Couple bullet points from a Tormach user
I enjoy drawing models, designs and building them.
I wanted a system that looked like its being supported and developed not just a tool "mill"
I have a 6 year old series 3 with power draw bar, stand, very well tooled and 4th axis.
I also have a New Tormach 24r router that is also well tooled.
I take good care of them both with regular cleaning, maintenance and wear part replacement.
They are in a heated and cooled shop with good clean dedicated power.
The mill looks brand new after 6 years of regular use "no production"
They both work reliably with no issues or drama.
Imho all cnc tools including Tormach machines are large boat anchors without good cad and cam software and cad/cam skills.
No way your going to hand program anything I draw!
No way to setup a cam program without the detailed 3d model drawn in a cad program.
I rely on modern dedicated material specific tooling and good cam tool paths to get results.
I tried to buy a brand new Mini mill and they told me no! Buy one used, we are not interested in selling to a home shop. "7 years ago, I guess they changed their toon now "
I would agree a large vmc would out perform a tormach in every way.
Haas and other VMC's also have a high entry cost and tooling.
Imho It takes high dollar cad -cam and cad -cam skills to get full use of a vmc.
"Use free software to drive a $50k tool is ok I guess! but I wonder what your missing."
10 hp vmc with 3ph converter will cost me no less then 1$ an hour in power just to have it turned on and more running full tilt where I live.
In short buy the best you can afford and try to avoid the boat anchors
Few things to consider anyway.
I enjoy drawing models, designs and building them.
I wanted a system that looked like its being supported and developed not just a tool "mill"
I have a 6 year old series 3 with power draw bar, stand, very well tooled and 4th axis.
I also have a New Tormach 24r router that is also well tooled.
I take good care of them both with regular cleaning, maintenance and wear part replacement.
They are in a heated and cooled shop with good clean dedicated power.
The mill looks brand new after 6 years of regular use "no production"
They both work reliably with no issues or drama.
Imho all cnc tools including Tormach machines are large boat anchors without good cad and cam software and cad/cam skills.
No way your going to hand program anything I draw!
No way to setup a cam program without the detailed 3d model drawn in a cad program.
I rely on modern dedicated material specific tooling and good cam tool paths to get results.
I tried to buy a brand new Mini mill and they told me no! Buy one used, we are not interested in selling to a home shop. "7 years ago, I guess they changed their toon now "
I would agree a large vmc would out perform a tormach in every way.
Haas and other VMC's also have a high entry cost and tooling.
Imho It takes high dollar cad -cam and cad -cam skills to get full use of a vmc.
"Use free software to drive a $50k tool is ok I guess! but I wonder what your missing."
10 hp vmc with 3ph converter will cost me no less then 1$ an hour in power just to have it turned on and more running full tilt where I live.
In short buy the best you can afford and try to avoid the boat anchors
Few things to consider anyway.