Newbie- Smithy EZ Trol vs Tormach or IH

[duaneblk@yahoo.]

Looking to purchase my first CNC, I've been looking into Smithy 1240 EZ Trol, Tormach 1100 & Industrial Hobbies machine. Any opinions? I'll be milling 6061 alum. I am interested in industrial grade & ease of use. Thanks.

[Cruiser]

I have an IH mill in my shop, the ball screw is hell for stout. Even at max speed it does not whip ! I believe that is what you were refering to, is it not ? I think your comment is obsurd ! I have grabbed mine by hand with table full travel stop opposite end and yet it took a lot of arm applied to even think it moved !
Cruiser

[MichaelHenry]

Tormach's ballscrews are only supported on one end as well. That hasn't been a problem for me.

One big factor you might want to consider is after sale support. IH and Tormach both get good reports. Browsing here in the Smithy forum should give you an idea what to expect from them.

Also, try to get a look at each before deciding, maybe there are some local owners of each brand that are willing to give you a look.

Mike

[duaneblk@yahoo.]

Hey Mike,
Reading the Smithy forum turned me off. I'm definatly looking at the IH & tormach now. I'm hereing good things about both. I'm meetting with a local machinist soon. He's going to give me some pointers. Thanks
Duane

[MichaelHenry]

FWIW, I've got a Tormach that I've been pleased with. I've never seen an IH mill but owners seem to like them.

Mike

[Willyb]

Stay away from Smithy. I own a Tormach and have been very happy with it. I would purchase another one. I also believe IH has a good produce but you must remember that the IH Mill is a converted manual machine. The Tormach was designed and built from the start as a CNC Milling Machine. The IH has a gear transmission that tends to be a little noisy. I would go with the Tormach.

Willy