I'd get TTS but it is hard to know what tooling you will use, until your cutting parts. There is some wisdom in picking and choosing based upon your actual needs. Same with picking end-mills. There are sets available at reasonable prices, but most of those tools sit unused.
For me, I built my own stand and coolant tank. It took longer than expected, but I'm happy with the results. If I built it again I'd do a couple things differently (like most projects) but I'm happy with it. I also built my own computer, but I had one that was sitting here unused and I have a high comfort level with computer hardware. If you didn't have the equipment and the comfort level with computers, the Tormach computer is probably a wise buy.
I'd get the CNC Guard kit (30634) again. It isn't tall enough when your really spraying coolant and throwing chips but you can modify it for your needs. I plan to extend it upward to better contain chips/coolant but I'd still buy it again as it bolts nicely to the table.
I bought a Parlec vice through Enco ($385 shipped). It is a little bigger than the Tormach unit and you have to modify the Guard Kit for the handle (easy). I have no regrets, it is a fantastic vice with slightly larger opening than the Tormach and slightly heavier to lift and move when you pull it off the table. (pro & cons)
I tried to get around buying the lifting bar, and ended up ordering it once it was time to mount my machine. The bars through the base didn't work in sitting the machine down onto the stand due to clearance issues with the forks of my forklift. They also don't inspire much confidence while lifting your $8K purchase. Get the lifting bar as it is cheap insurance and easily allows you to move the machine from above with a rented cherry picker.
I also didn't get the Machine Arm (30286). It would be nice to have but I'm going to modify a bench right next to my mill for holding tooling, computer keyboard etc... It comes down to how you plan your work area. I'll probably be changing mine in a few months based upon work habits, but for now I'm doing without them.
I bought the Tormach small keyboard and wish I hadn't. My Dell monitor has USB plugs so that allows me to get away without USB access. I don't like the small keyboard. I like normal sized keyboards and they are so cheap, that if you get coolant, or damage due to shop operation, you throw them out and get another without loosing any sleep. I plan to build better protection for my computing station since spraying the monitor with coolant during a particularly messy operation.
I just bought the Duality Lathe with the tooling set, and the tension compression tapping head. I don't have any input on them yet because they are still on the UPS truck.
Hope this helps. I had the same worries when ordering my machine.  |