Description
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:
Measurements
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
FAQs
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 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.
Help Resources
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.

Warranty
This product comes with our standard 60-day warranty. Learn more.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
David Prud’Homme (verified owner) –
Simple 4th axis system that opens up a lot of unique milling possibilities.