Tormach 1100 Series-3 Running MSM
Tormach 1100 Series-3 Running MSM
Would love to hear from anyone running their Tormach-1100 via MSM? Did you maintain full functionality from the Tormach Mach-3 version? Thnx Much
Re: Tormach 1100 Series-3 Running MSM
As would I, I am really considering it. My Tormach is far from being in warranty and I ran my G0704 with MachStdMill and loved it.
I guess worst case would be to format the tormach controller and reinstall everything if it didn't work.
I guess worst case would be to format the tormach controller and reinstall everything if it didn't work.
Re: Tormach 1100 Series-3 Running MSM
hi,
There are multiple Tormach users running MSM. The basic requirements have been mentioned in several threads.
I'll recap them here:
1) must upgrade Mach from Tormach version to 3.43.xx. Mach 3.43.66 recommended.
This is because MSM uses mach interfaces that did not exist in the old version of mach that Tormach uses.
2) AFAIK there is no loss of any functionality when moving to MSM, with one possible exception: A while back a MSM user inquired about running the Tormach Auto Tool Changer with MSM. Alas, I understand that Tormach declined to release the technical information that would enable this (even though the user was planning to buy a new machine with tool changer...).
3) If the mill is out of warranty there is no problem re Tormach support, if the mill is under warranty, then one needs to consider Tormach's "support waiver" requirement. It's not really a big deal, but what they choose to accept for support is their call during the warranty period.
4) no need to uninstall Tormach's version of mach. You can just install a newer mach in it's own dir (the standard c:\mach3 is most common) and then install MSM. You can start either version of mach when ever you want.
(this makes the warranty issue minor - just boot to tormach version of mach if calling for their support).
5) no new Mach lisc needed - the Tormach (like all mach 3 licenses) is also good for newer mach versions (just copy to the new mach install dir).
Dave
There are multiple Tormach users running MSM. The basic requirements have been mentioned in several threads.
I'll recap them here:
1) must upgrade Mach from Tormach version to 3.43.xx. Mach 3.43.66 recommended.
This is because MSM uses mach interfaces that did not exist in the old version of mach that Tormach uses.
2) AFAIK there is no loss of any functionality when moving to MSM, with one possible exception: A while back a MSM user inquired about running the Tormach Auto Tool Changer with MSM. Alas, I understand that Tormach declined to release the technical information that would enable this (even though the user was planning to buy a new machine with tool changer...).
3) If the mill is out of warranty there is no problem re Tormach support, if the mill is under warranty, then one needs to consider Tormach's "support waiver" requirement. It's not really a big deal, but what they choose to accept for support is their call during the warranty period.
4) no need to uninstall Tormach's version of mach. You can just install a newer mach in it's own dir (the standard c:\mach3 is most common) and then install MSM. You can start either version of mach when ever you want.
(this makes the warranty issue minor - just boot to tormach version of mach if calling for their support).
5) no new Mach lisc needed - the Tormach (like all mach 3 licenses) is also good for newer mach versions (just copy to the new mach install dir).
Dave
Productivity Software for Personal CNC Machinists
http://www.CalypsoVentures.com
http://www.CalypsoVentures.com
Re: Tormach 1100 Series-3 Running MSM
Replying to my own question: I received my new PCNC-1100 Series-3 last month and just finished installing Mach 3-43-66 and MSM and it's running GREAT! Sooo Glad to be working under MSM again as I have used for years with my old mill--the screens are so superior to standard Mach screens.
Per Dave's reply above, I created a directory called Mach3-3-43-66 and installed this version of Mach3 along with MSM. So the Tormach's version of Mach remains in the directory they set up: PCNC3. Therefore, my MSM software and Mach3-43-66 are separate, only had to copy over Tormach's unique macros, license, and plug-ins (PCNC-Shuttle)--a great axis shuttle. This way I can run my mill under either version, especially good if I need to get support from Tormach.
Other notes for those of you with Tormach mills:
- I added a Vista-CNC Tach, very easy to install: made a simple L-bracket and have it sitting vertically above the top spindle pulley. It works great and really nice to know the Actual-RPM.
- Building a Tool-Setter now that connects to the Tormach controller via a front-panel mounted 5-pin Din-plug. I'll be using this in Master-Tool-Mode (MTM) to set all my repeatable-height (RH) tools--will be great to touch off only my Master-Tool to set my part-Z-height and the other tools will be ready to change and keep milling without resetting Z with each tool change.
- Also on the horizon, I'm building my own version of an automatic tool changer (ATC), more to follow on that.
Bottom-Line: I Love MSM and was cautious at first switching Tormach's version of Mach to a newer version along with MSM--but I've had no problems, have lost no functionality, and look forward to making a lot of parts. Thnx Dave!
Per Dave's reply above, I created a directory called Mach3-3-43-66 and installed this version of Mach3 along with MSM. So the Tormach's version of Mach remains in the directory they set up: PCNC3. Therefore, my MSM software and Mach3-43-66 are separate, only had to copy over Tormach's unique macros, license, and plug-ins (PCNC-Shuttle)--a great axis shuttle. This way I can run my mill under either version, especially good if I need to get support from Tormach.
Other notes for those of you with Tormach mills:
- I added a Vista-CNC Tach, very easy to install: made a simple L-bracket and have it sitting vertically above the top spindle pulley. It works great and really nice to know the Actual-RPM.
- Building a Tool-Setter now that connects to the Tormach controller via a front-panel mounted 5-pin Din-plug. I'll be using this in Master-Tool-Mode (MTM) to set all my repeatable-height (RH) tools--will be great to touch off only my Master-Tool to set my part-Z-height and the other tools will be ready to change and keep milling without resetting Z with each tool change.
- Also on the horizon, I'm building my own version of an automatic tool changer (ATC), more to follow on that.
Bottom-Line: I Love MSM and was cautious at first switching Tormach's version of Mach to a newer version along with MSM--but I've had no problems, have lost no functionality, and look forward to making a lot of parts. Thnx Dave!
- Dave.Sohlstrom
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Tue Apr 16, 2013 6:36 pm
Re: Tormach 1100 Series-3 Running MSM
Jim
I did the same thing with my 770. It is working well. Two things I have noted is, 1 the spindle speed in high does not come up to full speed. I only get about 9800 out of 10000. 2 after a tool change the spindle seems of be slow to come up to speed. Have you seen any of this.
Dave
I did the same thing with my 770. It is working well. Two things I have noted is, 1 the spindle speed in high does not come up to full speed. I only get about 9800 out of 10000. 2 after a tool change the spindle seems of be slow to come up to speed. Have you seen any of this.
Dave
Re: Tormach 1100 Series-3 Running MSM
No I haven't experienced either of those issues. After reading up on my 1100--Tormach has upgraded their VFD (spindle-controller) and mine is Super-Fast both spinning up and slowing down. My Tach reads just a little faster than the speed I set with the "S"-command. The PCNC-1100 top RPM is 5140 and I'm getting a couple hundred RPMs faster than that.