When I got my first spindle, I had no clue how to start it. I found out that it just doesn't turn like a PC Router.
These are the steps that I go through to start the spindle in a part file.
1. Turn on ShopBot Controller
2. Press Reset button on the Controller Box
3. When you start the Control Software (SB3), the RPM window should open, if not you will not have automatic control of the spindle speed. There should be a usb connector for this.
4. Be sure that you have created the cut file using a Post Processor that includes the Spindle. There will be code in the .sbp file that has a C6 (I believe I am right, it used to be SO,1,1 which I believe is now built into the C6 code.
5. When you load a cut file to run, do you get a screen telling you to turn on the spindle via the Start button on the Controller Box.
If all of this is happening and your spindle still isn't starting, check of all of the power connections and that the VFW is turning on.
I hope this helps.
2005 PRT Alpha 48x96
2013 Colombo 3hp spindle
Indexer (converted lathe)
Aspire 9.0