The Home Machinist!

I know nothing about CNC. I have a small business and need lots of differant small parts made. My budget is small and it looks as though the Smithy might fit the need. Just not sure about buying China made. Most of the used equipment around have some wear and the programs may not work. Anybody familiar with the Smithy Talon 1240 CNC bed mill? Thanks

Not sure what the Smithy costs. Tormach CNC milling machines are imported and I have heard nothing but good things about them. I have seen Tormach machines and they look fine to me. They have small spindles and small spindle motors and would be no match for a 5, 10 or 15 hp milling machine.

I looked at the Smithy specs rather quickly but did not see the spindle horse power. The spindle HP will give you an idea how robust the machine actually is.

I bought a new JET 1340 lathe and new 9 X 42 JET milling machine back in 1999. The mill was made in Taiwan and the lathe in China. These are both key machines in my in my garage machine shop business. I take excellent care of these machines by keeping them well lubricated and do not abuse them by taking heavy cuts or using large tools. As a result these machines are still in like new condition after 13 years of almost daily use. I have done some fairly fine work on both of them and I think they will continue to perform the same way for as long as I'm going to use them. I have a
Bridgeport Series I CNC for doing general CNC machining and heavy machining.

I think if you use your Smithy Talon in the same manor I have used my JET machines
you should expect the same results that I have. If you experiment with your Smithy Talon to see how much abuse it can stand or crash the machine I think you will have problems rather quickly.

I wish all my machinese were good old made in USA but that just did not happen.

Jim

_________________
Tool & Die Maker/Electrician, Retired 2007

So much to learn and so little time.

www.outbackmachineshop.com

Thanks Jim for the reply. The spindle is rated @ 3HP. They advertise 'high resolution' stepper motors on the controls. I've always heard servos are better but maybe cost has alot to do with it. I agree with you on care and use. That means alot with all equipment I think. The base cost is $13,000 with a 12"x40" table and Linux OS.
Thanks again, Darrel

WOW...The Smithy is a substancial machine and should be able to do some serious work. It has more hp and more travel than my Bridgeport.

I would still take it easy on the machine.

The steppers will work fine.
Jim

_________________
Tool & Die Maker/Electrician, Retired 2007

So much to learn and so little time.

www.outbackmachineshop.com