Spindle crapped out mid-run on a rush job for a local aerospace shop yesterday

My Haas VF-2SS's spindle bearing seized after 4 years of heavy use, and I had to scramble to sub out the remaining 12 parts to a shop across town while waiting 6 days for the replacement - anyone dealt with a similar spindle failure on a high-speed machine?

2 comments

2 Comments

alicecraig8d agoMost Upvoted

The real issue nobody talks about is how spindle failure hits your insurance premiums. Had a buddy at a job shop near Dayton who had a similar crash on a high speed machine, and his liability coverage jumped 30% the next renewal because the insurer flagged it as a "recurring equipment risk." That six day wait for parts might sting now, but the hidden cost is that insurance paperwork and higher rates for the next three years. Did your agent ask about the spindle rebuild when you renewed this year?

the_olivia8d ago

@alicecraig nailed it with the insurance angle. After my own spindle rebuild last year, I switched agents and made sure the new one noted the repair as preventative maintenance on the renewal form. That little wording trick saved me from the "recurring risk" flag you mentioned, and it's worth asking about if you're still with the same agency.