[KevinWilkins]

I've been using a TM-1 for the past 2 1/2 years in my shop making knives. I cut a lot of 6Al4V titanium, highly alloyed stainless and other toolsteels. I also do glassfibre plastics and laminates and most of my fixtures are alu.

The machine has cut everything I've tried with zero problems. Accuracy is a lot more than simple machine stats; you have to use the correct cutters and workholding is very important. Any accuracy problems I've run into were the result of bad workholding or idiotic mistakes on my side... I'm sure the TM-1 will hold the tolerances Haas promises.

I have never had a vibration problem, however I think you have use the mahine within its limits. Obviously a box ways machine that weighs 10,000 kilos should be more robust than a TM-1. If I were were going to be final machining engine blocks for cars 3 shifts a day, I'd choose another machine.

Taking shallow cuts was what I started out doing but have come to find that using the correct cutter for the job and taking deeper cuts is actually better for most applications.

For example when cookie cuttering knife grips from titanium sheet I now use Ingersoll 4mm carbide endmills running at up to 4mm DOC at 400+mm/m. I used to use other carbide cutters taking a cut of maybe 0.15mm and going like 125mm/m. Took forever!

With the most cutters trying to run 3-4mm deep would result in the cutter breaking after about 10mm cut length. With the Ingersol there is no vibration at all... just a fountain of chips and presto! you're done.

So what I'm trying to say, be sure and do extensive reasearch and testing of cutters for your application before deciding there's a problem with the machine.

I love my TM-1 (or at least I really really like it! :-)) and I wish I could afford one of those Office Lathes to go along with it!