Originally Posted by twocik  Basically can I use all of the existing software that I have now or do I need to buy new (Cad Cam and Control software)? |
You can use your existing CAD and CAM software. I'm using Sheetcam and Meshcam, and have tweaked posts for both of them that I use. The PCNC control software that the Tormach comes with is a customized version of Mach3. It needs a fairly hefty PC (specs are in the PCNC1100 manual on Tormach's website--quite worthwhile to read through 2 or 10 more times even if you've read it already
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Originally Posted by twocik Is this a ready togo CNC (without having to modify anything) machine? |
The Tormach was designed from the ground up as a dedicated CNC machine. No handwheels, no quill. If you haven't already read the "Personal CNC Design_v1.pdf" on the Tormach site, do so. It is a really good design analysis. The Tormach has its warts (my stand leaks coolant, for example), but I love it. It is solid and accurate. You can use it right out of the box and do wonderful work with it, especially if you have previous CNC experience (which you apparently do since you already use TurboCNC.) I had a Sherline CNC mill for 8+/- years which gave a good grounding in CNC, but moving up to the Tormach was like going from a Bobcat to a Caterpillar D6
Best regards,
Randy