What is next for Tormach?

[Chuck Reamer]

I know that Tormach has only been around for a couple of years (2002) I believe, and they seen to be fairly successful so far. I would sure like to know approximately how many PCNC machines are in operation world wide.

What intrigues me is what is next? a larger travel mill, a smaller, faster travel, higher RPM mill or maybe servo motors. What about a small slant bed lathe, or even a flat bed with a tool changer.

What is on the wish list for current Tormach users??? I would like maby 6000 RPM personally but I'm sure that there are some other great ideas out there.

I'm not to sure how there tooling system could be improved, I'm pretty satisfied so far and it looks better than any other quick change R8 system out there.

Ive yet to get a 4th axis, so I'm not sure how well it works but from what Ive seen its pretty nice.

I know that some Tormach reps read this forum so this could let them know what the people really want, who knows it might make a difference in there next product.

Let me hear your 2 cents

[Doubleoh9]

I'd like them to step up their support before they start making more machines. My VFD seems to have some problems starting the spindle occasionally and I cannot seem to get anyone at Tormach to answer my emails or calls. I give the machine a 9, the stand a 4 and their support a 1.

[Chuck Reamer]

Originally Posted by Doubleoh9 I'd like them to step up their support before they start making more machines. My VFD seems to have some problems starting the spindle occasionally and I cannot seem to get anyone at Tormach to answer my emails or calls.

Actually I am having the same problem right now, my spindle is acting up so I called and latter that day they got back to me and explained what I needed to do to diagnose the problem. I said it would take me a little time because I had a lot of work for the machine, and I would call them when I was ready.

I finally did what they requested I do and called them back, 4 messages over the last week and I haven't heard back yet. I have not lost complete faith, but am still a little disappointed in the whole thing.

[Chuck Reamer]

I called there tech support line today and spoke to a different man and he instructed me on how to fix it over the phone. I did what he said and its fixed now, the other guy is out of the country at the moment and hasn't gotten my messages.

[philbur]

Over the last one and a half years I have formed the opinion that Tormach are well aware of the importance of good support (and have normally provided it) so I hope/expect that this is a momentary relapse.

It seems they need one contact point for support (manned at least 5 days a week every week) then even if the person at the other end can't solve the problem they can at least acknowledge receipt and confirm that it is going to be dealt with. There is nothing more detrimental to a Company's credibility than providing a contact point that fails to reply. Doesn’t that just piss you off big time.

Phil

Originally Posted by Chuck Reamer Actually I am having the same problem right now, my spindle is acting up so I called and latter that day they got back to me and explained what I needed to do to diagnose the problem. I said it would take me a little time because I had a lot of work for the machine, and I would call them when I was ready. I finally did what they requested I do and called them back, 4 messages over the last week and I haven't heard back yet. I have not lost complete faith, but am still a little disappointed in the whole thing.

[Willyb]

Hi Guys

I would love to see them develop a small CNC Lathe. Possibly a Slant bed with Linear Rails, variable Spindle Speed and tool revolver. Would purchase one tomorrow if they had one.


Willy

[MichaelHenry]

I'd also like to see them make some sort of CNC lathe as their next major project. They do seem to be making small improvements in the mill as time passes and user reports come in.

I've generally had very good support experiences, almost exclusively by email since work usually prevents me calling when I'm near the mill and they are open. There have been delays in a response from time to time, but that's usually when Greg has been in China.

FWIW, I was having sporadic problems with the automatic spindle control and eventually the board itself just plain quit controling the spindle under program control. A new main control board took care of that. I may have aggravated the problem by leaving the mill powered up 24/7, though it only gets used a few times per week.

Mike

[Chuck Reamer]

Originally Posted by MichaelHenry I may have aggravated the problem by leaving the mill powered up 24/7, though it only gets used a few times per week. Mike

I leave mine power all the time as well and use it about 4 days a week, it shouldn't matter much should it?

I added a few mods to mine like a plastic sheet on the table guard to stop coolant from getting on the monitor and keyboard. The original coolant hoses were not very good either, I have a double stream of smaller dia now and it works much better. A work light wouldn't hurt either I added one the day I assembled it, along with a little bolt in the oil pump door to make it easier to open.

My personal favorite has to be a mountain range of floor dry around the perimeter of the stand.

[Freddy Bastard]

I would like a CNC lathe of the quality of the Tormach (would buy one next week if it exist). Other than that, servos motors and drives that could handle a lot of codes (for 3D and 4th axis jobs) and a faster spindle (+6000rpm). I think others requests are small details that'll be solved with time.