I have heard quite a few folks talk about getting a CNC lathe for the space, and I will admit that I have been skeptical. After all, the HAAS, which is only a basic 3-axis machine and from all I heard easier to CAD/CAM for than a CNC lathe isn’t used/mastered by many of our members.
But this video has changed my mind. I don’t know if that $115,000 HAAS CNC lathe that Bryan presented a few months ago can do this, but I priced out this Tormach CNC lathe. And if you purchase the lathe and ALL of the accessories and tooling they offer you are still less then $25K…
Turning, Threading, and Facing on a Tormach CNC lathe!
I know of at least one member who is working on a kick starter for shaving brush handles who could use this. I wonder how many other members would have a use for a CNC tool they didn’t have to use the CAD/CAM process to get effective use from?
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I have seen demos of the Tormach CNC mill, and was impressed. But, then again, I’m a noob and don’t know lipstick-on-a-pig from the real deal just yet. Does that $75k extra buy a better machine?
Well I don’t know if better is the right term or just different.
The Tormachs are sold (and designed) for small production and prototyping shops. The HAAS is really designed and sold for larger production work. My personal opinion is that the space is a closer fit for the prototyping shop.
There is no doubt that the HAAS is a more robust (good for the space) machine.
What most impressed me about this demo was the apparent inclusion of some pretty robust direct CAM cability in the control software for the Lathe. I don’t know if the HAAS has that, but wouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t since this capability seems to fit the ‘prototyping shop’ role more than a production shop.
To my mind that feature alone would make the device far more useable and approachable. No 3D cad or cam learning curve. Just take basic lathe operations and program them to be done at the lathe controls.
BTW, I think the price difference is closer to $90K then $75, and possibly much more, or don’t know how many accessories/tooling was included in the estimate Bryan provided the board. The base price on this Tormach lathe is a little over $11K. So accessories and tooling add up quickly.
I don’t know much about the Tormach, but I would guess it’s also not a Y-axis mill? Watch this video and pay attention around 1:12:
Basically it has spindles in the tool changer.
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My understanding is that the extra $75k will buy us more flexibility in work holding, more tooling options, a larger working area, faster cycle times, digital probe for faster setups.
All this being said I think for most of our needs a Tormach with a turret would be perfect. And if we could get digital probe to work with the Tormach…
Bryan dropped the y axis last I talked to him.
I don’t know either. I’ve seen spindles on manual lathes in normal tool holders, so I don’t know if the Tormach could do that as well. Being able to use a spindle (I modded a dremel) on my lathe tool post has belped me once or twice, so I can understand how useful it can be.
Anyway, I am not really suggesting the purchase of a CNC lathe, just thought the ease of use of the software in that example was really astounding. I personally prefer manual machines, mainly because I don’t have to touch a computer for my hobby projects 
I get enough of that in my work life! But that Tormach interface would sell me in a heartbeat! All the ease of use of a manual lathe, with all of the drudgery removed!
