Syil 4 ver Tormach ver IH

[dpaish]

Greetings,
After about 3 weeks of researching for a small CNC hobby mill, I have narrowed my search to the IH, Syil 4 or Tormach. The only reason I am considering the Syil because Syil Canada is in the same city as me. However, I would much prefer a 1000pd mill verses a 400 pd (?) mill machine.

My purpose is for knife making, handle profiling, jig making and inlays. Each of these machines will do that without much effort. However, I am looking to maybe take on larger projects in the future. I know, in the mill world, bigger is better!

Has there been a side-by-side review of these mills? What are the pos and cons of each? I've purchased a CNC plasma cutting system 5 years ago from one of these small companies in the past that turned into a nightmare of troubleshooting and re-build. Hence my request for knowledge.

Thanks in advance....I am going to post this on the Tormach and Syil forums also.

Your input will be much appreciated.

Dennis

[wwendorf]

I've heard on cnczone that the X4 doesn't have an R8 taper in order to make use of quick change tooling systems. I heard that it only has a collet system for holding tools. I'd make very sure of that before I decided on the X4. Keep in mind, I could have misread and could be wrong.

Wade

[Bugster]

http://www.syilcanada.com/?p=products&id=x4

"Spindle taper: MT3 or R8"

[wwendorf]

Must have been Sieg's KX3 (their CNC machine). Sorry for the incorrect information.

Wade

[tmarks11]

Originally Posted by wwendorf Must have been Sieg's KX3 (their CNC machine). Sorry for the incorrect information.

The version reviewed by mini-lathe.com had the OZ25 collet chuck.

The Sieg KX3 imported by Smithy and sold as the Smithy 622 has an R-8
taper.

The version sold by CNCWT in the PI has the collet system.

I guess YMMV....

[wwendorf]

That must be where I heard about the collet system in the KX3. I didn't know about the R-8 on the Smithy.

Wade

[tmarks11]

that is a good call about the problems with the collet system not being easily adaptable to a tormach style rapid change tooling system. I hadn't made that connection in my mind, and have been waiting for somebody besides smithy to pick up the KX3.

The good news is that since the Smithy version has an R-8 spindle, maybe that will be an available option.

Or maybe I should just get a Tormach....

Back OT, I think comparing the Tormach to the Syil X3 or the Sieg KX3 is apples to oranges... the Tormach is much larger (10x34 vs. 6x22), much heavier (1100# vs. 400#), more expensive ($6800 vs. $4000), more capable system. More comparable to the SmithyCNC 1034 mill, which sells for a similar price ($7700).

[wwendorf]

I think the best thing you can do is decide a few things:

1) What size parts do you want to make?
2) How much can you afford?
3) How much space do you have?

If you can afford it, and you need the size, go with the Tormach. If the X3 fits your budget and your needs, get that instead. As far as being capable, the X3 is just as capable as the Tormach, but the tormach will likely be able to move faster and cut a bit deeper.

I didn't know about the Tormach when I bought my machine, but I would love one. That being said, I would never have gotten one of them. My shop is small and the X3 fits perfectly in the corner. The Tormach would be too big for my space. The X3 makes some amazingly deep cuts and it cuts very fast for my needs. (1/2" endmill, .1 to .125 DOC, 9-12 IPM)

Also, the X3 is only 440 lbs. It's still small enough for 1 person to handle. I attached a mobile base to my Syil X3 Stand I got with the mill so I can move it out from the wall for maintenance with very little effort. I think a 1100 lb Tormach would make that a bit more of a struggle.

The other thing I would consider as a must have is a 2 nozzle FogBuster coolant system. It eliminates the need for flood coolant and it keeps the chips very clear of the cutter.

Anyway, just a few more $.02 to this thread.

Wade

[highspeedmazak]

If you have the extra cash and room for an inclosure then I would definitly recomend the Tormach. It is a great machine and you really get your moneys worth. I did build my own enclosure it takes up an area of 48"x72" but I needed heavy flood coolant. This machine is capable of holding some serious tolerences.

[syil]

The X4/X4 plus have R8 spindle type.and right now some customers have been receive it and post pictures,they total use R8 spindle.
also i don`t think KX3 have any advantage to compare X4/X4 PLUS even though super x3 cnc.i trust syil dealers around world can have good support for all customers.
about the X4/X4 plus you better see the real machine if have chance.i think you will very satisfy the quality.