I'm undertaking a new project on my Taig. Some will disagree some will agree. The discussion of the original Taig motor placement has been discussed over and over. We know how much the motor ways and how much torque it puts on the "z" column. Constantly changing the pulleys drives me crazy, I have cut my knuckles over and over by twisting the allen key. So why not just mount the variable speed motor and be done with it, I wanna tackle both problems at once and solve all in once.

I have two designs. The first design is good, but it minimizes any pulley or belt system. Which I don't like because I end up with only a max speed of 6700RPm with the motor I want too use. Benefits? Motor will be directly in line with the z axis column. No un-needed torque on the column on either side. And Z-axis will have better travel with everything in line. But again, this is a design I like for it's simplicity but then I lose the pulley.


Second design is more complicated. Too make it simple for everyone. The spindle housing is mounted farther from it's original spot. In doing so, I will also extend the Y-axis travel be an inch too compensate. With the same mounting design, I will incorporate one timing belt. A 2:1 ratio single belt should work wonders with a variable speed motor. The gears needs too be small as well as the belt because there will not be much room behind the spindle before interference starts too happen with z-axis stepper.


It's a design I'm working on and it's there, it's just figuring out which pulleys too use etc. A belt would be quieter then gears, but gears may work because I can keep the motor closer the spindle.



-Jason

6,700 RPM isn't enough? What size end mills do you use? Unless you need (Not want) higher speeds I would recommend the first design. Balanced and simple.

What motor and speed control are you looking at?

Serge

I mean, it should be enough, I just figured when using my small bit, 1/8 shanks and smaller end-mills. Cutting faster was always better.

But i'm starting too increase my the size, so the lower RPM would be better.


As far as motors go, still looking around. But I may go with that initial design....:)


-Jason

Speed, I love your enthusiasm...... And please dont take this wrong, but you need to stop take a step back, and work in steps. Get the machine running rock solid first. Then see what needs to be changed. get some experience on the machine to find what "YOU" feel are its weakness. I have been where your at right now. All these ideas and mods floating around in your head. My machine was down for a very long time because I bit off way more then I could mentally chew. Take it one step at a time my friend. You will be more productive this way! I promise!!!!!! Chances are one mod here will cancel out the gains from another mod ect. Just giving you some advise from someone who has been there.

There's room for improvement in anything on this old world,
keep noodling on it for a while, you'll probably come up with
something else that combines the best of both.
Might even make you rich, kinda:)
Keep up the good work.

Fixittt- One thing people don't know is that I have been using the machine for 8 months in CNC. I have worked with the machine, messed with things and only have run into a few problems. Those problems...being electrical or software issues. Never mechanical issues.

Secondly, at the moment, I can afford too have a little time too get things up and running anyway. I'm waiting for the Gecko 540's and in the mean time, why not work with it. I have stripped everything down and have re-tuned everything, gibs, nuts and all. Still need too tune the z-axis.

Being a Mechanical engineer also helps :) So despite some of my "Noob" posts, dealing with electrical problems as far as steppers or software, although...even the brightest of engineers can get stumped. Custom work and modifications are my specialty along with design :)

Anyway, I need put the stock motor back on anyway too cut my pieces. So simply removing the motor after everything has been made, is nothing more then just installing new parts.

-Jason