Presale Information

Customer-Supplier Relationship

You have probably studied the product features closely and considered them in the context of your needs; but the issues are not limited to just the product specs. You should also know what you’re getting from your supplier in terms of on going support.

Tormach machines are sold either direct, or through low overhead distributors. The machines are built to stock, not to order, and they are shipped from our warehouse inventory directly to your facility. Opening the crate and placing the machine in your facility is your responsibility, although we can provide suggestions or refer you to a local rigging company. If a problem occurs we will work with you providing phone support, documentation, and replacement parts until we get the issue resolved.

Direct sales and phone support is part of the equation that allows us to provide high value at low cost. The machines are designed for durability and simplicity; making problems rare and repairs easy. Never the less, there may come a day when someone on your end will need to make a repair. You must be comfortable with general electrical and mechanical repair concepts, including the appropriate safety procedures, before working on your machine. If you do not have the required skills you will need to find someone locally to assist you. We do not have factory technicians to send to your facility.

We have a very strong interest in customer satisfaction, but keep in mind that it’s a two way street. As a supplier, we promise to carry through on our support policy. As a customer, you need to make sure that our support policy works for you.

Ordering Your CNC Machine and Accessories

Most people select a variety of accessories with their machine. The basic procedure is to tell us what you want, we create a quotation for your order, then you can pay for it online, mail us a check, or send us a wire transfer. The best methods for telling us what you want are either online, through our shopping cart, or offline, using our software order form.  Both of these methods are explained on the View Cart/Quote/Purchase webpage.

Machine Delivery - US and Canada

Orders that are being shipped to the US or Canada are normally delivered in two shipments. Any accessories, machine cables, software, and manuals you have ordered will be delivered via UPS, USPS, or truck freight. The machines and stands are delivered via truck freight, though it may be possible to pick up your order right from our warehouse if you have your own truck.

Please visit our Shipping webpage for more information.

Machine Delivery - International

International shipments, other than Canada, are completed with freight forwarding companies. Tormach will provide a quotation for delivery to the US based facility of your freight forwarder, or your freight forwarder  can arrange for pickup from our warehouse. Your freight forwarding agent works on your behalf and will insure a problem free delivery to your facility. They are familiar with all the details of shipping, customs clearance, port operations, and local delivery in your company.

Please visit our Shipping webpage for more information.

Receiving and Installation

If you do not have a loading dock then the delivery will be with a truck that has a tailgate lift. The truck driver will also have a pallet jack so you can roll the machine crate into a garage or shed. Gravel driveways, stairs, and dirt paths cannot be negotiated with a pallet jack.

Your machine will be delivered in a crate. When you purchase both the machine and a stand from Tormach, they will be shipped in separate crates. If you plan on building your own stand, it’s a good idea to have your construction done in advance. Tormach publishes the footprint, mounting bolt pattern, and also offers stand designs, all on Tormach's website.

After you remove the crate you need to mount the machine on a stand or table. The machine can be lifted using the eyebolt on the top of the column, or by using the thru holes in the base. The machine has also been designed and manufactured to allow disassembly, although user disassembly does have warranty consequences, so please review the warranty before any disassembly.

There are many ways to lift a machine. Forklifts, engine hoists, portable gantry cranes, and hydraulic jacks are just a few of the more common tools used for the job. Most of these can be rented at your local tool rental outlet. However you decide to approach the issue, you must realize that you are 100% responsible for the safety of the operation and any equipment damage. This responsibility must be taken seriously. Risky practices or operations that are not well thought out can damage your machine, your equipment, and risk life & limb of everyone involved. If you need professional assistance to position or install your machine, look for a professional rigger. Listed under “riggers” or “machinery movers,” these people have the skills and tools needed for moving heavy machinery.

Planning Your Location

The PCNC 1100 is designed with a forward opening control cabinet. This allows you to place the machine fairly close to a wall. We recommend using a stand with a coolant drip tray wide enough to make certain that the table surface of the machine is always over the drip tray, allowing good coolant and chip control. If you use a narrow drip tray, or none at all, you should plan for full machine motion PLUS some human space. You don’t want to locate it where you can create crush points between the machine table and a wall. When in operation, the X,Y, and Z motions will NOT STOP when they hit something. With stall forces well beyond 500 lbs. the machine will move with enough force to punch through a wall, tip over the machine, or crush someone in the way.