One thing to consider is what others are doing with the mill. To that end if you cna get recent issues of MODEL ENGINEERS WORKSHOP {MEW} there is an intresting article in there with regards to modifications one individual is doing to the mill. The fact that this is a box column mill gives it certain advantages for some usages. You need to determine if those usages are in line with your needs.
Do consider that a CNC mill is not the same thing as a CNC router. A good CNC converson should be able to do things a reasnoably priced router can not do. That of course doesn't matter if what you are intrested will never involve CNC. If CNC is absolutely out of the question then I'd also consider RF type mills.
As to my personal opinion it has been a while since I've seen an X3, so obviously I'm not a user at the moment. But I will say the mill does have attractive features. I'd be more concerned about its disadvantages and how they apply to the work you expect to do on the mill. The mill isn't all that heavy if you take Griz'es shipping weight into consideration. This brings up the question of stiffness. Since there is a developing following with respect to the mill that doesn't seem to be an issue. I would expect it to be a considerable improvement over your current mill. It probably isn't the optimal machine to use if you are expecting to machine large steel or alloy objects with it.
I'd have to say that I'm impressed with the Mill, it is however not cheap. I'm thinking that for a few $100 more you could get a mill with more capability if you had a place to put it.
Dave  |