This Thing documents the MachTach machine tachometer which was a product I used to sell. I have stopped selling MachTach kits so I am now making the design open source so that people can make their own tachometers. Please read the documentation for information on how the MachTach works, how to assemble it, and how to select and use various sensors. The MachTach works with IR, Hall Effect, and gear tooth sensors. The gear tooth sensor is supported for gears with up to 90 teeth.

Here's an overview The MachTach is a machine tachometer which is used to display the speed of any machine tool in revolutions per minute (RPM), surface feet per minute (SFM), or surface meters per minute (SMM). Machine tool speed is important because it determines how quickly you may remove material, the surface finish, and tool life. Speed or surface feet per minute should be chosen based on the material, cutting tools to be used, and surface finish desired. MachTach requires only a simple sensor to make its speed measurements.

This Thing includes 3D sensor housings, enclosures, and panel mounts. I have also supplied the PCB layout file for ExpressPCB, software, hex file, and the parts list.

I'm no longer providing PC boards or MachTach ICs. Al the information is here to create your own. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll help you out.

Update 9-9-2021: ExpressPCB which is an awesome company has provided me with the Gerbers for the printed circuit board. I have posted the Gerber zip file here which enables anyone to have boards fabricated by anyone you chose.

Update 10-18-2022: I just confirmed that for $80 you can order three MachTach PC boards from ExpressPCB.com shipped. It takes about 2 weeks to receive your boards. I've had quite a few requests lately. I tend to have boards when someone has asked for a larger quantity such as 10. I buy 20, fill the order, and then have some available for a few months. Right now I have zero boards. I wish this product were viable because I would love to be selling kits for $49 like the I did in MachTach's heyday. I will continue to answer questions and help you get parts such as the MachTach IC.

Update 3-14-2026 I've included a PCB layout for ExpressPCB for the half size module where the display and control parts are already split.