Newbie Hello, just purchased used Tormach 1100 series 1 in WI


Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: Hello, just purchased used Tormach 1100 series 1 in WI

  1. #1
    *Registered User* Additiveuser's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Posts
    2
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Hello, just purchased used Tormach 1100 series 1 in WI

    Hello world, I am not a machinist by trade but I am a maker, designer and builder. I just built a heated shop and this was my first large tool purchase. I’ve been into 3d printing for a while now and am pretty familiar with fusion 360, so that will be my designing and cam software for the Tormach. I’ve been in the industrial power business for almost 2 decades, so I’ve run and been around lathes, mills and cnc’s for quite some time, but I have a lot of learning to do since it’s not my main skill set. So I think I got a good deal on this 1100 (serial number 325), got it at auction for $3050 plus fees and taxes, and it was close by, (15 miles) so I think I did good. I plan on doing some upgrades when I get around to it, I’m still finishing up shop essentials so it might be a little bit until I get to it. What are some recommendations for upgrades for this machine? Was looking at the leadshine steppers and drivers and also the new VFD for the spindle motor. I am having issues with the limit switches off the bat, I am going to try the ferrite suppressor on the parallel computer cable as per the manual and hopefully that helps. So, whatever tips, tricks or maybe a “what I would do” would be nice to share and be insightful! Thanks and I am excited to be here!

    Similar Threads:


  2. #2
    Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Dallas Texas
    Posts
    673
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Hello, just purchased used Tormach 1100 series 1 in WI

    Nice score! Call Tormach and they can guide you on upgrades...



  3. #3
    Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    15
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Hello, just purchased used Tormach 1100 series 1 in WI

    Awesome deal!



  4. #4
    Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    US
    Posts
    624
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Hello, just purchased used Tormach 1100 series 1 in WI

    At that price, you can afford to -and should- do the whole upgrade to the III. You'll have an essentially new machine as far as motion and electronics goes. Presuming the mechanicals justify that; check ways, ballscrews first. I'd replace the limit switches, too, they're 12-14 years old and may well have gotten soaked with coolant. Unless the way covers are in excellent condition, replace those too.

    Other things I'd do right away: get the external fan for the spindle motor (Nitewatchman sells those). Add the fan to the electronic box if it doesn't have one. Put a tach on the spindle. Add a spindle light, too.

    Buy a Haimer 3D Taster with a TTS mount. Most used tool in the rack.

    If you have not, find the NYCCNC setup and checkout videos and watch all of those. You'll check spindle runout, operating temp, and tram of course.

    Also: get PP (you probably got M3 with the machine). Buy from Tormach (about $100) and put onto your own computer. Add a touchscreen.

    If you got an enclosure/deluxe stand, great. If not, get the deluxe stand and build an enclosure from 8020.

    If you got something other than flood coolant, also great. If not, look at a fogbuster type, Trico, or similar non-flood system.

    Have fun.



  5. #5
    Member samco's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Posts
    1753
    Downloads
    2
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Hello, just purchased used Tormach 1100 series 1 in WI

    I looked at that Hoff auction (we are on the west side of WI). It was a great deal! Good luck.



  6. #6
    *Registered User* Additiveuser's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Posts
    2
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Hello, just purchased used Tormach 1100 series 1 in WI

    Thanks all!

    GLCarlson-

    Thanks for all your info, very helpful. You are correct it is on Mach 3, and it is on the stand with the coolant tank/pump. I will verify the mechanicals first like you suggested, and then I will move forward on upgrading to series 3. I kind of stumbled upon that auction, and I was not ready for equipment yet, so it might sit idle for a little bit while I finish up the shop. I did quick level it and wire it up so I can start figuring things out before I move it to its final position. I have been watching NYCCNC and anything else I can find, I’m big fan of Lars on fusion from my additive background and he has all the cam stuff as well so I’ll start soaking up what I can. Thanks again and look forward to learning everything I can.

    I contacted Tormach technical support to try and solve a VFD issue I noticed, still waiting to hear back from them. When I set spindle speed for say 2500, then I lower the speed to 2000, it will fault on the VFD board and shut the spindle off. I also had random limit switch triggers that seemed to be solved by adding a ferrite suppressor on the parallel cable from the computer.



  7. #7
    Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Posts
    99
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Hello, just purchased used Tormach 1100 series 1 in WI

    The coolant tank inside the cabinet is a pain to clean. When it sits for too long the pump freezes up and I have to spin the shaft by hand to free it up. I left out the screws that hold the pump to the tank cover and put in a couple pins to keep it from spinning. I also moved the tank outside on a small wheeled pallet I made.

    Partly because of how I located it in a corner I mounted the computer on the wall above my desk. I felt this eliminated the possibility of milling vibrations from frying the hard drive and gives better cooling and access.

    I also relocated the lube pump from under the chip pan where it was difficult to refill.

    Definitely upgrade to PathPilot which is based on Unix vs Windows for Mach

    Dave



  8. #8
    Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    591
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Hello, just purchased used Tormach 1100 series 1 in WI

    Also, another cheap upgrade is to get a SSD instead of a hard drive; this will extend the lifetime of the computer.
    Depending on how computer savvy you are, this could be a very easy upgrade (clone the old hard drive to the SSD, optionally resizing the file system depending on what size SSD you get compared to what's in there.)
    SSD drives are really cheap these days: https://amzn.to/2Dz8nxQ



Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  


About CNCzone.com

    We are the largest and most active discussion forum for manufacturing industry. The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today!

Follow us on


Our Brands

Hello, just purchased used Tormach 1100 series 1 in WI

Hello, just purchased used Tormach 1100 series 1 in WI