Well, I can't talk you out of it, because I just put a down payment on mine... :whistle:
While everyone's requirements and desires are different, I'll share why I went ahead and picked this over the others I was looking at.
Size and weight:
This thing basically has the X, Y and Z travel (26", 12" and 22") of a small BP or other small knee mill with a 10x40 table, but without the extra weight. At the hobby level, everything is a trade off (well, for most of us). For some it's size, others weight, for some it's both. I fall into the latter category. But...this machine is also the basis for their $10k CNC mill that, according to one I spoke with, functions fine in a full production environment. I won't stress this machine anywhere near that hard, so until proven otherwise I am not worried about capability or longevity.
Availability of proven upgrades:
This machine in it's CNC form is pretty impressive. And most of those upgrades can be applied to the manual version. I paid for the 3 HP sensor less vector VFD which provides good torque across the entire rpm range of 0-3600 rpm. Planned future upgrades will include the one-shot oiling system which only requires that I drill and tap a few holes. The oil paths are already there because this is the base machine for their CNC mill. Really cool. I will also add a X-axis power feed later as if I ever have to crank back and forth through 26" on X I will build some rather massive forearms... They also offer things like a quick change tooling system and a NT30 spindle, but I doubt I'd ever need that. But then I also said some time ago that I'd never need a machine this large too... The last thing I might put in would be their two-speed pulley system, but as they have hardened steel gears in the head, I'll just see how they (gears) do for a while before I make a decision in this regard.
Custom stand:
Two stands are options, one that has wheels and one that doesn't. Either can be built to your specifications for no extra cost. I ordered the wheeled one at plus 4" of height. Really cool...
Larger head to column interface:
This thing is just plain massive. It will better distribute load across the column and 'should' enhance rigidity. It has to if it's being used in a production CNC environment. Or at least that's my reasoning.
Just my $0.02,
Bill
EDIT: I can't speak to the wise part...
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Just googled them as i hadnt heard of the company, it has a realy wide table for its size, ive always wondered how that stands up to heavey stuff on the table.
Stuart
According to the GM, it will handle up to 500 lbs on the table.
Bill