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  1. #1

    PCNC 1100 vs 770MX ??

    Question: PCNC 1100 vs 770MX ??

    Please hear my use cases out before weighing in.

    So I’ve been pretty dead set on a 1100 but was recently being told that a 770MX might fit the bill. I’m mostly constrained by cost. really don’t want to spend over 15k (all prices assuming ATC, hard requirement). I have a few 1100 options at that price, but haven’t really considered the 770MX. So why not a 1100MX? That would be great, but I have a hard time swallowing 25k for one when I could get a used Haas for that, which we all know would run circles around a Tormach. I know I know, that's a different discussion.

    My use case is as follows:

    1. Cutting steel, brass, bronze, cast iron, and maybe some aluminum. Probably 50% will be steel, so I really want that rigidity. I don’t need crazy tolerances but really would prefer <.005 or .003 at a minimum. Getting tigher tolerances to achieve correct press fits would be a nice plus. Going slow is fine. Ive generally understood the 770 to be far better suited to aluminum since its a lighter, less rigid casting yet has higher speed spindle. I’m way more concerned with accurately cutting steel.
    2. I will be using rapidturn. I already have it, and I will be turning things up to 11” in length using a tailstock. More than likely will leave RT on the bed as I have lots of turned parts to make. Not super sure this will fit nicely on the 770 bed. Am somewhat familiar with Tosa tool. Haven't exhausted assessing their catalog, so feel free to chime in here.
    3. Lots of parts will have tapped holes. I’m not daunted by thread milling, but wondering if the speed of rigid tapping on MX is worth it.
    4. Most parts won’t exceed 11” in length so I’m generally okay with the size in that regard. I will have to make plenty of fixtures which will be slightly larger.
    5. High mix of parts. I'll be making lots of parts in the range of 4-12 in quantity. Should the business grow then of course higher quantity batches, but I'll address that when I get there.

    So, in a nutshell, does the new 770MX casting with BT30 holders provide the same rigidity an older PCNC 1100 does?
    Thanks in advance.

  2. #2

    Re: PCNC 1100 vs 770MX ??

    Feel free to reach out if you have either a PCNC 1100 or 770MX for sale on the west coast. or a smoking deal on a 1100MX :P

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Posts
    189

    Re: PCNC 1100 vs 770MX ??

    I don't think the castings are new on the 770? MX is just servos+bt30 spindle (+extra rpm on 1100), everything else is the same as far as I can tell. Unless you are running small endmills, the extra RPM of the MX won't help you in steel. BT30 with rigid tapping is definitely an upgrade though.
    -Jon

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Posts
    653

    Re: PCNC 1100 vs 770MX ??

    FWIW, when I was deciding, I was told by somebody that had both that I'd be happier with the 1100MX versus the 770MX due to rigidity, even though my work is small enough for a 770 and I liked the reduced footprint.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Posts
    34

    Re: PCNC 1100 vs 770MX ??

    I have an PCNC 1100 for sale but I’m on the wrong coast.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    94

    Re: PCNC 1100 vs 770MX ??

    I would lean toward the 1100. A small envelope, when you need something bigger, is a major limitation. The extra room also helps with setups even if you don’t need the travel. Also, rethink the 1100MX. You can scrounge other ways to save money. Make your own cabinet, skip the fancy probes and other toys for now. The only reason to get the smaller machine is if you don’t have room for the bigger one.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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