Newb intro and shopping

[movingalong]

Hey guys,

Been browsing for awhile, but now I'm finally getting to the point of wanting to get a machine. A small cnc desktop mill like a taig. And then again, i may consider building one. I'm looking to cut aluminum, wood, and plastic.

Any suggestions?

Anyway, just thought I'd say hi. I've had a bit of experience with cnc, including g-code and cam programming, but nothing extensive. Looking forward to learning a lot here!!

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by movingalong Hey guys, Been browsing for awhile, but now I'm finally getting to the point of wanting to get a machine. A small cnc desktop mill like a taig. And then again, i may consider building one. I'm looking to cut aluminum, wood, and plastic. Any suggestions? Anyway, just thought I'd say hi. I've had a bit of experience with cnc, including g-code and cam programming, but nothing extensive. Looking forward to learning a lot here!!

A Taig will work well for what you are looking to cut.

[movingalong]

Originally Posted by TOTALLYRC A Taig will work well for what you are looking to cut.

That's what I was thinking. Just trying to figure out if I should set one up myself or do something like this:

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66915

Looks all ready to go, and the little I've played with mach, I'd almost rather it all be set up for me

How would you guys compare Taig to Sherline?

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by movingalong That's what I was thinking. Just trying to figure out if I should set one up myself or do something like this: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66915 Looks all ready to go, and the little I've played with mach, I'd almost rather it all be set up for me How would you guys compare Taig to Sherline?

Since the machine in the link you gave me comes with the g251's I would say it looks good. I like the 48 volts and the fact it comes pre configured.

I would ask for photo's of a complete machine as some of those are stock pics from the taig web site. I would also ask for something less than the 425's as you won't need all the torque with 20 tpi screws. 286 or 3XX?

I think 3K is a lot of money, but if you want it ready to go, I don't know what other options there are. You could probably do it yourself for around half or slightly higher. 2K max.

I personally think the Taig is a much better machine.
Mike

[movingalong]

I'll contact him and see what I find out.

Thanks

Oh.. one other thing. I'm trying to figure out the cost of cnc'ing the taig myself. I'm going to compare them with that machine at $2600 +shipping. I'll put my numbers here, let me know if you guys see any errors.

#Taig machine from taigtools.com - $1040 + $65 shipping (CNC ready)
#Gecko drives (3 x g251) - $207 + $14 shipping
#Motors, BOB and 48v power supply from kelinginc.net (3 x 382ozin) - $242 + $15 shipping
#Mach 3 - $159
#Computer to run on - ~$400 + $20 shipping (I think I have an old monitor around)
#I'd figure around $150 for good wiring and cables

Total: $2312

Wow, not having to do all of that wiring and configuring may be worth a bit more for me I'll have to think how deep I really want to get into this.

What do you guys think about the Keling drives vs. the geckos? say the 4030 or 6050 is in a package with the psu, bob, and motors.

[budP]

there are no drives that are comparable with a Gecko drive, they also hold their value if you ever decide to sell them.

budP

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by movingalong I'll contact him and see what I find out. Thanks Oh.. one other thing. I'm trying to figure out the cost of cnc'ing the taig myself. I'm going to compare them with that machine at $2600 +shipping. I'll put my numbers here, let me know if you guys see any errors. #Taig machine from taigtools.com - $1040 + $65 shipping (CNC ready) #Gecko drives (3 x g251) - $207 + $14 shipping #Motors, BOB and 48v power supply from kelinginc.net (3 x 382ozin) - $242 + $15 shipping #Mach 3 - $159 #Computer to run on - ~$400 + $20 shipping (I think I have an old monitor around) #I'd figure around $150 for good wiring and cables Total: $2312 Wow, not having to do all of that wiring and configuring may be worth a bit more for me I'll have to think how deep I really want to get into this. What do you guys think about the Keling drives vs. the geckos? say the 4030 or 6050 is in a package with the psu, bob, and motors.

1. Taig $1040+$65 OK

2.G540 package fom keling $549
Eliminates 50% of the wiring and you will probably want 4 axis in the future
3.Computer $200 at local computer store. Ask for a used/refurbed with a fresh install of xp or win2k.
4.LCD monitor from new egg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009151
$129 with free shipping. Much smaller foot print than a crt. 19" as the eyes get older.
5. PPort cable. $10? Total wiring costs, $50, especially if you scrounge.

Total $2033. $600 saved will put a lot of tooling on the bench
Forgot the mach3. $159. You might find it cheaper when packaged.

If you have a monitor and ask nicely for a printer cable when you pickup your computer, you will save even more.

Originally Posted by budP there are no drives that are comparable with a Gecko drive, they also hold their value if you ever decide to sell them. budP

Gecko baby!!!!!!!

In my honest opinion, there is nothing comparable to the G540/250/251 on the market right now. The morphing from micro to full step on the fly allows you to go faster on the rapids and not give up the resolution at low speeds.
Add in the unmatched support and their near indestrucability and away you go.

At some point you will tire of the stock taig spindle motor and probably pick up a dc motor and drive. The G540 has the ability to output a 0-10v signal for speed control.
Very cool.

All that being said, $2600 plus shipping is a good price if you are unsure of your abilities or just don't have the time.


Of course you could always by mine when I put it on the market, but it has a xylotex board and 425's, but it is ready to run. Send me a PM if you are interested.
Mike