Re: Smithy MX 200 or Tormach 1100
Originally Posted by
32Racer
Looking to get a CNC Mill, But I dont know which one to purchase. I have no CNC expereince, and really like how the Tormach has so many Tutorials and large Forums to get help in. But I love the construction of the Smithy, It just seems like a better built machine. Any suggestions or experience would be greatly appreciated!!
Another machine to look at is the Novakon Torus Pro.
I looked at both the Torus Pro and 1100, and bought the 1100 for the following reasons:
1. Beefier column casting should make the machine more rigid
2. Novakon uses grub screws instead of a trapezoidal gib strip for adjusting gib tightness. Grub screws is a "low-rent" approach.
3. Tormach is a larger company and makes larger volume purchases, which means more likely that they can force quality on their suppliers
4. Tormach is more established, has a larger workforce, and a much larger base of users meaning that help is easier to get if something goes wrong
Tormach vs Novakon:
- Tormach gets a nod because pathpilot is a better control software than mach 3
- If you want servo drive, than Tormach is not the way to go
- Tormach has more limited travel (18" X vs 24", 9.5" Y vs 15" Y for the Novakon)
- Tormach has a better build quality and mechanical construction (IMHO).
Novakon vs. MX200:
- MX200 gets the nod because it uses an industrial control system (Siemens 808D) instead of mach 3
- Servo drivers and controls are a known industrial quality brand name; don't know what Novakon is using
- MX200 has limited travel (21" X vs 24", 11" Y vs 15" Y for the Novakon)
- MX 200 BT30 taper is a far superior method of toolholding (vs. R-8 collet and straight shank 3/4" TTS)
- MX200 price includes power draw bar
- No ATC available for MX200
Tormach vs MX200:
- Tormach has more limited travel (18" X vs 21", 9.5" Y vs 11" Y for the MX200)
- No servo version available for Tormach
- MX 200 BT30 taper is a far superior method of toolholding (vs. R-8 collet and straight shank 3/4" TTS)
- MX200 has a much smaller user base, no established track record for this machine of quality and maintainability
- MX200 price includes power draw bar
- No ATC available for MX200
I haven't seen the MX200 in person, so can't provide more detailed comparison. Pictures make the column look beefier than the Pulser Pro.
Note: the BT30 is kind of an unfair comparison; you can get both the Pulser Pro and Tormach with BT30 as an option, but no power draw bar or ATC is available if you do. The MX200 (at least so far) has no ATC, but does have a BT30 PDB.
One nice thing about the Tormach is they designed it so the spindle bearings are all in a cartridge, and can be replaced in a matter of minutes. And you can also replace that cartridge with a high speed water-cooled spindle if you work primarily aluminum or engraving.
Tim
Tormach 1100-3, Grizzly G0709 lathe, Clausing 8520 mill, SolidWorks, HSMWorks.