Thanks to the collective wisdom of cnczone, we have in our mind the options we need for our TL2, but to fit everything within our budget we are also looking at some used machines as well and are wondering if some of the options for TL2 are field installable? Are chip enclosure, auto tool changer, and tail stock field installable on TL-2 with LCD screens?

Thanks,

John

Don't know about chip enclosure, probably if you can get the parts from Haas but it will be a big job.

Turret tool changer is field installable, I had it done. Actually I bought the machine with the original slow as molasses tool turret which was discontinued; then I seriously modified it rendering it unusable. The net result was I had to get the later model with the servo drive installed.

Tailstock can be just slid onto the guides assuming you can buy it loose from Haas.

then I seriously modified it rendering it unusable.

Spontanious Modification(wedge)

Spontanious Modification(wedge)

Geof had to pay for it. More like: (nuts)

:D

Geof had to pay for it. More like: (nuts)

:D

More like :eek:

I have been there.

As far as the tailstock goes, I recently purchased a new TL-1 and was going through the same budget versus options decisions. When discussing options the salesman told me that the tailstock was not field installable. That didn't make sense to me because it seems like you could just slip it right on the rails. So I double checked with a second sales guy and then with Haas directly and all 3 told me that it was not something that could be field installed. I still don't understand exactly why but the Haas guy said something about highly specialized alignment equipment and jigs that were needed and were only available at the factory. It might be worth checking directly with Haas before you decide on that one option if you will eventually need it.

I finally bought mine with the tailstock and left some other options for later.

I still don't understand exactly why but the Haas guy said something about highly specialized alignment equipment and jigs that were needed and were only available at the factory.
Yeah, I heard the same things and I did the same thing (bought it with the machine) but I still don't agree or believe it.

My head and tailstocks did not arrive within the alignment tolerances claimed on the inspection sheets. The whole machine still needs to be completely aligned (head and tailstock). It's been close enough for the work I've been doing with it but for long stuff, it's out of whack.

Looking at the used machines, I'd be very careful as to what version of the IPS software it has. Make sure it has Thread Repair in the IPS screens or it's the older software.

I bought a TL1 without the tailstock then subsequently bought another with the tailstock, and switched the tailstock between the machines. So any claims that it could not be retrofitted seem a bit silly to me, but I suppose Haas can always refuse to sell just the tailstock.