[ATRepair]

I would love to buy a new machine but used fits my budget. I'm looking at two tormach 1100's. One is a series 3 and the other a series 2. Other than the motors and stepper drivers, what's the difference? Anything ther is worth the extra $3K? They seem to be in similar condition and similar accessories.

[keen]

I would love to buy a new machine but used fits my budget. I'm looking at two tormach 1100's. One is a series 3 and the other a series 2. Other than the motors and stepper drivers, what's the difference? Anything ther is worth the extra $3K? They seem to be in similar condition and similar accessories.

With that price difference the series 2 looks the better deal - I think mechanical condition of the ball screws/nuts, slides and spindle bearings are the most important factors really. Can you check them or ask for a direction change backlash dimension of the X and Y? That will tell you a lot. Keen

[pickled]

Agreed keen You can make the leap from series 2 to 3 for less than $1,000 thanks to Tormach's upgrade support. Physical condition of the moving parts and not having a permanently twisted base would be the factors that would drive a decision if it were my money on the line.

[ATRepair]

Is there any difference in the spindle between series 2 and 3? Sounds like the series 2 is in storage, know any way to check backlash without power? Are the screws or couplings accessible without disassembly to move them?

[sansbury]

If the Series II is in storage that might be why it's $3k less. I would be very wary of buying any machine not under power unless I knew it's history really well. If its a 3k discount off a fair price (1/2 of new or so) then it could be a fair deal as 3k would buy a lot of parts if it needs some work. Otherwise I'd go with the Series III.