Your Thoughts On The Tormach CNC Mill?

[Willyb]

So now that the Tormach CNC Mill has been out for a while and the Guys that have one have had some time getting use to it, what are your thoughts on this Machine, both Good and Bad?

Also, how have you got your Tormach set up? Did you Purchase the Tormach Stand? Build your own Stand? What type of Stand did you build?

And finally, is there anything you wish was different or would be changed with the Tormach and why?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Willyb

[MichaelHenry]

Mine is just barely set up and operational, though I haven't started using it yet. Soon, though.

This one had to get moved to the basement and I was pretty impressed with how easy that was since it had to be disassembled to get it down the stairs. The problems I had were pretty minor - mostly tapped holes that need to be chased. The electrical connections were very professional and easy to keep track of.

See the link below to see where it ended up.

http://member.newsguy.com/~mphenry/Tormach-Running.JPG

Mike

[drwc]

I have had mine set up for about a month, with deluxe stand and 4th axis.

It is very rigid and precise, a real step up from my previous benchmill.

Stand is a good value imo, rigid and well made.

Control software is good, needs better documentation, but this is available online.

Would get a different pendant, although functional, is very basic and could stand improvement.
Wayne

[Willyb]

Originally Posted by drwc I have had mine set up for about a month, with deluxe stand and 4th axis. It is very rigid and precise, a real step up from my previous benchmill. Stand is a good value imo, rigid and well made. Control software is good, needs better documentation, but this is available online. Would get a different pendant, although functional, is very basic and could stand improvement. Wayne

Hi drwc

What Mill did you have before you got the Tormach? Sounds like there is a big differance between the two?
I also heard that the Pendent wasn't the best. Mainly because of it's limited functions? Thanks for your thoughts.

Regards
Willyb

[drwc]

previously i was using a Prazi mill, round column.

I had converted it to cnc, but kept the acme screws, which had no way of compensating for backlash and overall mill was not rigid enough.

I have new ball screws for this mill and I think i am going to convert it to a cnc grinder.

I also have a Prazi lathe as well.

[Mariss Freimanis]

My thoughs are it uses a pirated version of our G201 drive. My thoughts are anyone who cuts corners this way may likely be cutting a whole lot of other corners elsewhere.

Caveot emptor; integrity is an all or nothing kind of thing. If it's missing in one place, be looking for it to be missing someplace else too.

What I wish was different? That Tormach would stop using a pirate copy G210 REV-3 drive of course! It looks like a darn good machine; I'd buy one as a test-bed for our new drives but I really can't because it uses stolen copies of our G201 drive design. I'll have to look elswhere.

Mariss

[David Bord]

Ive had the machine for about 2 months now and have been really pleased with it.

Im brand new to CNC and was able to make this little gem after only a couple weeks:




Greg has had nothing but integrity in dealing with me as a customer. I'd definately buy a Tormach again.

David

[Willyb]

Originally Posted by Mariss Freimanis My thoughs are it uses a pirated version of our G201 drive. My thoughts are anyone who cuts corners this way may likely be cutting a whole lot of other corners elsewhere. Caveot emptor; integrity is an all or nothing kind of thing. If it's missing in one place, be looking for it to be missing someplace else too. What I wish was different? That Tormach would stop using a pirate copy G210 REV-3 drive of course! It looks like a darn good machine; I'd buy one as a test-bed for our new drives but I really can't because it uses stolen copies of our G201 drive design. I'll have to look elswhere. Mariss

Hi Mariss

If you wouldn't purchase a Tormach, what would you recommend for a similar size machine that has similar quality? I really think the basic mechanics of the Tormach Mill and think it is a solid design. Another CNC Mill I have been looking at is the Smithy. A little on the pricey side. It also looks like a well built platform. I really like the idea of the Linear Rails for the Z Axis. They now have a smaller bother to the 1240, it is called the 932. It has 20" x 10" x 10" travels. Not sure of the price for the 932? Anyway, what would you recommend for a well built bench top CNC Mill? Interested on your thoughts.

Regards
Willyb

[Willyb]

Originally Posted by David Bord Ive had the machine for about 2 months now and have been really pleased with it. Im brand new to CNC and was able to make this little gem after only a couple weeks: Greg has had nothing but integrity in dealing with me as a customer. I'd definately buy a Tormach again. David

Hi Divid

Your cover looks great. What's it for?
How do you find the Tormach for vibration while machining? After watching the Videos, you can hear allot of vibrations? This may be casued by the higher material removal rates?
Have you had any problems with the VFD going off line and the Spindle Motor stopping for no reason? I have heard a couple other fellows with this problem.

Sounds like you are fairly happy with your Tormach.

Reagrds
Willyb

[David Bord]

Willyb, its a oil bypass plate for a LS6 engine. It provides clearance for the shift linkage in the FFR GTM Im building.

The spindle problem can be one of two things. One has been solved with a heatsink on the vfd controller. (mine came installed). On faster computers, if you dont set your voltage on the vfd while under computer control, it will run the spindle out of the speced RPM range and shut down. Simply adjusting the voltage as outlined in the manual will take care of it.

Im guessing what you hear in vibration, is harmonics of the stand and its associated sheetmetal. It will act as a speaker and amplify any noise the machine makes while cutting. I havent heard anything to be concerned about.

You mention converting a mill to cnc here: What Type Of Stand Would You Build?

Are you converting a mill and buying one also?

David

[zephyr9900]

Originally Posted by Mariss Freimanis My thoughs are it uses a pirated version of our G201 drive.

Mariss, that's the first I've heard about this. How did you find out? A friend at work has Geckos on his bench mill, and they don't look anything like the Tormach drives. Is it possible to copy circuitry and have the layout come out so different? (Ignorant mechanical engineer question...)

Best regards,

Randy

[David Bord]

Randy, If you do a search, you should find all the details, the topic has been covered before on cnczone.

David