Upgrade from MPS-2003 to Mach3????

[triadsolutions]

I've been using the MPS (Taig) CNC mill for about 3 years with the DOS-based MPS-2003 control software. I'd like to start using Mach3 but the set-up is a bit intimidating. All the warnings in the documentation are a bit much.

Has anyone done this? Can you share the details?

Thanks,

Jeff

[under-dog]

I am running Mach 3 on my Taig. This is my first CNC mill I have owned and the first controlled I have used. I have had it for a couple of months and still very green. It took me a few tries and some research on forums to get all the settings correct. With this said i am finding it relatively easy to use. Granted I am doing anything elaborate like tool changes homing limit switches etc. Maybe someday. I am cutting 3D contours and doing manual tool change overs etc. If you have experience with these types of machines and other software I cant imagine it woould be any more difficult for you than it was for someone with absolutely no experience. I must imagine the core functions on all nc systems are somewhat similar. Maybe more or less functions and a little different way of going about things...........


My question to you. After 2-3 years how do you like your Taig? What sort of things are you cutting on it. I like mine so far but I have not had long to really put it through al lthe hoops

[triadsolutions]

I got the Mach3 set-up file from Kurt at MPS and Mach3 is now functional on my machine.

The taig has lived up to what I believe it was built for but my requirements sometimes exceed its apparent capabilities. I mostly cut 6061 AL, Delrin and FR-4. I don't always get the smoothest cuts on the AL though which requires more than the desired amount of sanding & buffing to get an acceptable finish. I had a problem with the Z-axis always coming loose but when I spoke to Taig (Ford) about it he quickly sent me all new pieces to fix the problem. This is great support for a small company.

Soon after getting the machine I realized the motor/pulley set-up was not for me. I converted my machine for use with a variable speed router motor that is capable of 24K RPM. I have a toothed belt/gear arrangement that yields almost 16K RPM at the spindle and provides much better cutting in all materials. Now I can simply turn a dial and get spindle speeds from 5K to 16K with no belt changes. Soon I am adding a sensor to provide RPM read-out and this will eventually be tied into Mach3 to allow for hands-free spindle speed control from G-code.

I am considering upgrading to the absolute positioning configuration (feedback on each axis) to improve the ease-of-use and reduce the errors caused by occassional skipped pulses on the steppers.

Am I totally satisfied with the mill? No. Do I think I received at least the proper value for the money I spent on it? Yes.

The next step for us is a Haas Tool Room mill. We can't justify the cost yet so for now we are making the most of the Taig.

[redrider9112002]

Ive had my taig mill for two years and it came with MPS2003 and I upgraded to MACH3. Got it on ebay. Mach3 is extremely easy to use and far better once you get it up and running. The only intimidating thing for me was set up., but mach3 has alot of features that the taig doesnt need. I would get mach3 again, infact I think i'll replace the mill before mach3. If you get stuck, just ask. It seems overwhelming at fisrt but once you figure it out youll be laughing at your thoughts. Andrew

[triadsolutions]

Andrew,

Thanks for the feedback. I am quickly getting up to speed on Mach3. Just having something that runs under XP was a big plus. I agree it has a lot of features that are wasted on the Taig mill but it has a ton of features that are useful that MPS2003 lacks.

I think this was the right move. -Jeff