[AlecS]

Big time second the suggestions to make the jump to a HAAS. I've used multiple Tormachs, as well as HAAS's, Mazak's, smaller custom built mills. IMO, the Tormach is not worth the 25K often paid for it. It has a lot of issue's that limit productivity.

The Tormach Tooling System, although it makes tool changes much easier than standard R8 holders/collets, has serious pullout issues. If you use the pneumatic drawbar/ATC your likely going have holder pullout issues on any EM over .250, at reasonable material removal rates. If you use the wrench to tighten the collet, you'll get a little more grip, but it is still an issue.

Another issue is lost step count. Since it is a stepper not servo machine, with no feedback, the controller can lose step counts without the controller knowing. This is a real bummer when the part you spent an hour milling ends up being out of tolerance. Although I haven't had a chance to use a Gen 3 Tormach, unless they significantly up'ed the size of the steppers, or added feedback, it's likely this is still an issue.

Surface finish will also leave a lot to be desired.

Lastly, the spindle motor is somewhat underpowered the machine size. You will often find yourself slowing down due the the spindle struggling.

Although I haven't had a chance to use any of the other machines on list, (CNCMasters, Microkenetics, Smithy), I have used other Smithy machines. They also leave a lot to be desired. Lots.

One other company you may consider if you don't want to make the jump the full Haas VMC, is SYIL. They aren't very well known, and their knowledge of the machines is very limited. I've been to their distribution center, and they pretty much just open the boxes from China and sell it. However, the machines are actually very nice and well priced. You can get most of there machine with linear slides, over the traditional box or dovetail ways. This will keep you maintenance and adjustment time down. The machines cut very well, and although they are still steppers, I haven't had one have an issue with lost steps, and the surface finish is far superior to the Tormachs. To give you an idea of the price, I recently helped a team get an X5 Linear 220v, delivered with lift gate, stand and coolant pump for a smidge over $8000. This machine beats the Tormach at cutting IMO, although its travels are smaller. That being said, if you have to fix something, add features, etc, be prepared to do it yourself. Converting the machine from mach 3 to linux cnc was not trivial due to wiring schematic discrepancies.

TL;DR Be wary of the Tormach's, though they have great service, the price, quality of machine and cuts, leave much to be desired. Really consider making the jump to HAAS VMC, the productivity and quality will be impressive, and you won't find yourself dreaming of a nicer machine. If price is a big issue though, consider a SYIL.

P.S. Beware of the pricing on HAAS machines. The options will add up quick.