Tormach Vertical Machining Centers (VMC)

Tormach 1500MX

Q: How much does the Tormach 1500MX cost?

The price estimate for the Tormach 1500MX is uncertain: we have no price for it that we can cite and no estimate we can stand behind, so we give no figure. Configuration, tooling, automation and installation move the final price substantially. A specific price can be requested at https://machinetoolindex.com/machines/tormach-1500mx#price; the request is passed to Tormach or an authorised dealer.

Specs verified 2026-10-04 · tormach.com Updated 2026-10-04

Tormach 1500MX CNC mill with enclosure and operator console

Image: tormach.com, Tormach

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

10,000 rpm

Spindle Taper

BT30 (sealed bearing)

Table Size

35 in × 12.75 in (0.9 m × 0.3 m)

Spindle Power

4 hp (3 kW) continuous

x axis travel

19.7 in (500 mm)

y axis travel

13.8 in (350 mm)

How much does the Tormach 1500MX cost?

Price estimate

Uncertain

We do not have a price for the Tormach 1500MX that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.

Overview

The Tormach 1500MX is the largest mill in Tormach's range and the only one built on an epoxy granite frame with linear rails. Travels are 19.7 in (500 mm) in X, 13.8 in (350 mm) in Y and 14 in (356 mm) in Z over a 35 in × 12.75 in (0.9 m × 0.3 m) table. The BT30 spindle is rated 4 hp (3 kW) continuous and 6 hp (4.5 kW) peak, with a speed range of 250-10,000 rpm.

Speed is what separates it from the rest of the line. Maximum feed is 1,200 ipm (30.5 m/min) in X and Y and 600 ipm (15.2 m/min) in Z, where the 1100MX tops out at 300 ipm (7.62 m/min) in X and Y. Tormach says the machine both rapids and cuts at up to its X and Y figure, which is what constant-engagement tool paths ask of a small machine. The axes are driven by servo motors with 23 bit absolute position encoders and battery backup, so there is no referencing to do after a power cycle.

The frame matters as much as the motors. Base and column are bonded epoxy granite castings, a material Tormach credits with ten times the damping of cast iron, and the ways are linear rails where the 1100MX has hand-scraped sliding ways. Every machine is ballbar tested. Watch the table load, though. The maximum is 300 lb (136 kg), less than the 500 lb (227 kg) of the 1100MX, so a rotary table plus fixture plus part needs adding up.

It is sold as a base machine with a long list of options. The 16-pocket automatic tool changer, the microARC 6 4th axis rotary table, the 36-gallon flood coolant tank, the wireless probe and tool setter, MQL and through-spindle coolant are all optional accessories; as delivered the spindle is only ready for through-spindle coolant. Installation needs single-phase 230 Vac on a 30A breaker with a NEMA L6-30P plug and air at 90-120 psi. A typical system measures 86 in × 104 in × 94 in (2.2 m × 2.6 m × 2.4 m) and weighs 2,800 lb (1,270 kg), and the crate has to be unloaded with a forklift or at a loading dock.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X Axis Travel	19.7 in (500 mm)
Y Axis Travel	13.8 in (350 mm)
Z Axis Travel	14 in (356 mm)
Distance Spindle Nose to Table	3.7-17.7 in (96-450 mm)
Table Size	35 in × 12.75 in (0.9 m × 0.3 m)
Max Table Load	300 lb (136 kg)
Spindle Motor Power	4 hp (3 kW) continuous
Spindle Power Peak	6 hp (4.5 kW) peak
Max Spindle Speed	10,000 rpm
Spindle Speed Range	250-10,000 rpm
Spindle Taper	BT30 (sealed bearing)
Thread Machining	Rigid Tapping
Max Feed Rate Xy	1,200 ipm (30.5 m/min)
Max Feed Rate Z	600 ipm (15.2 m/min)
Frame	Bonded epoxy granite base and column castings
Ways	Linear rails
Motion System	EtherCAT control system
Testing	Ballbar testing on every machine
CNC Control	PathPilot
Power Requirement	Single-Phase 230 Vac, 50/60 Hz, 30A breaker
Plug Type	NEMA L6-30P
Air Requirement	90-120 psi
Machine Dimensions	86 in × 104 in × 94 in (2.2 m × 2.6 m × 2.4 m) (typical system footprint)
Machine Weight	2,800 lb (1,270 kg) (typical system)
Shipping Pallet Weight	Factory Assembled: 3,210 lb (1,456 kg) / Self Assembled: 2,650 lb (1,202 kg)

