Motor Choice for Taig Mill?

[MrAR15]

I have recently upgraded my Taig manual mill to CNC. I noticed that on Taigs web site the CNC mills have this newer looking motor whereas I still have my older Franklin 1/5Hp motor that originally came with the mill some 7 years ago.

My question is, how necessary is it or to what advantage is there in upgrading the motor now that I am doing CNC milling and some engraving?

If there is a significant reason to upgrade, is there a motor that is highly recommended and one that Mach 3 can take full advantage of in terms of controlling spindle speeds?

Thanks all
John

[SpeedsCustom]

I have the 3/4 HP motor, But I am upgrading to a variable speed and changing the pulleys just to a single timing belt.

I can't stand changing the pulley system and even with the 3/4 Hp, I have stalled the motor


-Jason

[MrAR15]

Is there a preferred variable speed motor for the Taig Mill?

[rowbare]

Originally Posted by SpeedsCustom I have the 3/4 HP motor, But I am upgrading to a variable speed and changing the pulleys just to a single timing belt. I can't stand changing the pulley system and even with the 3/4 Hp, I have stalled the motor -Jason

Jason, did you get a different motor for yours? The standard motor on the CNC Taig is 1/4 hp.

OP the 1/4 HP motor will let you run higher speeds it is a 3450 rpm motor vs 1750.

[SpeedsCustom]

No, I want to do this for my next upgrade but they no longer carry that motor and speed controller at Surplus Center!

Can anyone help me!? I should have done it a year ago


-Jason

[Twmaster]

Keep an eye on Craigslist for a free or dirt cheap treadmill. You want to look for Proform and Weslo treadmills with the MC-60 controller inside. Super easy to hack into a variable speed setup for a mill, lathe or other benchtop machine. I've managed to get three free treadmills in the last two months.

After I get some other things done in my workshop I will convert my Taig mill to variable DC power

[the.sniper]

Originally Posted by Twmaster Keep an eye on Craigslist for a free or dirt cheap treadmill. You want to look for Proform and Weslo treadmills with the MC-60 controller inside. Super easy to hack into a variable speed setup for a mill, lathe or other benchtop machine. I've managed to get three free treadmills in the last two months. After I get some other things done in my workshop I will convert my Taig mill to variable DC power

Twmaster,
I found a Weslo setup with the desirable MC-60 controller
any chance you can enlighten me on the ease of use?
Im going to attempt the retrofit of my Taig mini mill
I would like to to take advantage of the variable speed. and most of all
interface it with my Controller board. Im using Mach3 for my software.
Thanks!
Sam

[Twmaster]

It's pretty simple. You need a 5K ohm linear potentiometer or you can use the pot on the control panel of the treadmill. If a slide pot I'd replace it or mount it somewhere swarf will not get into it.

Otherwise just connect it like it was in the treadmill. Wires to motor, wires in from AC, three wires to the pot.

The Pot terminals are as follows:

H = high side of the pot.
W = wiper, the center lead of the pot.
L = low side of the pot.

If you find the control works backwards from how you expect simply switch the outside two wires of the pot with each other.

You'll also want to put the thing into an enclosure to protect it.

Also remember you will need to turn the pot all the way to zero for the controller to arm. You may also have to turn the controller way up then turn it back down to get good slow speed operation.

Good luck!

If you need more help just post a reply.

[fretsman]

Hi,

This MC60 diagram may be helpful to what Twmaster is explaining.

Dave

[Jaynboom]

On the subject of the MC-60 controller, is there a way to wire the motor (and controller) so it can stop and reverse for tapping operations?

I'm a newb on house-electric.

Thanks

Roy

[chris123]

Tread mill motors arnt too heavy for the taig mill?