Believe it or not, all things mechanical fail or need replacing at some point. Can't afford to have your machines down for a day or two? Don't panic! This list of must-have replacement parts will prevent you from losing time and money.
Keeping essential spare parts on hand can prevent unexpected downtime, especially if you rely on your Tormach machine for business. While hobbyists may not mind a short delay while waiting for replacement parts, small manufacturers and machine shops need to be prepared. Here are some critical spare parts you should consider stocking to keep your Tormach running smoothly.
Fuses
- Fuses can blow for various reasons, including minor crashes or electrical surges.
- Some fuses may not be readily available at a local hardware store, making it essential to have spares on hand.
- Tormach offers individual fuses and complete spare part kits to cover all possible replacements.
TTS Adapter Collet (R8 TTS Adapter)
- If a tool crashes or a mistake happens, the inside of the R8 collet can become marred.
- A damaged collet can affect tool concentricity and transfer imperfections to new TTS tools.
- Keeping a spare R8 TTS adapter ensures you don’t compromise precision or risk further damage to other tools.
Spindle Belt Pulley
- The spindle belt pulley is a wear item that will eventually need replacement.
- Because it lasts for years, many users don’t anticipate failure, leading to unexpected downtime.
- Having an extra pulley on hand means you won’t be caught off guard when it needs replacing.
Stepper Driver
- A stepper driver controls the motion of your CNC machine’s motors, and if it fails, your machine stops moving.
- Failures can occur due to crashes, power surges, or even lightning strikes.
- While next-day shipping is an option, it can be costly. If your machine is mission-critical, having a spare stepper driver on hand is a smart investment.
Way Covers
- Over time, way covers take a beating from chips and coolant, leading to wear and tear.
- Replacing old, damaged way covers improves the look of your machine and helps protect its moving components.
- Installing fresh way covers on a well-used machine can make it feel like new again.*
Drawbar and Belleville Washers
- The drawbar undergoes wear over time as tools are changed frequently.
- While not commonly damaged from crashes, the drawbar stretches gradually, affecting tool retention.
- A good replacement interval is every 12-18 months, depending on usage.
- When replacing the drawbar, also replace the Belleville washers, which are responsible for actuating the power drawbar spring stack.
- Applying a bit of anti-seize lubricant to the Belleville washers can help reduce friction and improve long-term performance.
Stocking these critical spare parts ensures that you can quickly address issues, minimize downtime, and keep your Tormach machine operating at peak efficiency.
More from John Saunders
Tormach ambassador John Saunders, owner of Saunders Machine Works and NYC CNC, is a recognized leader in the machining world. Through his YouTube channel and industry expertise, he educates and inspires the next generation of machinists. Read more of his articles below.
