HAAS TM2 URGENT HELP

[bigbaz]

Could anyone with a haas tm please answer, i machine aluminium almost 100% of the time and am thinking of buying a haas tm2 and need to know at 4000 rpm with a 10mm 2 flute ally cutter what kind of depth of cut and feed rate is the machine happy to cut at as i have seen a video of this machine and when taking a cut it sounds very noisy. Just now i have a bridgeport interact mill with a tnc145 and just wonder how they compare so could anyone please take the time to point out any advantages or disadvantages.

[PBMW]

4k rpm is not even remotely enough to efficiently cut aluminum.
You need 10k min.
with a 10mm cutter at max speed it's only cutting at 410 sfm. You want to be above 1000sfm.
Will it cut the part? Sure it will. Will it do it quickly? No. Will you make any money at it? Sure. But no tif you're competeing with another shop for the work.
It might be what you can afford, but it ain't the right tool for the job if you're doing any kind of production at all.
Now I don't want to get all the TM1 owners in a huff....Cause I know all you guys are making money. But the thing is, if you got a lot of parts to do (more than 20) that ain't the right machine. It's a tool room machine.

[bigbaz]

Please read the thread, i am happy with 4000 rpm as i cut ally at 3000 rpm on my old bridgeport and get a superb finish the quetion is the haas tm2 better or worse than a bridgeport interact with tnc145, depth of cut and feed rates will it take more of a cut or less and still sound as if your not hurting it.

[PBMW]

I just re read your post. Nowhere does it say you are happy with 4k.
Are you making one or two parts at a time? I couldn't even imagine making aluminum parts with only a 4k spindle. But to each their own.

[cam1]

Hi:
I've been making aluminium parts for many years on a 4k spindle (100 ipm max feedrate), and get fantastic results. OK, I can't fly through the stuff, but our business is 1 off's,
where the importance is on getting it correct in a reasonable amount of time the first time. I get excellent surface finishes (lot's of coolant or mist), with HSS tooling, using .5D on slots and 1-1.5 D for depth of cut. Most of the time I feed at around 35-40 IPM, on various sized endmills (1/4-3/4 dia).
No complaints ever from customers about cost or finish...

regards

[bigbaz]

Hi cam1

thankyou for the info can you tell me is it the tm1 or tm2 you are using and what is the noise levels like when taking a cut as some say the tm machines are noisy.

[Geof]

Originally Posted by PBMW ...... But the thing is, if you got a lot of parts to do (more than 20) that ain't the right machine. It's a tool room machine.

I am not worried about getting anyone in a huff.

The advice was qualified, accurately. And the responses following this advice suggest it was not fully read; hence the bolding.

You do not have to follow advice anyone gives but at least do the courtesy of reading fully before responding.

[smittys800]

I think Bigbaz is refering to my TM1 on E-bay. The video that I posted is not the greatest by any means.
Smitty

[axis]

the tm noise level is not that bad as long as the belt is not out of wack shims will fix it if its out. the tm will also remover enuff material as long as you use the right tools for the job you are doing. 2" tools are the limit for any spead or depth of cut.i would not recomend the tm for production runs only one off or short runs. and i would get it enclosed with the tool changer. then you are at 6000rpm and not all wet.if you have a part you always make take it to your dealer and get them to make it or take in some material and have it ask them to show off the machine for you. ps your happy with 4000rpm till you use a 12000rpm machine.

[Ken_Shea]

Any 4K Haas can be easily modified to 6K,

Couple Tips:
Use a 3 flute designed for aluminum.

Decrease DOC, increase feed, to me it is easier on these lighter machines and gets the job done quicker.


Ken

[Ken_Shea]

Originally Posted by PBMW
...... But the thing is, if you got a lot of parts to do (more than 20) that ain't the right machine. It's a tool room machine.

Ok, I want to be sure and get this correct, I will, from now on decline any jobs that require more than 20 pieces because I do not have the right machine, is that correct?

Of course that is not correct, while well intentioned, it is a bunch of hooey, what is correct is to forget what others have, forget what would be the ideal and use what you do have, what you can afford and use that to it's best advantage.

Speaking to what would be the ideal as if it is a requirement is unreasonable and just not accurate for the majority.

The TM1 or TM-2 are great entry level machines and far more capable then many will admit in most cases.

I am damn sure not ashamed of owning one.

Ken

[61SedanMan]

There are many accurate responses here; here is my $.02.

I bought a TM-3 in January. I have a job shop rather than a production shop but I get requests for quantity runs (generally 50-ish at a time). While my machine isn't capable of competing with a Mazak Nexus 410, it is perfect for my needs; and I could buy two for the price of a Mazak. They are noisy because they are open; the "p" (enclosed) model is quieter. They are also belt driven which always has some inherent noise. What I love about them over typical VF's is that they are open and the table is scaled more like a bridgeport. I sometimes hang tooling plate out the front and use the 40" of travel to buzz the ends or do layouts. I generally use a 3 flute crest cut endmill for carving aluminum. They are capable of hogging and finishing. For steels I use roughers and chase them with finishers.

If you are considering the Tm series, here are a few things that are a must. Tool Magazine, Probing system, and a good CAM software. These are expensive additions, but make you much more capable and competitive in the long run. Build a high flow coolant tank system, box it in a little with aluminum, and you will love the machine. I personally haven't needed 4000 rpm yet, and there is always the option of jacking it up to 6000 rpm and 400 ipm rapids like the "p" series. If the Bridgeport you are using is currently sufficing, a TM-? will more than do so.