implmex
Diamond
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2002
- Location
- Vancouver BC Canada
Hi All:
I've been looking at CNC lathes again and flipping between hybrids like the Prototrak versus something like the Haas GT20.
I'd originally dismissed the Haas as a "neither fish nor fowl" kind of machine but I'm looking with somewhat different eyes now.
I notice it's available with Caxis (indexing only) and has lots of swing over the cross slide, unlike most other gang machines.
On the other hand, the X axis stroke is awfully short for a gang machine; only 6 inches...about the same as a Prototrak, and Z at only 12 inches with no tailstock.
Where it's got machines like the Prototrak beat hands down is the enclosure, the bar feed interface, the hydraulic collet closer option, and the C axis option.
I do a mix of prototype turning and a bit of production...the production has all been small stuff suitable for a 5C collet type chucker and I've been nursing an Emco PCturn 120 along on these jobs with workable but not stunning success.
The Emco is not a bad machine but awfully limited...no spindle thru hole therefore no bar feed or collet capability, steppers instead of servos, a pretty limited control, no C axis, an 8 position turret so small I can't mount a drill chuck etc etc.
It's time to upgrade, and I'd really like the versatility of something like a TL1, but the construction of the TL1 is so crummy and the machine is so limited that I just can't bring myself to place the order.
I'd like to be able to mount the occasional live tool together with a simple gang setup...it'd also be nice to be able to turn a 6" diameter mold core, and then turn a batch of #4:40 screws for one of my customers.
The spindle speed is reasonable at 4K, the rapids are pretty good at 750 IPM and the envelope is about right for my needs.
I've run very few jobs that need a tailstock...none of them have been production jobs, so I don't think I'd miss the tailstock.
So, my question is: have any of you run one of these? Are they any good?
At 25K (39K all dressed up with bar feed interface and hydraulic clamping plus C axis) the price is comparable to a Prototrak but I think I'd get more machine with the Haas.
Opinions anyone??
Cheers
Marcus
I've been looking at CNC lathes again and flipping between hybrids like the Prototrak versus something like the Haas GT20.
I'd originally dismissed the Haas as a "neither fish nor fowl" kind of machine but I'm looking with somewhat different eyes now.
I notice it's available with Caxis (indexing only) and has lots of swing over the cross slide, unlike most other gang machines.
On the other hand, the X axis stroke is awfully short for a gang machine; only 6 inches...about the same as a Prototrak, and Z at only 12 inches with no tailstock.
Where it's got machines like the Prototrak beat hands down is the enclosure, the bar feed interface, the hydraulic collet closer option, and the C axis option.
I do a mix of prototype turning and a bit of production...the production has all been small stuff suitable for a 5C collet type chucker and I've been nursing an Emco PCturn 120 along on these jobs with workable but not stunning success.
The Emco is not a bad machine but awfully limited...no spindle thru hole therefore no bar feed or collet capability, steppers instead of servos, a pretty limited control, no C axis, an 8 position turret so small I can't mount a drill chuck etc etc.
It's time to upgrade, and I'd really like the versatility of something like a TL1, but the construction of the TL1 is so crummy and the machine is so limited that I just can't bring myself to place the order.
I'd like to be able to mount the occasional live tool together with a simple gang setup...it'd also be nice to be able to turn a 6" diameter mold core, and then turn a batch of #4:40 screws for one of my customers.
The spindle speed is reasonable at 4K, the rapids are pretty good at 750 IPM and the envelope is about right for my needs.
I've run very few jobs that need a tailstock...none of them have been production jobs, so I don't think I'd miss the tailstock.
So, my question is: have any of you run one of these? Are they any good?
At 25K (39K all dressed up with bar feed interface and hydraulic clamping plus C axis) the price is comparable to a Prototrak but I think I'd get more machine with the Haas.
Opinions anyone??
Cheers
Marcus