Re: BT30 or R8/TTS?
Originally Posted by
burdickjp
For the time being, yes, manual tool changing. I've got a 770M. It's my understanding that with the MX machines Tormach intends on doing an ATC with the BT30 spindle and that I would be able to upgrade to the BT30 spindle and the BT30 ATC when they become available. I'm not yet sold on BT30. I'm reserving judgement for when I can sit down with concrete costs for conversion including new tool holders and buying the available BT30 spindle for my manual mill as well.
I'm in the same boat. I've had an 1100/3 for four years and recently purchased two 1100/M's. I got one of the new machines with ATC and one without in case I wanted to upgrade to the BT30. However, when I sit down and see how much I have invested in tool holders I cringe at the thought of having to replace all of those. For the work I do, I've not had the TTS pullout issues (I also do PM on the collet system about every three months and replace the R8 once a year). The real selling point for me will be if they have the rigid tapping side dialed in. Otherwise, I'll just keep rocking with my TTS setup.
Saw the 1100MX at FabTech yesterday. Was surprised that all their other machines were cutting away on actual products but the MX was just doing movements..... I think they are still a ways off on release.....
The Body Armor Dude - Andrew