[deep_drill]

I am planning to purchase a CNC Mill and manual lathe in the near
future. I like what I see regarding the Taig Mill however I would
like to know if it is capable of milling High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA)
and Mild Steel (and at what depths and rates).

Anyone have experience with these steels that they could share?

Any recommendations of other mini-mills that would better suit my needs?

Also as far as a lathe goes, I would like to be able to cut Vee and
Stub Acme threads. Any recommendations regarding the brand of lathe I
should consider? I am thinking 7" or 8" lathe would be the size for
me with a 10" or longer travel. I would like to be able to turn HSLA
and Mild steel. Eventually, I would like to convert it to CNC.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[nervis1]

As a formar Taig owner I can tell you that if you are looking to mill any kind of steel you will want a bigger mill. The Taig can do it but only very slowly, painfully slow. I remember the spindle bogging on T6 aluminum at .125 DOC, .125 2f EM, 5 ipm if that gives you an idea.

I'd look at the square mill drills as a starting point.

[Mcgyver]

ability to remove metal is a function of horsepower & rigidity - think in terms of cubic inches per minute. Not sure what HSLA is, but if its ferrous you want to cut, there's a reason tool room mills weigh 2000 lbs. Yes, you can get away with lighter stuff, but as nervis1 poiinted out its at expense of removal rates. imo opinion you've some conflicts there - there advanges to the machines you've suggested, however cutting steel, decent removal rates, wide cuts like on an acme thread, are not amongst them. depending on space and access, consider old iron (used light industry stuff) if thats the type of workl you regularly will be doing.

[deep_drill]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the feedback. Now that I have a better understanding of the maximum capabilities of the mini mills & lathes, I'm sure
I won't be disappointed.

David Steele