I see that 2 options are available for mounting the Taig on it's board. Motor in back and motor inline with the lathe. Nick had mentioned to me that Taig hates it when you want to mount it inline. Why would this be ? I understand the motor has to turn counterclockwise then, but that seems no big deal. Can the stock Taig motor be used in the inline set up ? I think I would prefer the inline mounting method.

Thanks Tony

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While I'm not the person you asked, I can't imagine why it would matter, Tony. I've seen it done both ways in photos. While I have my motor mounted behind the lathe to save bench space on the head stock end of the lahte, I can't see any reason you shouldn't do it the way that suits you. The motor doesn't care which way it rotates.

Sorry, I guess I missed this thread. I don't know if the stock Taig lathe motor is reversible. I'll look at one and see. With it mounted behind the lathe it can get a bit messier, but it does put the weight right behind the headstock where it is needed. I attach a piece of cardboard, like from a cereal box, with a magnet to the motor case to keep the gunk off of it. I had a nice plastic shield made up at one time but the acrylic I used was too brittle.

Ok I see, Nick did get back to ma and said Taig doesnt like that config cause of shipping issues, I guess the board is too long or ?? whatever.. Dean I am asking everyone of course, just thought Jeff might have inside info. I see what you mean Jeff with the motor in back the driving of the belt would be more efficient I guess. Still up in the air about the power feed. I guess if I would never use it it would be a waste of $$ but I do think it would be convienient to have instead of doing everything by hand.

Was looking at more Mini Lathe info yesterday.. power feed, coumpound included. All in all Taig vs Mini it's the same amount of money, the Taig being more $ if one buys the coumpound and even more with the power feed.
I do however look at the two different lathes like cars. The Mini's are GM's Fords, Cryslers, while the Taig is the Ferrari, I hope I am correct in thinking this way.

Tony

Well, I look at it like this:

I run two different machine shops at a local university (day job). In one I have all 'import' machines, both mills and lathes. In the other I have all American made machines. The machines in both labs do the same thing, however there is no comparison in quality. The import machines are just not made as well.

As for power-feed, having power feed will not free one from having to turn the crank handle. For longer areas it will make it easier to obtain a nice finish and it could certainly make turning down an OD a bit easier.

Yes , , getting there Jeff, saving my pennies ! Within a month or so, I'll let you know when the word is a GO !

Tony

I actually modified my motor mount because I found if you're turning larger stock (I'm guessing about 1.5inches and upwards) the motor was in the way of the Taigs cutoff tool that mounts at the back of the cross slide.

My motor that came with the Taig lathe (from Peatol in the UK) is able to go clockwise or anticlockwise. There is a black box on the side that you can get into and set wires according to a small diagram on the inside of the box.

Hi DaveDu , yes I looked into it further, I'll go with the motor in back for now and later put it inline possibly if I make a dedicated mounting surface,bench for it I think.

Tony