Installation questions

[_swede]

I'll be installing my PCNC1100 into a walk-in basement. In order to get it where I want it to go, I may break the machine down like recommend in their "moving a machine" PDF on the Tormach website (http://tormach.com/document_library/D40147_MillMove.pdf).

However, a footnote on the drawing states:
"Warning: Removal of machine control
cabinet requires disconnection and
replacement of several wires. This
action also voids warranty. Owners
perform this task at their own risk.
Improper wiring can damage the
machine and compromise electrical
safety."

So I guess there's no point in ordering the extended warranty, huh? Has anyone else had to do this an ran into any warranty problems?

I may re-frame a 36" door anyway, I just find it odd that they offer an extended warranty and instructions on how to void it on the same page.


ALSO, on their "Machine dimensions" PDF (http://tormach.com/document_library/...achineSize.pdf), on page 4 of 5, the dimension to the top of the spindle (81.75") is noted: "spindle head shown at the Z axis reference position". Can someone clarify that this is the maximum height the machine may reach when running? I only have about 87" to play with so I want to make sure I'm not going to win any Darwin awards...

Thanks in advance!

[MichaelHenry]

I disassembled my mill into several components to get it into our townhome basement but checked out the mill thoroughly before doing so just to be sure that there were no issues before disassembly. I'd recommend the same for anyone in a similar position.

I had one or two very minor warranty issues that were handled satisfactorily by Tormach right at the time of the disassembly. There were a couple of other issues after the warranty period expired and those were handled just as professionally even if one of them did cost me a few bucks. I felt very fairly treated, however.

If you are seriously considering the extended warranty, I would check with Tormach and see what they say about that and a disassembled mill.

I suspect that the warranty disclaimer for disassembled mills is primarily there to limit their responsibility in the event that an owner completely hashes the job.

Mike

[_swede]

Thanks Mike.

Yes it probably is best to ask Tormach directly. Everyone keeps ranting how great their customer service is, so I probably have nothing to worry about.



Anybody know about the maximum operating height of the machine? Refer to my question below... Thanks.

[RTP_Burnsville]

I needed to remove the sliding glass patio doors but left the door frame inplace. I build a ramp of sorts over the bottom threshold so as not damage it while moving the machine through the door. The worst part of the whole move was getting the fixed patio door out of the frame. The builders must have used several tubes of silicon to hold the door in place (figures it was the only place in the whole house that was well built). I cut the silicon with a Fein multitool to allow the door to be removed.

Robert P .

[SarcasmOMatic]

The Z reference position is the maximum height the head can go before it with trip the Z axis limit switch so you should be good.

[300sniper]

the height you stated is the highest it will be. it sounds like you have a few inches above that so you should be good.


if at all possible, i would hook up the machine and check for function before it was disassembled. make sure the spindle turns on and all the axis move on command. i had some spindle control issues with mine on arrival but tormach was quick to get them resolved. i would hate for it to be assumed it was the disassembly's fault just because it was disassembled. i think better of tormach than that but why take chances.

i would also take detailed pictures of every thing that was going to be disconnected/removed before disassembly so you have some reference when reassembling.

[_swede]

Thanks everyone, this is all great help.

300sniper, that's a good point about powering it up before hand.

Unfortunately the outside temperatures are dropping quickly where I live, and I just don't want to leave it out in the cold of the garage over night. The condensation and thermal cycling would probably do some serious damage. Ideally I will be home when the machine arrives so I can spin it up, break it down, and move it in, all in a few hours. Failing that, I'll run the torpedo heater in the garage to keep the ambient temp controlled...

I looked quickly to see if there was a minimum storage temperature for the machine. All I came up with were some maximum storage temps for the power supply and such... I guess I'll give Tormach a call.

Thanks again.

[MichaelHenry]

Swede,

I would also run through most or all of the checks on the inspection report before taking apart any mechanical assemblies. If there is an alignment problem you want to be talking to Tormach about it before disassembling the mill.

Mike

[SarcasmOMatic]

My Tormach sits in my garage and I have never seen any adverse effects as a result so I wouldn't worry about that much. I think validating proper function of the machine prior to disassembly far outweighs any potential "damage" it could suffer. Just keep the exposed metal parts covered with your favorite rust preventative and you should be fine.

[300sniper]

my machine is in an uninsulated metal building with no climate control. it gets over 100 in the summer and bellow freezing in the winter. i spray wd40 on the bare metal surfaces in the wintertime before i leave the shop. i don't have any rust and have not had any problems from it. i wouldn't hesitate to keep it in the garage over night in order to test it out.

[BlueFin]

I would power the thing up for sure first. Mine had a bad VFD and had to replaced right off the truck. Had I took it all apart and then had a problem I would have thought I did something wrong and wouldn't know where to even start looking for a problem.