using it.
(0)(0)
Rated 5 out of 5
Henry A. (verified owner)–
Haven’t had a chance to use it yet
(0)(0)
Rated 5 out of 5
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
(0)(0)
Rated 5 out of 5
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.
(0)(0)
Rated 4 out of 5
Joe B. (verified owner)–
seems to good very well, took a time to get it to work. but service guys were great.
(0)(0)
Rated 4 out of 5
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.
(0)(0)
Rated 5 out of 5
Bob Harrison (verified owner)–
Love the vortex.
(0)(0)
Rated 5 out of 5
David Prud’Homme (verified owner)–
Simple 4th axis system that opens up a lot of unique milling possibilities.
(0)(0)
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Robert (verified owner) –
Excellent but takes a little bit to get used to using it.
Henry A. (verified owner) –
Haven’t had a chance to use it yet
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.
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.
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.