One of the hardest things about selling small machine tools are the customers who clearly need a bigger machine, but are unwilling or unable to get a larger or more expensive one. Sometimes they can make do, and sometimes they need to start saving more money.
Another overlooked fact is that most of the small machines are great for prototyping, but not as good for production. You don't have high feed rates, and usually have to keep on top of backlash and adjustments. Yet I always get guys who think they are going to be getting a HASS toolroom mill for $2K...(although for things like engraving, etc you can do production runs, I do for the index plates I sell, make 5-10 at a time.) It is an excellent tool for learning CNC, and does keep it's value.
As for variable speed, Sherline has it, but Taig doesn't because they don't think it can handle the long run times that a lot of CNC programs need (another problem with prospective customers is they underestimate how long 3D contouring can take at 30 ipm). Some Taig users have put VS motors on their mills and are happy with them. Like I said, head on over to the taigtools yahoogroup and you'll get a lot of opinions.
Originally Posted by wizard I don't have experience with any of the above mills but like to add a few observations. First when you start talking about steel you need a rigid machine. That would be for even the most modest of machining requirements.
Then we have to consider stainless which is a different animal that requires lower spindle speeds, which none fo the machines seem to offfer.
What is interesting is that you have indicated that some manufactures machines already do not meet your needs. I'd have to suggest that you really need to make a significant step up if this is the case. A mill drill conversion won't take up significantly more space and would handle the steel and stainless issues.
Since I don't have experience with the Tiag I can't say much about its rigidity, but lets say that isn't an issue. You will likely need to find a way to lower the spindle speed for use on stainless and possibly some steels. I suspect that you will be modifing the machine to support that use. This might not be to bad with a variable speed drive.
So maybe my comments don't have experience to back them up. I do sense from your posting though that you expect a lot out of a small machine. If your expectations exceed what any machine that size can realistically do then I don't think you will be happy with it. Maybe more specifics on what you expect from the machine might help and hopefully draw actual TIAG users into the thread.
Dave |