I use the conversational on my 1100 and it was a big improvement from Mach3. There are some features I think should have been included that wasn’t.
How is Path Pilot on the lathe, is it missing some features there too. Or does everyone just us cad/cam.
One feature I wish it had was a partial profile vs a boss or bore.
erasing a layer in the graphics after it was milled. Would help restarting at a lower level. Some one else asked about this also. I know you can erase the red toolpath but not the whole layer. Drilling is always more efficient but there is no function to skip the spiral down and start milling at the hole diameter. So I end up designating a line to start from.
Yeah I know I am comparing it to a more expensive machine I used, but the price of the new Tormachs are not that far behind.
Dave
Hard to know what it might be missing without knowing what options you’re looking for.
I would be thrilled if there was an option to clear toolpaths by operation. Perhaps using a line number or other header information as a way to determine where each new op starts. That would really clean things up in the graphics window after an adaptive roughing. Though arguably that could be achieved using a different tool for roughing and finishing and selecting “only show current tool”.
To cut a pocket at the final diameter without the helix, just set the stepover to 0 in the conversational window. That will plunge straight down and finish the hole.
As for the price comparison, yes, the 1100 and 1500 are rapidly catching up to some of the cheaper machines out there but apples to apples, it’s still much less expensive. Haas’s newer machine that seems directly aimed at the Tormach market is roughly the same price as the 1500. Until you add a high speed spindle, 4th axis wiring, probing, conversational, etc. Once all the features line up, the Haas becomes a comparable machine with much higher spindle power, for a substantially higher price, and requiring 3-phase power which means a few thousand more for a phase converter or new electrical service if you don’t already have it. And don’t forget the need to call in a service tech whenever something breaks. Maybe there’s something else out there that I don’t know about that can more directly compete with Tormach? If so, I’d be curious to know how comparable it really is. My guess is, like the Haas, there are some comparable features at the same price point but once everything is truly matched up, the Tormach will still come out on top.
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I’m thinking about the tormach lathe. I just have no experience with the lathe to tell what is missing if anything. So, for lathe owners what feature is on your wish list.
Yes, I know about using 0 stepover but that doesn’t work when there is still 1/4 plus to remove. especially stepping down.
My biggest stumbling block with the 15 is the short z travel. I would like to be able to replace my 1440 manual lathe. but with only 12 z probably not.
By blanking out the previous cut path it would be easier to pick an entry point and avoid already drilled out bores.
The Acer I used I can define a profile and it doesn’t have to be a complete rectangle. Better for cutting keyways from the end vs PathPilot starting in the middle of the slot.
Dave