Looks like a really nice set up. I'd like to hear how it compares the the Tormach mills. Please report back after a few months use and let us all know. Is the Siemens control a step up from PathPilot?
Steve
I know this is mostly a Smithy forum, but since Detroit Machine Tools is the parent company for Smithy and Automate, I hope it will be OK.
Really happy with the new mill so far. Definitely exceeding my expectations!
Wade
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Looks like a really nice set up. I'd like to hear how it compares the the Tormach mills. Please report back after a few months use and let us all know. Is the Siemens control a step up from PathPilot?
Steve
I can't talk bad about Tormach's. I have 2 of them and they have served me well. I've been running production with my 770 for a long time, and just added the 440 this January. It's been a great little machine as well.
That being said, speed and power wise there is no comparison. The automate eats thru metal a lot faster that I think a Tormach ever could. I just did some cuts where I chewed thru a 3/4" deep cut in one pass with a 0.075 woc with a 3/8" endmill at 90 ipm and I only hit 50% on the load meter, meaning I can probably push it even more.
It's bigger for sure, about 4900 lbs, all servo and 5hp spindle as well. So far I am very happy with it and it's abilities. It's hard to watch the tormachs while the automate is running as there is such a difference in speed of everything.
The siemens control isn't bad. Different and far more fussy and a little more vague, but it functions well.
Wade
Awesome ! Looks very nice!
Can you elaborate on fussy? This has definitely made my short list after getting a really good quote from Automate, including upgrading the spindle and switching to the Siemens 808D Advanced.
Did you make a decision on a machine? I had been planning on doing the 1100MX as well, but by the time I had everything added to my cart, the price was enough to get me looking for other options.
Thanks
Kris
Siemens has a bunch of 808 tutorials on youtube so you can get a good idea of how it works. most industrial controls will feel quite a lot different from the hobby pc controls.
Siemens had at one point a software training emulator for the 808 as well, I don't know if that was free or you had to buy it.