I have had my eye on a 1100 for a while, but now I'm starting to wonder if perhaps a 770 would work for me.
Based on the following (in random order
), which would you recommend?
- Budget is a concern as I will be paying cash
- This will be a supplemental machine for me, not an outside-income-earner
- Parts will max out at 4"x6"x0.500" in size, table size is not an issue
- I will be cutting woods, composite materials, titanium & steel
- The deepest cut (z axis) I'll make will be 0.500" (in woods/composites)
- The deepest cut in titanium/steel will be 0.250"
- 90% of what I'll be cutting will be composite materials, true 3D surfacing/finishing.
- Because of ^ ^ ^ I am thinking the higher spindle speed would be helpful.
- ATC is a must
- I don't need a stand or enclosure (prefer to fab my own)
- I don't need a computer from Tormach - already have one
- Will be using FogBuster instead of coolant
- Since I don't need it for production purposes, time spent cutting is not a high priority
- Because of ^ ^ ^ I don't think I need the extra HP.
- I already have CAD/CAM
- Most cuts will be made using fixture plates
- I know bigger is better, but cheaper is sooner and more feasible
- Noise/mess is not an issue - machine will be in my detached workshop
- Size is an issue (small shop) but I could get either machine to fit. 770 would be easier, of course.
- I have 220v - so either machine is ok.
- The biggest tap I'll need will be 1/4-20, most tapping will be 2-56
- The biggest drill/reamer I'll need will be 0.251"
- I don't need a 4th axis
Given the above, is there anything about the 770 that might hinder what I need to do? If not, it seems like it would fit the bill and get me cutting. That said, it's just a $1600 difference. To get the real savings, I would need to find one used.
Thanks for any help sorting this out. I'm still a bit of a beginner to CNC, but thankfully not a complete newb. I've picked up enough to be dangerous and to see the long road ahead of me.