Originally Posted by arich how much are ball screws? also, i wonder how much babysitting is required on a TAIG. do you have to have someone sit there spraying wd-40 while the thing runs for 8 hours? how are chips removed without having cutting fluid or a mist spraying continuously onto the bit? |
Most people either rig up a flood or mist cooling system, I use a Kool-Mist running with a timer box that pulses every 5-10 seconds (cuts down on mist in the air), see here:
mist system
I suggest asking questions on the taigtools yahoogroup, you will find most users over there who will be happy to answer your questions and relate their experiences.
For the record:
The Taig has 1/2"-20 lead screws, not ball screws.
The nuts on x and y are adjustable for backlash (z-axis headstock weight takes up backlash), usually you get between .0005 and .003 which is compensated for in software. You do have to stay on top of it but you should be able to work to .001-.002 if you do, and a reasonably competent.
I make some index plates that are usually out no more than .001.
The downside of Taig's screws is that you really can't go much faster than 10-25 ipm, although some users with aftermarket controls do go faster, but for 3D milling it can take a lot of time to make a mold...