Hi All. I have not posted much, but have enjoyed reading here a lot. I am in the decision process regarding which CNC mill to buy. Initially, I was set on a Tormach PCNC-1100. Then I gravitated towards the Automate Talon MT-36. At the same time, I have been watching Blue Hands on Youtube working with his Novakon Torus Pro. I like it a lot.
I don't want to get very long with this post, but here is a brief summary of pros/cons for each (cost differences ignored).
Tormach:
Pros:
+Pathpilot is much better than Mach3
+Customer support is excellent
-Cons:
-Smallest work envelope of the three
-No rigid tapping / no servo option
AutomateCNC
Pros:
+Siemens 808D Controller is the best solution of the three
+Servos standard, including spindle
+Decent work envelope
+Most robust in terms of size/weight
Cons:
-Customer Service seems lacking. (Deal Killer)
Novakon
Pros:
+Servo option
+Rigid Tapping
+Largest work envelope
Cons:
-Mach3 (this is my big hangup)
-Customer Service used to be an issue, but seems better now.
I know there are lots of other things to think about, but I am mostly worried about what I listed above. I am currently using a self-converted G0704 to do my work and for me, Mach3 is marginal. I would much, much rather have a more robust controller. I have read BrianBoneDoc's thread about converting to Path Pilot, but really don't want to go through that myself.
I guess my vacillations have moved back towards the Tormach for now, but I really would like to buy a Torus Pro if only they had a better controller. Please feel free to offer opinions regarding what you think. I would really value the advice of those of you that own these machines themselves.
Warren