[hercules]

I am getting ready to buy a new TL-1. I have read that if you get both the automatic turret option and the manual tailstock option the two can interfere with each other causing a crash. Does anyone have a machine equipped with both? If so have you had any interference problems?

Also is it worth getting the coolant system without the enclosure option?

[Geof]

I am getting ready to buy a new TL-1. I have read that if you get both the automatic turret option and the manual tailstock option the two can interfere with each other causing a crash. Does anyone have a machine equipped with both? If so have you had any interference problems?

Also is it worth getting the coolant system without the enclosure option?

If I read your post correctly you have three questions: The answers are; yes, yes and yes.

If you like taking a coolant shower then it is worth getting the coolant option.

And now I will be serious:

Yes in the standard configuration of the TL-1 (or 2) when the machine is homed it is possible that interference may occur between the tailstock and tools in the turret. To avoid this the machine has to be homed using Zero Return Single Axis which allows you to home X and Z then move the carriage away from th tailstock before homing the tool turret.

Obviously because I have answered your question I have a TL machine, TL-2 actually, and I have had interference.

However I solved my interference by moving the home position of the machine so I no longer get interference; but I also have slightly reduced Z travel.

Get the coolant pump and get creative making your own guards to minimize coolant splash and spray, or get the TL-1P.

[WallyL7]

I agree with Geof's reply.

It's been a while since I ran the TL-1, but my last shop was the beta site for the automatic tool changer, and I was the guy that was in charge of that department, so I got to play with it a bit.

There was a LOT of issues with it, which isn't a surprise being one of the first ones made. The damn thing wasn't even cut true to the machine. The tools pointed down when clamped and there was about .006" angle cut on the lower tool holder seat - which is unacceptable! I am sure they aren't that way now. We did throw it back at Haas and put the tool post back on.

That plus the issues with tailstock homing, and whatnot - we decided also that we were faster changing the tools by hand - although when it worked, it would repeat well.

I would probably not get the turret, if I were to get another one. Just my .02

[Geof]

.....It's been a while since I ran the TL-1, but my last shop was the beta site for the automatic tool changer, and I was the guy that was in charge of that department, so I got to play with it a bit....

Was that the original, original tool changer or the more recent servo-driven toolchanger?

The first tool changer was abysmally slow but it did index accurately and the tool alignment was okay. Mind you after I had finished up modifying the one on my TL2 as described in the thread below it was a bit out of alignment.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58004

The servo-driven one is far superior if you discount the homing issues but as I mention it is possible to get around that by sacrificing a bit of Z travel.

Actually I think it would be possible to solve the homing issue by moving the home position 5 inches away from the end of the Z travel and then make the Z travel extend from Z-25.0000 out to Z+5.0000 for the total of 30.0000 inches. Haas mills operate in a manner like this where home is at the toolchanger height but the Z axis can move up another 3 or 4 inches.

[WallyL7]

Yes, Geof - it was the original's original. I think it was one of the first 4 they made at all! We were beta testing the TL-1 already, with the post, and they put on the tool changer.

If the newer ones are faster, then I would certainly re-think my previous statement. Like you (and I) said earlier, they are very accurate - I was holding tenth's with minor babysitting.

If you could fix it with the Z home position, and still have all the travel, then it is a no brainer.

[DEAN]

Maybe worth mentioning here is the possibility of a gang tool type setup. Dorian makes a Gang tool setup (Victory CNC Gang Tool and Holders) that will interface with a CXA Q/C toolpost.
Yeah its pricey but looks damn convenient when each bar could be setup for various jobs.
I remember when the TL-1's came out they were listing as a compatible option the Dorian tool turret. This was not a HAAS option.