Taig Mill

[alex_holden]

Hi, new CamBam user here. I've just converted my Taig mill to CNC with the intention of using it to make parts for concertinas, as well as jewellery and other things. There's a bit of a write-up and a video of it making my first CNC part over on my blog:
http://www.holdenconcertinas.com/?p=358

[lloydsp]

Welcome aboard, Alex.

You'll really love this group.  There are a bunch of very experienced CB users here who are willing to give users help in minutes to hours, instead of the days-to-never you usually see on CAM groups.

Enjoy!

Lloyd

[Bob La Londe]

I just happened to have watch your video already.  When I saw the comments about the noise of the spindle I remembered it.  I started into CNC with a Taig 2019CR-ER already to go, and fought with it for a year before ripping off the vendor's control system and installing something different.  I'm currently doing it again, only this time its going over to servo control. 

This is a great group.  CamBam is pretty capable CAM software, and this is a pretty helpful forum. 

[Bubba]

Hi, new CamBam user here.
*************
You are welcomed.

 Got questions.. Just ask away..

[alex_holden]

Thanks everyone! I'm sure I will have questions, being totally new to CAM. It took me a couple of hours to figure out how to go from an Inkscape drawing with a bunch of crosshairs showing where I wanted the holes to go, to a set of drilling operations in CamBam. Now I have a procedure that works I could probably do it again in ten minutes.

Next project will be to use profiling to cut out a bunch of thin plywood parts for a concertina bellows-making jig.

Bob: looking forward to hearing more details about your servo system. My original conversion plan for the machine, ten years ago, involved using servos. Lately I realised that open-loop steppers would be much easier and cheaper, and probably adequate for the type of work I'm planning on doing. So far they seem to be performing better than expected. My next upgrade is likely to involve the spindle: the motor that came with the machine only gives me something like 5000RPM top speed.

[Bob La Londe]

The current computer ready version of the 2019 comes with a 10K spindle and a 1/4 HP motor.  I like the rpm, but the motor is a huge toad hanging off the side of the spindle and in my opinion increasing friction from torsional forces that severely limit Z acceleration and speed. 

[Jeff_Birt]

The motor is not that far away from the centerline of the column to create a huge issue. The biggest problem with any Z axis is that you are moving a relatively heavy mass whilst fighting gravity. Since you can only plunge so fast into the work anyhow, because it takes a while for the bit to chew through the material, the Z axis speed is not typically a limiting factor. It does look kind of goofy though. In comparison the Sherline spindle motor looks nicer but is much less friendly to use to use, if you have the 10K pulley set changing belt ranges is a real chore.

I'm working on an old Bridgeport now. The 3HP spindle motor sets amidships behind the spindle but the Z axis speed is still about half of the X and Y (it is really heavy). Still I don't think I'll be plunging into any work at 250IPM.

Alex, did you upgrade to the CNC style adjustable lead nuts. If not you will want to else the backlash will be a big problem. I keep them in stock if you need them. For a machine the size of the Taig mill stepper motors will provide all the power and speed you can use. Servo motor do have the advantage of having built in feedback so if you stall a motor you will know.

[alex_holden]

Alex, did you upgrade to the CNC style adjustable lead nuts. If not you will want to else the backlash will be a big problem. I keep them in stock if you need them. For a machine the size of the Taig mill stepper motors will provide all the power and speed you can use. Servo motor do have the advantage of having built in feedback so if you stall a motor you will know.

Yes thanks, I already upgraded the nuts.

[Bob La Londe]

Jeff, I know you know I have done all kinds of real experiments with Taig spindle options.  As little as 10ipm reliable makes a significant difference in total job time and productivity. 

[Jeff_Birt]

Bob, do you mean an increase of 10IPM over some existing feed rate or just a reliable 10IPM feed rate? I cut aluminum all the time at 20-30 IPM.

[Bob La Londe]

Really?  I thought we were past thus petty semantic collegiate style nit picking.  LOL. 

I have actually cut parts with feeds (not rapids) a lot faster than that on my Taig.  I am not going to use it as a production mill again, but I am putting it on its third control system now. 

[Jeff_Birt]

Bob, I did not follow what you wrote in your previous message. I was asking a question.

[Bob La Londe]

Bob, I did not follow what you wrote in your previous message. I was asking a question.

Ok, so you really do think I am so stupid as to consider 10ipm feed on a Taig to be significant?  How denigrating.  Even that 24v Xylotek style board Paul used to sell would cut that fast.  LOL. I know.  I had one.  

I'll assume you have figured out the answer by now.  See, that implies I think you are smarter than you think I am.  LOL.  

Just to be clear in case I am wrong.  Yes obviously an increase in feed rate.  LOL.  

Ok, all bull aside.  I know you sell Taigs and Taig parts.  I respect that you feel protective of Taigs.  I happen to think Taigs are great little mills.  I have cut thousands of dollars worth of parts on one.  I'm a fan, but I am not a fanboy and I'll always point those things that are in my opinion inherent shortcomings in the design.  Come on.  Do you really think three totally different way designs was a great idea?  It looks more like an experiment to see which was best and nobody ever made a decision.  Do really think hanging a motor almost as heavy as the rest of the machine off to one side does not create uneven and torsional twisting forces on what is a fairly light duty axis and machine? 

I have no vested interest in Taig, but I do want other Taig users to benefit from my insight when I can help.  Nobody has to do it my way, but if I share they have more information for decision making.   Hopefully they won't feel afraid to share their insights either.

[Jeff_Birt]

As little as 10ipm reliable makes a significant difference in total job time and productivity. 

Bob, above is what you wrote. It does not make sense so I asked a question and provided a reference feed rate that I run at. I'm not sure what you got yourself all worked up about...

[Bob La Londe]

I'm not worked up really.  I just have experience with your "style."  It's a good style and most people are not even aware when somebody uses it.  If you want to continue take it to PM.  

It was a reasonable response to your previous blatantly reductio ad absurdum comment about plunging at 250ipm.  FYI:  There are circumstances where plunging at that rate might be possible, and certainly faster rapid's can be beneficial as well.  However it's not likely with a V-groove Taig.