CNC, or revert to manual?

Bill DeShivs

Bill DeShivs

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jun 6, 2000
Messages
12,868
I ended up with a Taig mill with controller and stepper motors. The motor for the mill is missing, as is the software.
A friend sold it to me and was going to get a motor, help me with setup, and teach me how to use it. He seems to have dropped off the face of the earth.
I can get a motor from Taig, and I can buy the Mach 3 software, but I don't have a clue how to even hook it up-much less use it!
I would like to use the mill for engraving and a few light milling projects.
So, do I just buy handwheels and use it manually?
 
it is missing the spindle motor, but it has the CNC controller and the axis motors and drives and cables? Keep it CNC.

I believe the Mach3 is free unless you plan to run longer programs and need to buy a license. A $100 computer and a printer cable and you're hooked up. Configuring the CNC is as simple as telling the setup the pitch of the ball screws and the number of pulses per revolution.

The hard part is then knowing what to do with a CNC, but you signed up for that...
 
Nathan-
Correct. I even have a computer for it. Lots of accessories, too. All it needs is a $110 spindle motor from Taig. It has the upgraded table, too.
I have all of $550 in it now, so I know it's a great deal. Should I download the free Mach 3 trial on the dedicated computer and just play with the program?
The ports on the controller aren't labeled. How do I know which stepper goes where?
If I get it hooked up, I guess I could "practice" using it without the motor. At least I won't be breaking cutters.
 
You will figure out the ports fairly quick...If you have XY mixed up, it will be pretty obvious. I don't believe you will do any harm to it if you have them switched..No more harm than the DRO I put on my Bridgeport yesterday with the same issue. I switched the X and Y ports because they aren't labeled either..

Mach 3 states this:

"A license is only required on the computer(s) actually running the machine(s). If a computer not connected to a machine is used to test code, please use Mach3 in Simulation mode - it will remove the 500 line limit. Simulation mode can be accessed by uninstalling (or not installing) the Parallel Port Driver."


I say install it :)
 
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