- Joined
- Jan 11, 2020
- Messages
- 71
I'm at a bit of a crossroads when it comes to my CNC based machining... I currently own a Taig milling machine that's been CNC'd with a vanilla setup of a G540 driver, NEMA23 stepper motors, Smoothstepper controller, and a 750W DMM servo spindle motor, all controlled with Mach3. The mill has actually been great, its far exceeded my expectations over the past few years and I've made some parts on it that I used to never think were possible with such a low budget machine.
However, now my needs and desires are changing. I have more money than time these days and the constant battle with Mach3 and getting those feeds and speeds dialed in just right is getting old. I'd also like the ability to cut mild steel and stainless and require less constant fiddling to keep things accurate. I've considered upgrading the Taig, new frame, R8 spindle, servo motors, etc but I can't make the ends justify the means by dumping that kind of money into such a little machine just doesn't make sense.
So, this leads me to my quandary, what kind of machine to get? I'd love to get a HAAS office mill or pick up an old Fadal, Mazak, etc but I can't fit it in my basement and the concrete can't take the weight. My brain first went to Tormach, either a 440 or a 770 (but probably a 440) and I may still go this route. My other thought is to do a conversion but I know these can become a project on their own my main goal right now is to make parts not more projects. But if there's a mill out there that has some proven conversion kits and a good spindle, maybe it might be the best option? I'd like to keep this new machine below $6k as this is still just a hobby for me. So,
Option 1: Tormach 440 (machine only, no enclosure, etc) - Works out of the box, nothing to fiddle with. However, Tormach has had some spotty reviews over the years. I'm also concerned with parts/repairs and Tormach's customer service. I don't mind repairing a machine myself, but I need to know I can get parts for it. There's also little opportunity for customization since everything needs to work with PathPilot.
Option 2: Manual Conversion (PM-728 or similar) - A project of its own, but if there are conversion kits readily available it might not be so bad? Might be lower cost option and could use servos, greater working envelope, and overall better hardware than what's in the Tormach. Repairs/support might be easier with readily available off the shelf parts. Would probably run it with LinuxCNC.
Option 3: Convert my PM-833TV - I have a 833TV that I use for manual machining which is probably ~70% of the milling work I do. If the project allows I prefer manual machining compared to CNC but it would also be nice to only have to deal with working and maintaining one machine, not to mention freeing up some space. Obviously any manual work would have to be controlled with a pedant. Although something like a Accurite MillPower setup would be ideal for me as could do manual and CNC but this would probably be well out of budget. Would be very interested if anyone knows of a way to do a manual and automation setup for a reasonable budget.
So any advice on what's the best path to take? Right now I'm thinking Option 1 is probably best for me but if I could a manual/CNC setup on my 833TV I think that would be perfection.
However, now my needs and desires are changing. I have more money than time these days and the constant battle with Mach3 and getting those feeds and speeds dialed in just right is getting old. I'd also like the ability to cut mild steel and stainless and require less constant fiddling to keep things accurate. I've considered upgrading the Taig, new frame, R8 spindle, servo motors, etc but I can't make the ends justify the means by dumping that kind of money into such a little machine just doesn't make sense.
So, this leads me to my quandary, what kind of machine to get? I'd love to get a HAAS office mill or pick up an old Fadal, Mazak, etc but I can't fit it in my basement and the concrete can't take the weight. My brain first went to Tormach, either a 440 or a 770 (but probably a 440) and I may still go this route. My other thought is to do a conversion but I know these can become a project on their own my main goal right now is to make parts not more projects. But if there's a mill out there that has some proven conversion kits and a good spindle, maybe it might be the best option? I'd like to keep this new machine below $6k as this is still just a hobby for me. So,
Option 1: Tormach 440 (machine only, no enclosure, etc) - Works out of the box, nothing to fiddle with. However, Tormach has had some spotty reviews over the years. I'm also concerned with parts/repairs and Tormach's customer service. I don't mind repairing a machine myself, but I need to know I can get parts for it. There's also little opportunity for customization since everything needs to work with PathPilot.
Option 2: Manual Conversion (PM-728 or similar) - A project of its own, but if there are conversion kits readily available it might not be so bad? Might be lower cost option and could use servos, greater working envelope, and overall better hardware than what's in the Tormach. Repairs/support might be easier with readily available off the shelf parts. Would probably run it with LinuxCNC.
Option 3: Convert my PM-833TV - I have a 833TV that I use for manual machining which is probably ~70% of the milling work I do. If the project allows I prefer manual machining compared to CNC but it would also be nice to only have to deal with working and maintaining one machine, not to mention freeing up some space. Obviously any manual work would have to be controlled with a pedant. Although something like a Accurite MillPower setup would be ideal for me as could do manual and CNC but this would probably be well out of budget. Would be very interested if anyone knows of a way to do a manual and automation setup for a reasonable budget.
So any advice on what's the best path to take? Right now I'm thinking Option 1 is probably best for me but if I could a manual/CNC setup on my 833TV I think that would be perfection.