ordered my machine today

[300sniper]

i sent out my check today for my tormach. i am still a bit shaky after spending that much at one time on one machine .

i ordered:

pcnc1100
machine stand
machine arm
tts set
rotary table and kit
5" vice
large tapping head


i still need to get a computer and have some questions. all new computers come with vista and every one i have talked to says it would cost at least an extra $200 to get xp on it. i see that tormach says call them to find out about vista but i have not had time to during the day. is any one using vista for their tormach? i can probably get one through dell but i really don't like dealing with them.

edit: i also want to thanks proto trains for showing off his tormach. that made my decision much easier. sure the tormach videos and site are great, but seeing one up close and personal can't be replace with pictures and video.

thaks again!

[DonFrambach]

You can buy at least some new computers from Dell with Windows XP. I just ordered a "system 410" from them with Windows XP.

see http://www.Dell.com

[Don Clement]

Check out PC CLub ENSP10 Enpower Sparx 10
Genuine Windows XP Home
Built-in parallel port
$449.00
http://www.pcclub.com/


The ENSP10 is what I use to run my Tormach.

[ddixon]

You can run the PCNC3 package under Vista just follow the instructions for installation on the Mach website but use the Tormach executable and installation package.

Go to:

http://www.artsoftcontrols.com/artso.../downloads.htm

And click on the "Vista users click here" button to get the installation utility and instructions

Vista will need about 1 Gb of RAM for Vista where XP is comfortable with about half that. You can get a fast 32 bit CPU in a bottom of the line desktop with 32 bit Vista really inexpensivly right now that the back to school sales are on. Finding one with a paralell port may be a larger problem.

I have been using a bottom of the line Compaq with an add on paralell port and a memory upgrade as a dedicated PNC 1100 controller for about 4 months now with out any hickups so far.

David

[Chuck Reamer]

First of all CONGRATULATIONS on the mill, you should be quite happy with the purchase.

We very recently we picked up a cheap Cisnet pc from Staples and it still had XP and a parallel port, so they are still available. Just make it dedicated so there is nothing else being used on it and you shouldn't have many problems.

The Tormach vise is a bit of a joke in my opinion, I picked up a STM GS series 890 vise for under $400. It has a 9" opening and is very nice, the chip/coolant guard just sits on top of the hex part for the the handle so there is about a 1.5" gap and thats it. It hasn't caused me much spilled coolant or chips, but I usually don't use a vise anyways.

Good luck waiting for the machine, when is the delivery date ???
What kind of work do you plan on doing with it?

[300sniper]

thanks for the suggestions on the computers.

i just mailed the check yesterday and i am guessing it will be a week or so after they receive it for the check to clear. i have no idea how long shipping takes to california.

i have a few parts for rock crawling 4x4s that i plan on making. one of them is an aluminum brake adapter pictured below (3"x5"x.5"). i also have some firearm parts planned.

[Freddy Bastard]

This kind of part should be a real joke on this machine, you should'nt have any problem doing it... and if you have problems... you have a tons of friends here who'll be happy to help.

[Chuck Reamer]

That will be a nice warm up job for the Tormach, with the type of work your looking to do the sky is the limit.

I have been making molds on my out of steel, and it seems to work pretty good so far.

Shipping to Canada was about 6 days, but I used my own shippers, and it sat at my local depot for 2 days before they delivered it.

[zephyr9900]

Originally Posted by 300sniper i am still a bit shaky after spending that much at one time on one machine

I know what you mean. My wife is very understanding--the Tormach with accessories cost as much as either one of our cars, purchased new...

Originally Posted by 300sniper i also want to thanks proto trains for showing off his tormach.

It was my pleasure. And it's an open offer to anyone else in northern California to come over and see it.

Best regards,

Randy

[300sniper]

Originally Posted by ProtoTrains I know what you mean. My wife is very understanding--the Tormach with accessories cost as much as either one of our cars, purchased new... Best regards, Randy

now i need to tool it and also tool up a new lathe i just picked up the other day. i am getting a head ache staring at catalogs for hours on end. it would be so much easier if there weren't so many ways to do the same thing. either way, this is about to get expensive.

[DareBee]

300

If you have any machinery dealers around, you may want to give them a call. It is quite normal for them to have heaps of used tooling laying about. There is also eBay.
If you have no issues with the money, by-all-means the "good-stuff" brand new, greased and wrapped in cello is quite arousing!

[Chuck Reamer]

Originally Posted by DareBee the "good-stuff" brand new, greased and wrapped in cello is quite arousing!

AHHHHH I LOVE THE SMELL OF NEW TOOLS IN THE MORNING.