Tormach

[1hand]

Anyone use or have a Tormach Machine?

http://www.tormach.com/

I like their a Wisconsin based outfit. They have a small lathe that you can incorporate with the larger mill. A really slick deal in my opinion. They have a really cool video on how it works. They also have a 3 day training seminar, that goes through everything from an idea you have, through design, programing, and finally making chips. You actually build a sterling engine in the class.

Your thoughts?

Matt

 

[steamboatmodel]

At $6200.00 for there PCNC 770 Milling Machine I find it a bit rich for Hobby use. If you check there history they are aiming at R&D or small manufactures. "In 2001 two friends had a series of casual conversations, basically complaining about the fact that there was no good small CNC for inventors, R&D, or small manufacturers" Having seen some of there products in person, I feel that they are very well built and the company that bought from them had nothing but praise about there service. If I could afford them I would not hesitate about buying one.
Regards,
Gerald.

 

[1hand]

I agree about the "hobby price". I'm looking at one for my Prosthetic business. Where if all goes well, will be many repetitious lathe and milling operation's. Along with complex one off assistive devices. What I like is that they are a turnkey machine, with the training, and resources for a CNC newcomer. Also locally for me.

 

[deere_x475guy]

One Hand, I have spent a great deal of time over the last 8 months looking into what is available for the hobby home use. Tormach would be my first choice. I have spent time talking to Sales, support and the owner on the phone. I have also been to an owners home to experience it in person. I think they have a good solid product and the support to back it up.

Use this link to see if there is an owner locally that is willing to demo his machine to you
http://www.tormach.com/referrals.html

Have you see this?
http://www.tormach.com/showcase.php

 

[shred]

I got an old PCNC 1100 not too long ago. Haven't used it a lot yet, but couldn't pass up the deal. A couple other home-shop guys locally have them and they're tough to beat if you want a ready-to-run, well supported CNC machine in that size class. Terry has used one to do some of his impressive engine work ( http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/index.php?topic=7781.0 ) and Ed's live steamers (linked off the Tormach showcase) are excellent as well.

I don't know anybody with the lathe attachment though, so you're on your own there. Another word of warning is once you hit this size, tooling, parts and software go rapidly from hobby-priced to commercial-priced.