Just bought a Taig - can anyone help?

[ClemsonGirl]

Hello everyone,

Well i researched forever and finally picked up a machine - the new taig 4axis with the 1/4hp spindle.

I just installed all the stepper motors, the controler, and have everything rigged up to the computer.

I am designing in Solidworks, exporting to an STL and sending it into meshcam. I then take the meshcam into Mach3.

After this, I have no idea what to do! I did not receive any instructions with the Taig, how to set it up, what 'jogging' is...I kinda felt it was going to be fairly plug-and-play.

Does anyone know a good place to start? Is there a place online that gives basically step by step instructions for your first run on a taig so you dont mess anything up?

Thanks in advance!
-CG

[warpedmephisto]

Where did you get your Taig? When I purchased mine I got a nifty binder full of all sorts of useful information on setup, maintenance, etc. You'll probably have to set up Mach3 to properly control the mill. Best bet would be to ask around in the Mach forum on this site. Those people can probably help you out a lot more with actually setting up the program than I can. I personally use TurboCNC and had to mess with it a little bit and get some help in order to have it run the controller correctly, but it works quite nice now.

Specifically, what kind of help are you looking for? General machine setup, programming, controller issues, etc?

[Greg McFadden]

What control system did your taig come with? Is it the Taig system or is it one of the multitude of other available systems (such as is commonly found on ebay)?

As far as putting it together, does your pile-o-parts looks something like this:
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1...mill_parts.jpg
(or this http://thetriphome.blogspot.com/2006/01/new-toys.html )

If you are looking for some quick and dirty setup instructions for mach 3, there is a file that I posted in the xylotex yahoo group that covers my mach 3 settings for my taig mill (a word document I wrote to walk myself though it if I ever had to start from scratch again)

[ger21]

Go to www.machsupport.com, and start watching the videos.

[cartertool]

Only the full Taig CNC comes with a manual.

For setting up the Taig see here:
http://www.cartertools.com/millset.html
and here:
http://www.cartertools.com/millset2.html

For running it? Well follow the Mach directions as once it's set up running it has more to do with the software...

For your first jobs try and keep feedrates low until you learn how to properly adjust the machine, about 10 ipm (5 for z downfeed)...depending on endmill diameter, etc.
Get on the taigtools yahoogroup for taig-specific info...

Don't worry too much about making mistakes, just keep your finger right near the e-stop...

[ClemsonGirl]

thanks everyone - im all setup.

I have not used the Mach3 yet, but the spindle works and everything is bolted down. I did not receive a bit chuck with my Taig though, what are yall's recomendations to use for that?

thanks,
-CG

[Greg McFadden]

Do you have the ER spindle?

[cartertool]

If you have the stock spindle, then you will need at least a 3/16" collet and collet closer (dealer should have recommended that!) and the spindle wrench.

With teh stock spindle you can also buy screw on endmill holders from various suppliers such as White Wolf Airsmithing.

If you have the ER spindle then you will need some ER collets (ER spindle comes with closer) and two spindle wrenches.

[Bowman]

Clemson Girl - What types of things are you wanting to cut? What stock materials will you be using etc? For your first cuts I would recommend using wood or wax till you get your CNC bearings.

[ClemsonGirl]

Originally Posted by cartertool If you have the stock spindle, then you will need at least a 3/16" collet and collet closer (dealer should have recommended that!) and the spindle wrench. With teh stock spindle you can also buy screw on endmill holders from various suppliers such as White Wolf Airsmithing. If you have the ER spindle then you will need some ER collets (ER spindle comes with closer) and two spindle wrenches.

I have the ER spindle, but it did not come with the collet and closer.

I am only milling onto wood. I take my male mold and then thermoform it. Thats it. I am looking into an injection molding machine for the future, so possibly may mill in light Al, but that will be lonnnnng from now.

carter...who would you recomend I purchase the collet and closer from?

Much thanks,
-CG

[cartertool]

If it's the ER spindle then it should have come with a closer.
You can always buy those items from me, but I'd check with your dealer to make sure that he didn't forget the collet closer (it's $10.00), as it should have shipped with the mill.

Taig only offers 6 sizes of ER collet, it can be more handy to buy a full set of 10 from Enco or USshoptools.com

[ClemsonGirl]

Originally Posted by cartertool If it's the ER spindle then it should have come with a closer. You can always buy those items from me, but I'd check with your dealer to make sure that he didn't forget the collet closer (it's $10.00), as it should have shipped with the mill. Taig only offers 6 sizes of ER collet, it can be more handy to buy a full set of 10 from Enco or USshoptools.com

I sure didnt get it, dang.