Just to reinforce Chris's suggestion, you can get more machine by going used. It is something to consider. In any event if you are to machine steel with any rapidity you will need the largest machine you can afford. Your experiences with the schools CNC'ed Bridgeport will not transfer to the smaller machines well.
That is not to say that you can't machine steel with an X3 as you most certainly can. The problem is that it will be a much slower effort. Of course with a CNC'ed machine this doesn't mean much from the fatigue standpoint.
Interesting that you are starting out with a Mill. I was very young when I got my first drill press also. That stayed in my parents garage for a long time and I still have it. Unfortunately I went cheap at the time so it has never been a really good drill press, but I do have a project in the back of my mind to upgrade it to be a much more useful machine. sounds like you are on the right track though with regards to going with a mill first. Seems to be a good fit for your interests.
Dave  |