I have been using my Taig cnc mill for about 2 weeks and things are finally running smoothly. However, the speed and depth of cutting is just too slow for me and I was hoping that upgrading the spindle motor would help these problems. I was thinking of buying the 1/4hp motor that Taig sells directly for 100 bucks but I thought I would post here first for some recommendations first.

Is spending 100 bucks worth it for doubling the hp?

Is there somewhere else I can purchase a motor with even more hp (like 1/3 or 1/2) that can mount on the Taig mill? Or is there somewhere else thats sells a comparable 1/4hp motor for cheaper than Taig sells it?

Or should I just leave well enough alone and keep the 1/8hp mill?

Thanks-Josh

If you are going to upgrade, I would suggest looking at a variable speed DC motor! Depending on your milling requirements, this can be very useful. There are quite a few posts on the forum where people have DIY'ed these.

If you go to Cartertools, I have seen on one of his Links of a company who sells a Variable Speed Motor, Looks nice and I would consider buying it in the future :)

-Speed

http://lanemfg.com/products.aspx

Guys,
I found this guys site from the Taig yahoo groups page. Thought some of you might be interested. I think I am going to purchase this motor. I doubt it puts out 1/2hp at all speeds but it should at max. speed.

http://davesclocks.googlepages.com/convertingtaigmilltovariablespeed


http://www.pennstateind.com/store/tclvskit.html

Pretty nice, did you see my link? Just wondering if you looked at it.


-Speed

Yeah, I checked that motor out also. Seems to be nearly identical except that it mounts directly and is 100 bucks more. The one for 99 bucks requires some slight modifications but nothing too complicated. For 100 dollars less I am going to go ahead and do the labor to install the cheaper one. thanks-Josh

Yep that Penn State is a sweet deal. Variable speed controller,pulley and motor for $99.

You know what I like about that motor; I like it's size...The stock/Upgraded ones are huge and pretty heavy. I feel like they put alot of stress on the left side of the mill. That with the Pulleys, how can you go wrong?

-Speed

Here is the same motor and speed control used in the $195.00 unit. Less than $40 for both.

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2008010205261356&catname=electric&qty=1&item=10-1023

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2008010205261356&catname=electric&qty=1&item=11-2449

This motor actually looks better for $19.95

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2008010205261356&catname=electric&qty=1&item=10-2326