Hi,

I search the threads figuring this had been talked about before but couldn't find anything, so don't yell at me! hahaha.

I'm about to pull the trigger on a Tormach. But I can't decide on which one. But the only differences I've seen with the 1100 vs 770 I've found are:

1100 workarea: 18” x 9.5” x 16.25”
770 workarea: 14” x 7.5” x 13.25”

1100 motor: 1.5 hp
770 motor: 1.0 hp

1100 speeds: 110 IPM (X, Y) 90 IPM (Z)
770 speeds: 135 IPM (X, Y) 110 IPM (Z)

1100 electric: 200-250 VAC, single phase
770 electric: 115 VAC, single phase

1100: v belt
770: poly v belt

1100 rpm: 5140
770 rpm: 10000

So far it seems that you get a greater working area with the 1100 and a stronger motor with possibly more torque. But with the 770 you get slightly faster rapids, will run on 110v, a faster spindle which might be good for lighter work, and a poly v belt (no idea if that's an improvement).

As far as my situation goes:

  • would like the ability to do hard materials but don't mind doing lighter faster passes (not at the cost of accuracy though)
  • don't want to out grow the machine anytime soon
  • the parts I will primarily be making with be brackets, motorcycle parts, knives and prototypes of various machine parts
  • I don't mind running a 220v outlet but the versatility of 110v is kind of appealing
  • more work area is always nice but does anybody use the extra area of the pcnc 1100
  • it seems that all the accessories are interchangeable or have comparable counter parts
  • shop space is kind of a premium but I can work around it.
  • I plan on getting the "Rapid Turn" lathe attachment eventually. Seems like the 1100 would have greater working area with it but not sure if its a game changer.


All in all it would be nice to hear from somebody who has worked with both and which one they would make their forever machine.