wjat is the significance of weight with a CNC machine?

[helodude1]

I am trying to decide which machine of the following to puchase. Tormach 1100 or CNC Master's Baron. The weight seems to be important consideration and I was wondering for what kind of jobs the bigger of these machines(tormach) would be needed?

[Caprirs]

Higher mass helps dampen vibrations and reduce deflections. All other things equal, a more massive machine will be more accurate and give better surface finishes.

[flick]

Higher mass helps dampen vibrations and reduce deflections. All other things equal, a more massive machine will be more accurate and give better surface finishes.

Yes, IF all else were equal. But the Baron's construction also holds some additional strikes against it, in terms of rigidity: Z axis travel via quill, tilting head, and the X axis travel is actually LARGER than the tormach... probably a little ambitious for a machine this size.

For more info, read the Tormach's design analysis here http://www.tormach.com/document_libr...gnAnalysis.pdf I am thoroughly convinced that it's the most well-balanced machine in the class. Mine arrives in a couple weeks.

[helodude1]

it states it has a 4" quill travel and a 16" knee travel 12" ram travel.....can the knee travel be automated(CNC) controlled? Or do you just get 4" of automated travel with readjusting origin? This seem like a limitation is it?

[flick]

it states it has a 4" quill travel and a 16" knee travel 12" ram travel.....can the knee travel be automated(CNC) controlled? Or do you just get 4" of automated travel with readjusting origin? This seem like a limitation is it?

Spend a minute on research. From http://www.cncmasters.com/CNC%20Supra%20Knee%20Mill.htm which is linked directly off the main page:

"Quill Driven which is better than a knee driven Z axis; this maintains rigidity of the part being machined on three axis interpolation."

The part about it being better is Garbage. I have no idea how they can justify that statement, but I'd be happy to hear them try. Less expensive, yes, more rigid, no.