New guy here, Taig CNC first build...

**fretsman** · 10-05-2008, 12:44 PM

Fairly new posting in this area although I've read quite a bit here and I thank you all for the info you've provided.

I have a Taig CNC Mill that was a turn-key system as I wanted to make parts right away and not really learn about the workings of it. Well as you all know this stuff is addictive and I wanted to build a little Taig CNC lathe almost immediately.

There's still plenty to do as far as upgrades but what you see is basically a prototype to see if my ideas work even work to begin with. Yesterday I setup some home switches (not wired yet, obviously) and made the z axis adjustable to be able to have my z home wherever I'd like using a stainless steel adjustable rod on the headstock. I think this would be a pretty nice feature since that position may change with certain jobs that would be done.

Not really a whole lot to it that you haven't seen before but wanted to share it with you anyway since I'm proud of the little beast.

I have still pics and a short video for you:
"http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2840469987875543499&hl=en"]Taig CNC MicroLathe

**fretsman** · 10-05-2008, 12:46 PM

More pics of the home switches:

**NEATman** · 10-06-2008, 01:58 PM

Dave-
Very clean build, Nice work. Did you build the controller as well?

What type of parts do you plan to make with it?

I'll eventually finish my mini-emco lathe, and I intend to have it on my desk at work - beside my 3 axis dremel tool router. It's fun annoying my co-workers with a dremel tool and a mini-vacuum as a dust collector. But, if I make them a trinket or two, they don't mind the noise. I even make some parts for work once in a while.

Keith

**fretsman** · 10-06-2008, 05:18 PM

Thanks, Keith, yes, I did build it but it's not the best unit as I'd like to upgrade it to something like a little 540 Gecko system at some point. It does the job though and it seems fairly strong but it's a little "noisy". I have a case PC fan in the drive controller box to help keep it cool and sooner or later I'll engrave some logo's and labels for it. This was all a "I want to put one together but not spend a lot" kind of thing. A good learning process , for sure-

I also built the DC motor box as well. It's just one of those DC 12v motor controllers from surplus center as well as the motor. Works nice and smooth and doesn't get too hot and I've run it for at least 45 minutes straight testing some wizards through Mach 3.

As far as parts, I'll be focusing on parts for instruments (my side gig) and possibly if I get it to be "trustworthy" enough, I'll run a few jobs I have at work that would be good candidates for it.

Thanks,
Dave

**Teyber12** · 11-10-2008, 12:16 AM

Well done, thanks for taking the time to make great quality pics, and a great quality video

Very neat, superb job there!

**fretsman** · 11-10-2008, 04:07 PM

You're very welcome, glad you enjoyed it.

I actually moved the adjustable home switch from the front of the headstock to the rear of the tailstock as it made more sense for machine setups and also got it "out of the way"

It's now in pieces again as I'm configuring the E stop and wiring for the home switches. In the wise words of Burgess Meredith.. "if only I had more time!"

Dave

**MarshMan** · 11-22-2008, 07:23 PM

Very Nice Build! Congrats!

**fretsman** · 02-13-2009, 06:58 PM

Just an update, I bought the G540 and wired it up with a little help from "Crevicereamer" here at the "Zone". (Thank you sir!)

I added 2 of the 270 oz. Keling KL23H276-28-4B steppers and the Keling KL-300-48 48V power supply and she runs like a champ so far. Like a bonehead, I completely forgot to wire in my fuseholder which I will have to do soon-

A couple of pics for you of the front of the controller sporting the logo I drew up which I thought was rather appropriate.

And also a quick shot of the back as well.

I'm also including a couple of shots of the newly wired homeswitches and notice how I did the Z switch on an adjustable stainless rod. This will be very handy.

Thanks,
Dave