Specifications sourced from tormach.com — verified 2026-10-04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Maximum feed of 1,200 ipm (30.5 m/min) in X and Y and 600 ipm (15.2 m/min) in Z, the fastest axes in Tormach's mill range
BT30 spindle rated 4 hp (3 kW) continuous and 6 hp (4.5 kW) peak, with a 250-10,000 rpm range and rigid tapping
Bonded epoxy granite base and column castings on linear rails, with ballbar testing on every machine
Servo motors with 23 bit absolute position encoders and battery backup, so the machine needs no referencing between power cycles
Runs on single-phase 230 Vac, so no three-phase supply is needed
Largest travels in the range: 19.7 in (500 mm) in X and 13.8 in (350 mm) in Y

Limitations

Maximum weight on the table is 300 lb (136 kg), lower than the 500 lb (227 kg) of the smaller 1100MX
Z travel of 14 in (356 mm) is shorter than the 16.25 in (413 mm) of the 1100MX
The 16-pocket tool changer, through-spindle coolant, flood coolant, probe and tool setter are optional accessories, not part of the base machine
A typical system weighs 2,800 lb (1,270 kg), and the crate must be unloaded with a forklift or at a loading dock
Needs an air supply at 90-120 psi as well as a 30A circuit with a NEMA L6-30P plug

Best For

High-feed aluminium tool paths at up to 1,200 ipm (30.5 m/min) Small production runs on BT30 tooling with the optional 16-pocket tool changer Shops limited to single-phase 230 Vac power Parts within 19.7 in (500 mm) of X and 13.8 in (350 mm) of Y travel Drilling work that will use the optional through-spindle coolant

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What are the travels and table size of the 1500MX?

X travel is 19.7 in (500 mm), Y is 13.8 in (350 mm) and Z is 14 in (356 mm). The table measures 35 in × 12.75 in (0.9 m × 0.3 m) and carries up to 300 lb (136 kg). The distance from spindle nose to table is given as 3.7-17.7 in (96-450 mm), which is the figure to check against the height of a vise, fixture or rotary table plus the tool.

02 What spindle does the 1500MX have?

A BT30 spindle with a sealed bearing, rated 4 hp (3 kW) continuous and 6 hp (4.5 kW) peak, with a speed range of 250-10,000 rpm. Rigid tapping is listed under thread machining. Tormach describes every machine as thru-spindle coolant ready, and sells through-spindle coolant itself as an optional accessory.

03 Does the 1500MX come with a tool changer?

Not as part of the base machine. Tormach lists a 16-pocket automatic tool changer (ATC) among the optional accessories, alongside the microARC 6 4th axis rotary table, a 36-gallon flood coolant tank and manual sprayer, an automatic enclosure washdown system, a wireless probe and tool setter, an MQL system and a mist collector. The machine-only configuration is the mill, stand and enclosure with the PathPilot operator console.

04 What power and air does the 1500MX need?

Single-phase 230 Vac at 50/60 Hz on a 30A breaker, with a NEMA L6-30P plug. Tormach's note to the power row says best performance is at 240 vac and that additional outlets may be required for optional accessories. Air is required at 90-120 psi.

05 How does the 1500MX differ from the 1100MX?

In frame, speed and spindle power. The 1500MX uses bonded epoxy granite castings and linear rails and feeds at up to 1,200 ipm (30.5 m/min) in X and Y; the 1100MX is a cast iron machine limited to 300 ipm (7.62 m/min) on those axes. Spindle power is 4 hp (3 kW) continuous here against 2 hp (1.49 kW) on the 1100MX. Both take BT30 tooling and reach 10,000 rpm. The 1100MX has more Z travel, 16.25 in (413 mm), and a higher table load of 500 lb (227 kg).