TL-1 Purchase Opinion

[AMCTony]

I am going to buy a new TL-1 or TL-2 this week and need some input. I really do not need the extra travel on the TL-2 but the higher axis thrust and Spindle HP could be an advantage. I also am wondering what options anyone can suggest from experience. We work with a lot of 6061 aluminum and 17-4 h1150 stainless. I am looking at:

8 M functions
Floppy
8" Chuck
Quick change tool post
Tail Stock
Coolant Pump
Full Chip Enclosure

We have a TM-1 and the M-functions and enclosure would be a God send.
Most if not all of our work is prototype and small runs (i.e. less than 30pcs.)

Any Input on this matter would be greatly appreciated

[Wiseco]

Maybe you would not need the extra travel of the TL-2 but you should seriously consider the 3" spindle bore of the TL-2 compare to 2.31" of the TL-1. That what make us turn to the TL-2. Also, you will be limit to a 8" chuck on the TL-1.

For the option, you should go with the tailstock for sure. The day you will need it, you will have it. The ENET package option is a good one also as you have a HD of 20gig with it.

For the chip enclosure, if you wish to use coolant, buy it and the coolant pump too. For mine, as I don't use coolant often, I bought a coolant pump package from KBC tool but without the enclosure, coolant splash a bit everywhere.

On mine I got the 3/4 quick change toolpost and I like it.

[Shane C.]

I've had my TL-2 just over two years now and have been happy with it.

I cut mostly Ti (cp), and 304, with no problems.

Save some money and get the tool post some place else. Phase II? The CX size (1" shank), will fit with mods to the "T" nut and the milling of .1" from the bottom of the tool holders to get them low enough to center. It's a bit of work but I think it's worth it.

IMHO

[AMCTony]

sounds to me like the TL-2 is the way to go. The tool post did look a bit expensive from haas and I like the rigididy of 1" tools.

[WOLOG]

Make sure you get the larger motor on the TL-2. You will notice the difference when roughing. I push mine all day long and wait for the day the motor burns up so I can install the larger motor. I don't care for the enclosure: although, it does contan the coolant. Just get some Floor Dry or something like that.

[metfan]

You should look at the Hurco. Ease of use is better. The Haas conversational programs are too basic. Plus the Hurco is an enclosed machine.

[AMCTony]

Ordered the TL-2 this week with enclosure, tail stock, chuck, coolant, and a floppy drive. Haas says that they have 6 machines in stock and I may have it in by the end of next week. Did not order the tool post. I decided to take the advise from this forum and get it somewhere else. Thanks for the insight everyone.

[AMCTony]

The only motor that was offered with this model as far as I could find was a 12 HP 2000 rpm. A 12 horse 3500 rpm setup was an option but at the sacrafice of torque.

[DEAN]

Hey cool AMCTONY. You will love the machine, I don't know how I got along without mine. I hardly use the old manual machine.
I am figuring that with the new model lathes the floppy drive option has been replaced with the USB, no?

[AMCTony]

USB is part of a $3000 option. I will deal with floppys for that much. I really never seen lathe programs that were very big anyway. As for the old manual lathe, the ways are trashed, you can grab the cross slide and compound and slide them around 0.200" in and out and there is nothing I can do about it, the power feed is shot, the clutch slips, the spindle bearings are badly worn, the tailstock ram is ready to fall out, the lead screws are VERY mushroomed over and somehow I have still been able to make money with it and keep my customers happy. I guess that I should not complain when I got it for $1000 from a highschool. This new machine should be an incomprehensible improvement.

PS. maybe the old machine will make a good cylindrical sander!

[DEAN]

Ah, I see. I figured since the USB was coming standard on the new VMCs they would do the same on on the lathes. Guess, like you said not really necessary due to lathe program sizes. IIRC the control has 1 meg standard that'll be plenty. I haven't ran out of room and I have lots of program sitting in the control. RS232 is pretty convenient.

[Cory]

Originally Posted by DEAN Ah, I see. I figured since the USB was coming standard on the new VMCs they would do the same on on the lathes. Guess, like you said not really necessary due to lathe program sizes. IIRC the control has 1 meg standard that'll be plenty. I haven't ran out of room and I have lots of program sitting in the control. RS232 is pretty convenient.

USB standard on new VMC's is news to me.

We ordered a VF-1 this week, and they tried to sell it to us as part of the $3000 ethernet, hard drive, usb package.

Someone had mentioned in this forum recently that the floppy drive is in fact a USB port. When I asked the sales rep about this, he said the floppy is still a floppy.