Originally Posted by
ChrisPDX
Congrats! You must be excited--seeing those pictures brought back some good memories. One thing that I would recommend doing when the machine is still new that I didn't do is to measure the backlash on all three axes (use a test indicator). These machines are well adjusted from the factory for the most part, however I would check and make sure your backlash is within an acceptable range (do some research, but probably something like .002 - .005 in, the lower the better). You can adjust backlash following the instructions on Nick Carter's Taig site. If you haven't been briefed on software backlash compensation yet, do some research on the topic. If you can get your backlash low enough you can avoid software compensation all together, which is by most measures a good thing.
I would also slide the saddle and table by hand while the leadscrews are disconnected so that you can get a feel for how the gibs are adjusted at the factory. I know it is difficult to take the time to check everything when you just want to start making chips, but it is probably better to make adjustments before anything has worn too much, if necessary.
-Chris