which machine

[ssrmr2]

I know this has been beaten more times than.... but I am looking to purchase a new to me machine. I will be using OneCNC XR3 to program with. there are 3 machines that i have narrowed it down to:

Haas TM-1P
Haas VF-2
or a Fadal 3016

I am leaving it at those 3 after tons of reading and how others state that they are all easy to learn on as a first machine. One thing that I like about the Haas' is the Renishaw probing system. I like the fadal b/c of the box ways and higher rpm and feed. I will mainly designing and making custom race car parts and possibly some aero parts who knows where its going to take me. Let me hear the opinions good, bad and everything included about the 3 machines. also if there is a better year haas than others please note that as well. I hear 96 and up.

steve

[Geof]

If you have the finances to get a VF2 forget the TM1-P; the VF2 has the same or greater travel, much more power, more rpm and a toolchanger as standard.

What year??? In the period 2004 to 2006, in my experience, Haas had some glitches related to detail work...making sure all the bolts were tight before shipping a machine, and silly things like that. I have machines from before 04 and after 06 and they did not have the same finicky problems during the warranty period.

[Cory]

I can't speak to the Fadal, but don't be fooled-the TM1-P and the VF-2 are night and day different. The VF-2 will machine circles around the TM1-P. They aren't even in the same neighborhood of performance.

I was responsible for choosing a VMC last year. It came down to a Fadal 2016FX vs a VF-1. I chose the VF-1 after reading TONS of horror stories about the FX series. I have been happy with my machine, minus some small problems it had.

[tvwilkes]

Go with the VF2, hands down.

[ssrmr2]

ok so its down to vf-2 or Fadal vmc 3016. I am going to buy USED. that is the only way i can afford a machine. I hear 96-00 for fadals and anything newer than '96 for haas.

[DareBee]

I am a big fan of having box ways (FADAL) for rigidity but it depends on your application as to whether you really need it.
I am assuming the 96-00 MCs will be either 88HS or MP32 control, they are pretty much bullet proof.
I would get the 1 that has the best service/parts in your local area but other than that shop for either machine and just purchase the 1 that is the best bang for your buck.

[HuFlungDung]

1996 and up for Haas, uses brushless servos. So the rapid speed is 710 ipm (or more) on those. Brushless means a few less wearing components, so if you get an older machine, you may need to allow for that maintenance aspect, in case it was never looked at by the previous owner.

[MikeOD]

Anyone concerned about wanting box ways...Linear guides have come a LONG way, and Haas really uses some quality parts in that regard. When making small moves, or detailed surfacing moves, a linear guide machine will outdo a box way machine any day of the week...and if you could only see all the people around the country cutting anything from iron to stainless steel to inconel to titanium to pre-hardened tool steels to who knows what in Haas machines, you wouldn't be concerned about the linear guides at all.

I'd be interested to hear from ANYONE on this forum who has had to replace the linear guides in a Haas machine (ps, another benefit there...they're replacable) without having first crashed the machine REAL REAL hard (and probably more than once) and without cutting materials that make something abrasive that eventually gets through the way covers (like grinding glass, fiberglass materials, iron without dust evacuation...)...I think you might find that list to be EXTREMELY small.

[MikeOD]

Originally Posted by Geof If you have the finances to get a VF2 forget the TM1-P; the VF2 has the same or greater travel, much more power, more rpm and a toolchanger as standard.

Tool changer is standard on a TM-1P (10 station), optional on a regular TM-1.

[big_mak]

We bought a 05 VF-3 and haven't looked back. If you are considering the Probe, might as well see if you can find a machine with a spindle upgrade to 10-15K RPM!!!!!!

[CNC_Kristi]

VF-2 is the machine I'd choose over the Fadal. Just make sure you check it over really good to make sure it wasn't overly abused. HAAS machines have greatly improved over the years and I love working with them. If you can get a VF3...do it! You'll love it.

[highspeedmazak]

If you can swing it go to a Mazak. You will be completely happy.