Smithy Automate lathe review and pics

[tmarks11]

...the manual is TRULY NOTHING TO FUSS ABOUT NOT GETTNG. YOU MISSED NOTHING..... NOTHING!!!!

Most of their manuals are available from their website. And the manuals all seem almost exactly the same. Generic instructions for using a generic fanuc controlled cnc lathe.

https://www.smithy.com/cnc-lathes

I think the guys there mean well. I don't think they are out to rip off anyone.... but they simply have "0" idea what customer support is or how to do it. When I need something, I just stay at it until I get a reply or a part. It's sad really. I must wonder how long they can last. Dan.

You would think since their parent company has been selling machine tools for 30 years that they would at least know how to run customer service and basic tech support.

Good to hear your machine is running well. Smithy isn't off my list, for the simple reason that nobody else (except alibaba ) is selling a slant bed lathe for $23k with linear ways and turret. For the comments above talking about going with the Tormach instead, go back and watch the videos of it cutting and moving. 70 ipm vs 800-1100 ipm....

[sin_arms]

My reason of going with the Smithy was the servos and an actual controller, my problem is after that first year of warranty is up what am I going to do for parts? I love the speed it travels but when your turret goes bad and it doesn't index correctly you ruin your part, break a $150 tool and $15 insert and you are waiting for a reply. One this that pissed me off is that they were all happy to sell me my machine and then when I had turret problems they didn't even seem surprised because I have the "low quality turret", well if I would of known that I would of went with a different model of machine.

[MichaelHenry]

Good to hear your machine is running well. Smithy isn't off my list, for the simple reason that nobody else (except alibaba ) is selling a slant bed lathe for $23k with linear ways and turret. For the comments above talking about going with the Tormach instead, go back and watch the videos of it cutting and moving. 70 ipm vs 800-1100 ipm....

Well if it comes to it, 70 ipm with a Tormach lathe is a lot faster than the speed you'll get with a broken lathe that has no parts or service support.

[tmarks11]

they didn't even seem surprised because I have the "low quality turret", well if I would of known that I would of went with a different model of machine.

Would you mine elaborating a bit? Which is the "good" turret, and which brand is the "low quality turret"? The Smithy representative here had mentioned something about a different turret, but wouldn't/didn't provide any additional information about what he meant

The turret on the 1417 lathe is NOT the Pragati turret and is not built to the same standards as the pragati.

I know that Tormach swapped to a new turret manufacturer about 1 year after they started production, but no explanation was ever offered by them or any of those owning the machines. Their turrets look identical to some of the ones in the Smith machines.

[brianbonedoc]

This is the pragati turret (an 8 tool) I believe it's the btp-80 here: BTP Electromechanical Turrets | Pragati

The 1417 is the little electric turret that's 6 position I believe.

[wfr8577]

This thread bums me out. I too prefer the true CNC controller and servos that the Automate offer. But poor customer service is a deal breaker.

[LeeWay]

For those that think the Tormach lathe is too slow, it can certainly have increased speed if you wanted. I have no doubt it can be clocked to higher rapids in Path Pilot. This would be beneficial if you need to make thousands of parts a day.
The Tormach also doesn't come with an automated chuck. Those are not difficult to implement, but you need to consider the extra cost.

After using mine a few days a week for over a year, I gotta say it is a little workhorse. We were fortunate to have pretty accurate homing on it and rarely ever rezero anything. Only when we need to do rigid tapping. The fact that it uses Path Pilot is now a benefit for us, because thanks to Brian, we have it on our mill as well.
It just works. It seems I don't even need customer support with it. Everything I did contact them about was in the manual as it turns out.

[tmarks11]

Everything I did contact them about was in the manual as it turns out.

Tormach does write a great manual. And has really good troubleshooting flowcharts and all the info you need to troubleshoot. That is a big advantage with their products: if something doesn't work, chances are (if you are a bit electrically savvy), you can fix it yourself.

I just wish they would come out with the SPL15's big brother, with linear rails...

[daniellyall]

[sin_arms]

I have a new VFD that doesn't work, I don't think they programmed it before sending it out

[daniellyall]

They have stuff up badly there's a post and the person ruled a smithy out because of the support is just not there for everyone

[tmarks11]

I have a new VFD that doesn't work, I don't think they programmed it before sending it out

Are you using it to power a three phase machine (in place of a rotary converter), or is it directly powering your spindle? What brand and model?

[sin_arms]

It is a INVT brand and it's in the machine for the spindle. I'm having trouble with the spindle, won't stop when it is told to (even under an estop) and won't start when it's told too. I'm glad I'm not tapping or it would be breaking taps

[tmarks11]

Does it use MODBUS or ethernet from the siemens controller (would be plug into the VFD vs. connecting individual control wires)?

Maybe you should just try calling ZMaT direct and see how their direct service is.

http://www.zmat.cn/web/eabout.asp?action=about&id=6

[sin_arms]

Connected with individual wires

[Ican]

It is a INVT brand and it's in the machine for the spindle. I'm having trouble with the spindle, won't stop when it is told to (even under an estop) and won't start when it's told too. I'm glad I'm not tapping or it would be breaking taps

I have the SL6 and 2 drives are Siemens, the other is marked CPB. ? If an image of mine and a diagram of the wires will help in any way....which I doubt.... I am happy to send you whatever you need. I would call tomorrow AM and ask for Patrick. He is the gent that helped with the bad relay I had and he is a good trouble shooter on the controls. He is thorough.... a little too thorough in some ways but better that than going at it any other way. If I can help in any manner, let me know. My machine does not match the schematics in that (bad words, many bad words, cussing out loud... ) manual. So beware that yours may not either. Dan

[brianbonedoc]

Well my lathe is so close to me! I'm in Thousand Oaks and it's on the ship in brackets. Unfortunately it has to drive to Detroit and then all the way back!

[Ican]

Swim! Just swim out there and drag the thing to shore! I hope they can get with the program... it's painful for me to watch....I can just imagine how you feel!! Hang in there. You'll make it.

The bright side is, the longest, slowest part is near an end. It took mine 3 days (not counting a weekend) to get to me so 4 or 5 days from Detroit to you should be reasonable. Dan

[kadesmithy]

Devin's machine is NOT a Zmat machine. The VFD that was sent out was hooked up and ran on a machine before leaving the building. This machine has intermittent issues, and it is difficult to diagnose. Grounding issues would be my first thought, but was ruled out. We have a meeting with the factory of that machine tonight to discuss the issue.

All the zmat machines have servo drives for spindle control.

If you have issues with a machine please call the technical department at 800-476-4849. Devin, I promise we will get you up and going like you should be. Appreciate the patience.

[LeeWay]

The best thing you can do to help alleviate the anticipation is do some thing else. I try to pretty much ignore it, but it only works to a small extent. It does help though. Particularly with a lathe, you ain't gonna be running right away. Lots of things to do before putting one into service. Concentrate on that aspect and cross your dotted eyes.