Originally Posted by
p3t3rbuilt
This machine will be used for a small electronics company doing prototyping and R&D. Mainly it will be used for making electronics enclosures out of plastic and aluminum, but will also be used for other R&D projects.
We use SolidWorks as our CAD system and I am also looking for suggestions on the CAM software. I have some experience with Gibbs, but am mainly wondering if SprutCAM is worth it.
I am currently leaning towards the PCNC 770 for the higher spindle speeds. We have 220 power available though, so I am not leaning towards the PCNC 770 for power or space reasons.
Budget is a factor as we are trying to stay around $15,000.
I also had a question about using the 4th axis, as we will probably spring for this option. I have never utilized a 4th axis and wonder about the learning curve of programming for it.
Any input from you guys is greatly appreciated, and as I said before, I am currently leaning towards the PCNC 770. The greatest benefit from the Mikini is that it is fully enclosed and the HP bump.
I bought my 1100 in July 2011 and heve never looked back. As a former shop owner, I used GibbsCam, and if you really do have Gibbs experience, stay with it.
At today's prices, if you equip yours the way I did mine, you're going to be closer to $17,000.00. After being a shop owner, I bought only the tool holders I thought I needed, and so far, it had worked out really well. There have been a few times when I have wished I had bought some more set screw tool holders, but for the most part, I have been extremely happy and satisfied.
If you'll PM an e-mail address, I'll send you a copy of my invoice so you can see exactly what I bought. You have to remember though, mine is a series II. I got it about a month before the series III's came out and the price went up $1,000.00.
I had a FADAL and a Haas in my shop, and this machine will do everything they would do, it just takes a little longer. My FADAL and my Haas both had 20 HP, and my Tormach has 1.5. I could run a 3/4 inch end mill in those and with my Tormach, I seldom use larger than a 5/16.
Knowing what I know now about the Tormach, their product their tech support and their service would I buy another one? In a New York second.
I considered the Syil and the Makini, and after I have read the horror stories about them, I am really happy I only considered them.
You can buy GOOD PARTS or you can buy CHEAP PARTS, but you can't buy GOOD CHEAP PARTS.