Re: Needs help on a future purchase
We looked at the Tormach 1100, Haas Mini, VF2, and TM series. Finally went with a TM2-P because we wanted the 40 inch X travel to allow machining more parts on a pallet to minimize pallet changes. The considerations were cost, speed, longevity, and most importantly spindle HP due to our limited power situation. The 7.5 HP spindle in the TM2-P is about the max we can handle without bringing in additional power service. We were able to find a almost new (130 hours), well tooled and equipped (every available option), 2016 machine for $40,000. Our target is to be able to make $150/hr of machine time.
We are quite happy with the machine so far, and it rips through aluminum like butter. Haven't tried it on SS yet, but I suspect it will do fine. The 400 IPM rapids are a bit slow, but most of our parts are small so any rapid moves are short. Still working on optimizing the tool paths for better production. Over all it's a giant step up from our 10x50 table CNC knee mill.
Jim Dawson
Sandy, Oregon, USA