I have been pondering this myself. If it’s a standard feature then it has value, but if they are charging an additional $500+ for the feature I’m going to pass. To me the Tormach is a good gateway machine to bigger things. It would be insane in my opinion to spend close to mini mill or TM-1P money on an upgraded Tormach. Time will tell though.
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That’s awesome! No real reason to update!
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I agree!
I do a lot of M2.5 threaded hole, and each of them has to be hand tapped. M2.5 with a compression holder is, I'm told, "not advised."
With rigid tapping, you have the hardware drive down Z exactly in line with the speed of the spindle. If you have an encoder on the spindle, this is technically simple.
However, more interesting, is the use of BLDC motors in the current lower-end mills. Because of the way BLDC works, the controller knows at all times where the motor is (within a few degrees) because it needs this knowledge to properly drive the motor phases. Thus, this knowledge that it already has, could be extracted and used, using basically software only.
Now, would this be the first time a company has considered charging for a purely software upgrade? No.
(I hear Haas charges thousands both for the ability to use all the RAM that's already in the controller, for actual G-code programs, and for turning on the bit of the software that looks more than one move ahead to plan the toolpath. I would, too, if I were like them, and could get away with it!)
I think you missed my point - I like the enclosure, panel in the enclosure, not having the control box in the cutting area etc.... Just better thought out in some ways. Not trying to say it was a great machine for whatever reasons, just that it had some features that were better, as to all the pro level machines. It wouldn't take a ton more money to have a decent stand/enclosure/way covers.
It is entirely possible with a T/C tapping head, not a reversing one. Though with a VFD spindle, and no encoder, controlling depth is tricky.
I actually have a variety of tapping heads - used them all. I have a brand-X Chinese, a TapMatic, a Procunier, all reversing heads. Then I have my 7 home-made T/C heads. Since making the T/C heads, I have no use for the others. The Chinese, TapMatic and Procunier are all quite different, each with it's own plusses and minuses, and quirks. The Procunier is, in most respects, the best of the bunch but also the most expensive. The friction clutch is FAR more aesthetically pleasing than the dog clutches on the other two. But, for day-to-day use, the T/C heads are, IMHO, by far the best all-around solution.
Regards,
Ray L.
Drifting off-topic a bit...
Rigid tapping - I get a little more Z clearance by just using a short collet, although Ray's home-made T/C heads are pretty darn short. Also - for my particular non-Tormach mill - I am lacking in very low RPM torque due to my pulley ratio. Peck tapping permits me to tap up to 1/2-13 in steel fairly deep, whereas it'd stall if I tried to tap much over 3/4" deep in one shot.
Yes, I could threadmill, but I haven't invested in one of those yet. Rigid tapping isn't necessary, but it opens up a few options that a non-synchronized spindle/head arrangement can't quite manage. And if I ever switch to a BT30 spindle the encoder is already in place for spindle homing.
The latest rumor I heard was June 4th for the announcement. Im interested in what they will be doing!
That's good to know, thanks!
Edited due to no value in my post.
I called Tormach this morning with a couple of technical questions related to my planned purchase of a 1100 in the next couple of months.Talked to a nice lady who got me the answers I needed, and then I queried her about the "rumors" of a pending upgrade to the 1100, IE: 1100M.
She was very non committed in her response, and suggested I subscribe to the Tormach blog where the "latest announcements will be posted.
When I mentioned that it seemed like they want no leaks from corporate before the official announcement (if any) she laughed and said they are trying their best.
I for one will not order an 1100 untill I see what is in the offfing as far as upgrades etc. I don't know whether they wan't to get rid of the old models first but you would think that they would be promoting the new and improved version as soon as possible.
It may not be a Hass but is still a chunk of change to lay out and find out a month later that you are outdated.
Just one mans opinion.
Greg
I agree and this is where I am currently at and the changes look well worth the wait as long as it is reasonable.
From Tormach's latest email:
Tormach’s commitment to research and development, engineering innovation, and CNC machining support remains as the cornerstone of the company. We relentlessly invest in new product development and product expansions, as well as differentiated niche products and standard commodity products.
We have a knowledgeable and talented team of engineers and machinists working on breakthrough product ideas – just for you. We're not afraid to move into new manufacturing product categories if we believe there's value and contributions we can make for you.
As part of all this, stay tuned for a big announcement next week!
And we wait...... 9:20am - 6/4 and still no news.....
The Body Armor Dude - Andrew
Yeah I am excited to see what they announce.