[protrackcorp]

This original thread still needs follow up and clarification for the benefit of all Taig users.
The member that started the original thread had a valid need for further understanding. Other member replies were for the most part helpful. Mix in a little human nature of frustration with point specifics and you have the story that makes up all the previous post.
I never understood anything other than what the Taig company said about their machine in regards to way construction being alum & brass on the x and steel and brass on the other two.
First the qualifications from our experience and machine time.
The Taig cnc mill we use has been running since 2003 daily. Double shift since the past two years.
We cut both aluminum and G10 glass composite.
No parts have been replaced due to premature failure or wear.
The fixtures for holding and cutting both materials are generous in covering any exposed ways surfaces.
An oil bath system is used for aluminum and properly drained away and recycled.
A dust collection system is used for the G10 glass composite.
All ways are wiped and oiled daily before use and the acme rod oiled as well.
We use a 30 weight which is sufficient for viscosity. Any heavier weight starts to become detrimental and grease adds nothing productive to the equation as previously explained by others. I know, I've tried it.
I do not and will not use water based cutting fluids. I also have and run a Brown & Sharp screw machine and stay with petroleum based oils. They have a good tendency to cover every surface available and thus protect all metal parts. I live in Florida where humidity is the states official medium.
Periodic checking and adjusting of way tolerance.
Periodic servicing of brass acme nuts on all three axis.
Periodic checking of backlash and adjusting in the software.
Stainless oil drip lines added to x and y acme nuts with fill cups at exterior termination points of the tubing lines.
I have added small compact compression springs against the brass jibs. This keeps constant force applied to the jib greatly improving the tolerance of the ways over time otherwise you have to constantly adjust the jibs.
All way and jib surfaces show very little wear, nothing more than a finely lapped look to them which means they should last indefinitely with good maintenance.

The machining of glass composite is murder on carbide bits, even premium carbide. So in retrospect, acrylic would be welcome relief. A simple dust collection system should solve any problem with plastic machining. I found the statement of using grease as the only solution was a little puzzling. At best it probably helped to eliminate any slop in the jibs.