Quote:
Originally Posted by Cory
I'd go for a Haas TM-1
You'd be getting a very versatile machine--something with a lot more power and speed than a knee mill, or a benchtop machine. It has the advantages a knee mill has, in that it's got a large table, is familiar (mostly) and can be operated via handwheels, just like a manual mill. |
One of the dozen Haas CNC machines on my campus is a Haas TM-1, and it's definitely a good machine for doing all different kinds of work.
The best thing about it is having the ability to machine plastics (Lexan, delrin, HDPE, UHMW, etc); on most enclosed CNC machines you cannot machine plastic because it'll clog the coolant pumps. On the TM-1, since the coolent pump is "separate", you can machine plastics and still be able to vacuum off the machine.
Just remember, the TM-1 only has a partial shield around the table. So if you set your coolant pump to ludicrous speed when machining metal, then you will spray coolant everywhere, especially to the left of the machine. Most of the time you can avoid this by just adjusting to a slower coolant speed.
And one more thing. Go up in your attic, basement, or garage and dig out all those 3.5" floppy discs, like all those free ones that came with AOL 3.0. Many CNC machines still use floppy discs to load NC programs (these are the programs of G-code that tell the machine how to make your part) onto the machines; the only ones I've seen that have support for USB Flash drives are the larger models, like the Haas VM-3 or VF-4.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bwobo
Ok, I understand that now. I will look more in to that Haas and do some more personal research. As for tooling. Say, with the TM-1, just get tooling straight from Haas then? Because I saw in the "Build-a-Quote" you can add on tooling like CAT-40 Tool Package. for $2100, as well as 24 Pull Studs (CT40) for $300. Would that be advisable for tooling? And possibly any other accesories to help make it a complete and long-lasting system? Thanks for all of your help so far!
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When purchasing tooling, just remember that the TM-1 only has a ten-tool changer. Ordering 24 tool holders seems like a bit much.
I would recommend three (or four) drill chucks, five to seven collet tool holders, and three or four tool holders which use a set screw to hold the cutter in place. The drill chucks tool holders are useful for center drills or regular drill bits. The collet tool holders are versatile and can hold any size end mill. The set screw tool holders are useful for something like a face mill, which will most likely just stay in the tool holder.
Also, remember than one of those ten spots in the tool changer will usually be a part probe. At both machine shops on campus, we always leave the probe in T10 (the last tool spot) in the TM-1 and Haas Mini Mills, and T25 (the last tool spot) in the Haas VM-3 and Haas VF-4, which all cost in the $50-$60k and upwards range.
Also, getting good tooling can sometimes mean doubling the price of the machine. That also includes things like vises. A good Kurt vise can set you back up to $700, and if you want to machine long stock, you'll need two vises.
Then there is the question of drill bits and end mills... These start adding up very quickly.
