When I first began teaching myself the basics of PC based CNC machine building, I decided to build a servo driven TAG cnc mill. I am a professional tool manufacturer and own a both Bridgeport J head and a RF 45 mill as well as many other machines. My objective was to learn how to automate other processes of my manufacturing operation. After building the TAG and getting all the bugs worked out, I began making some small production parts in 6061 aluminum with it. The major problem with the TAG is lack of ridgidness and vibrations. When the machine is cutting, it produces a constant buzzing sound which is being caused by vibration. This sound translates into tool marks on the work. No matter what type of cutters and rpm combinations are used the vibrations are ever present. This does not mean that you cant do good work with it within its size scale, you must use extremely fine finish cuts at very low feed rate to get any resemblance of a good finish in aluminum. As far as steel and harder materials are concerned, they can be cut also but with finish penalties that are more pronounced than with aluminum. Also keep in mind that you always want to keep your material removal rate ( chip load and surface speed ) within accepted parameters. This can't be easily done with the TAG due to the above faults. The X2 will definitly offer more stability due to the cast iron construction and additional weight. I would also seriusly consider a belt drive conversion and eliminate the gear box. You get higher rpm and quiet operation. See attached photo of some parts made with the TAG.
ps. I sold the TAG afte 3 months of use for the reasons stated above. |