FAQs
1. Question: How does the Torus PRO compare to a used Haas?
Answer: The difference is a factor between cost and size. If a used Haas can be found in the same price range as our Torus PRO, what will be sacrificed is the work envelope and cost of support. Haas typically does not warranty a used machine and they also recommend them for training or demo centers only. This is due to the fact that the machine tolerances have become so far out of tolerance, it is not economically feasible to refurbish them any longer. Power requirement is a major factor. A Haas mill typically requires 3 phase power which is not common for hobbyists or small work shops. We keep our power requirements with a 220 VAC, 20 Amp range for this reason. Replacement parts are excessively expensive and can out cost the original cost of the Haas used mill.
2. Question: What is included in the shipping quote?
Answer: This depends on your location and the extra services you may require. If you are in a residential area, your rate may be higher, depending on how isolated you are. Smaller shuttle trucks are used to deliver the shipment, and they may have a lift gate for your use for unloading. If you are at a commercial facility with a loading dock, rates usually are much better since a full semi trailer can be used. Exports to the US include the export duties charge. Canadian shipments do not require duties charges, but provincial taxes do apply.
3. Question: Why are the prices listed in USD while you are based in Canada?
Answer: This is ask quite often. The reason all prices are in USD is due to our international orders from China and the US are also in USD. The standard for international wires are in the USD, so to prevent constant price changes on the web site due to exchange rate fluctuation, we list our prices in USD too.
4. Question: Can I do my own pickup?
Answer: Yes you can. You may arrange your own pickup from Toronto, Canada. If you wish to deal with the customs paperwork, we will be happy to arrange pickup at any time. Local customers would have an advantage if they have their own transportation. We have a standard loading dock and high bay over head door available.
5. Question: I am new to CNC. What are the basic things needed to get started?
Answer: First, you need to know where you are going to set up your mill. The Pulsar is a single crate mill and only needs to be moved from the skid to the floor. The Torus PRO is more complicated. This comes into two crates, the stand and the mill. It is easiest to to use a fork lift, but an engine hoist can be used also to lift the bed mill onto the stand. The manual has examples of assembling the parts. The wings are assembled very easily.The mills come with the PC installed with the required software. All that is required is to add the mach3 license.
6. Question: How hard is it to learn CNC and make parts? What is the learning curve?
Answer: This depends on your previous experience with Mach3 and using G-code in general. If you are a raw student and have never operated a CNC mill, it is best to have a friend or tutor assist you on your first use of your mill. With software programs such as BobCAD-CAM or others, post processors will create the code from your CAM project with a few questions prompted by the software. This also can be initially complicated if you have not used any CAM software before. Do not fear...at some point, you will start to put the pieces together and be able to create projects on your own. BobCAD-CAM has many tutorial available to bring you through the process.
7. Question: Are there other reference to other sources for CNC examples?
Answer: Yes, there are many out there. Try the CNC Cookbook as a starter.
8. Question: Why do you have demo centers?
Answer: Demo center are there for you convenience to see the mills in person for your area. Customers volunteer to show their mill so that you may have a feel for the size of our mills. We have the largest mills in this class with most customers unaware that they are so large. You can ask the demo center owner if they can run a test for you. It is up to the demo centers owner how they want to show case their mill. There is a list of demo centers on the menu bar.
9. Question: What is the difference between the Pulsar and the Torus PRO?
Answer: There is a large difference between the Pulsar and Torus PRO. Notably the machining area. The Torus PRO has a very large milling area while the Pulsar is still quite substantial. Please look at the mill spec sheets. Both mills have a large coolant containment system for their respective sizes with dual pumps for the spindle and wash-hose sprayer. They both also come either as stepper or servo axes motors. Most notable for the Pulsar is the rigid taping. Pay special attention to the difference between our rigid tapping system and "other claims". We use a servo spindle motor which is very responsive and perfect for bottom tapping and very precise control for cutting depth. Other competitors use spindle timing indexes to control the advancement of the feed, but they CAN NOT stop at a precise depth with any accuracy. We accomplish this with the precision of the servo driver. The Pulsar is perfect for very small and intricate tapping as well as larger tapping requirements.
10. Question: What are your machine tolerances?
Answer: The maximum accumulative ball screw tolerance of the mill axes is .0013". The mills come from the factory calibrated to be with in this spec. Typically, they are around .0005" for backlash but can loosen up over time. Contributing factors for errors are the "thrust bearings" near the motor and the GIBs. These can be adjusted/replaced to keep it withing specification over the use of the mill.