Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi Guys,

I have decided to buy a personal CNC Milling machine specifically for milling aluminum.
My choices so far.
The Tormach PCNC 1100 or the Smithy 1240 CNC Bedmill. Cost is close to the same. 12K vs 13K

I know these are Chinese made but they are within my next year budget.

So anyone with experience with either of these machines?

I could probly find a used Bridgeport for this price but then I need a rotary phase converter and my Ceiling is not tall enough,as well as getting the BP in the door would prove a real chore at best.

Mike

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I'm outside looking in, just farther from the window than most.

I've got a bud with a Tormach and he's pretty satisfied with it. Says he can climb cut steel with it pretty much no problem.

Something to consider - I can climb cut aluminum on my router and it's got a 24x36" table.... The Tormach is in another league of stiffness compared to my router but, if Aluminum's all you want to cut...

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http://www.birkonium.com CNC Products for Luthiers
http://banduramaker.blogspot.com

I get you on that. I can mill aluminum on my router as well, It just is not what I need. I mean I mill 1/8" AL all the time and sometimes up to 3/8", but I really need something a little more substantial without breaking the bank.
MK

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I'm outside looking in, just farther from the window than most.

A buddy of mine has a Tormach and he's really happy with it. His machine decision was sort of 'in my hands' and I think that if you're looking for support and a known value for what you're getting then the Tormach products are great. I do all his programming and he's done lots of stuff running from wood up through aluminum and stainless on it and he said so long as he takes his time with it the results are great.

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Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

So far I have heard nothing but Good about the Tormach Thanks Andy and Bob, both of you have supported what I keep hearing. The Tormach also appears to be better supported as well.

I have yet to find anyone who has experience with the 1240 Smithy?

I hope to find someone local that I can may be actually see the machines in action .

mk

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I'm outside looking in, just farther from the window than most.

Let them eat chips.

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I read Emerson on the can. A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds...true...but a consistent reading of Emerson has its uses nevertheless.

StuMusic

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http://www.birkonium.com CNC Products for Luthiers
http://banduramaker.blogspot.com

Exactly!!

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I'm outside looking in, just farther from the window than most.

Tormach sure has a lot of cool accessories on their site.