Completely new to Taig, but I want a CNC MILL.

[Bmr4life]

I've been debating about getting a HF X2 for a while now. I know I want to have CNC in the long run and I'm thinking it may make more sense to just get a Taig CNC from the start.

Someone suggested that I look into Taig, but I don't know much about them.

Are there different sizes? Whats the current model? Where do you get your tooling? Are they ready to run on arrival other than setting up the PC?

[awerby]

I've been debating about getting a HF X2 for a while now. I know I want to have CNC in the long run and I'm thinking it may make more sense to just get a Taig CNC from the start.

[You're right - it does.]

Someone suggested that I look into Taig, but I don't know much about them.

Are there different sizes?

[There are only two different sizes; the #2026 has a 9.5" X travel and a 15.5" bed, while the 2027 has a 12" X travel and an 18" bed. Aside from that, they're the same. Most people I've sold them to feel it's worth a little extra for the additional work envelope.]

Whats the current model?

[There are two versions of the control system: an open-loop stepper drive (which is available with either the 2026 or 2027 models) and a closed-loop one which is only offered on the DSLS-3000 mill (the same frame as the 2027, but with a few extra options, like a relay box to turn the spindle on and off by software. There's a 4th axis rotary option for either version.]

Where do you get your tooling?

[Taig has a limited selection, but you can get additional tooling anywhere, depending on what you're trying to do with the mill.]

Are they ready to run on arrival other than setting up the PC?

[Yes, the CNC mills come with a motorized spindle good for 10,000 RPM, Mach3 Windows control software, the control box, cables, collets up to 3/8", a vise, and a couple of endmills, so you're all set to go (once you buy an oil- can, a Windows computer with a parallel port, and some safety glasses). Of course, some CAD/CAM software will help, but you can run the mill semi-manually using the Manual Data Input function.]

Andrew Werby
ComputerSculpture.com — Home Page for Discount Hardware & Software

[Jeff-Birt]

Taig makes two models of CNC mills that are ready to go. The MM2000 and the DSLS 3000. The DSLS adds encoders on the stepper motors to provide feedback to detect missed steps. (In my experience though the only time you will will steps is if you are asking the mill to do something it cannot do.)

There are also several companies (including mine ) that buy the 'CNC ready' version of the Taig mill and add their own controls to it. These come is different price and quality ranges.

All of these systems will require some set up. You have to assemble the mill, mount the stepper motors, plug in cables, install software, etc.

Since your just getting started out take some time to read through the Mach 3 manual, and try to find a general purpose introductory book on GCode. This will fill you in on a lot of the buzzwords and terms that are used and give you a better idea of the general work flow involved in making some thing with a small CNC machine.

Warning: once you get started you will be hooked!

[icepick method]

I ordered through Jeff this past year. Tramming the mill, installing the motors/couplers, and installing the software took me 2 nights. most of the Mach3-to-controller setup is already taken care of with the premade Taig profile jeff sent me.

Now i just need to learn gcode, workfinding, cad/cam, fixturing, safety procedures, metallurgy, etc. and i'll be ready to cut something.

Don't forget there's a bunch of tutorial videos on the Mach3 site.