[rc-monster mike]

I don't own an x3, but I have owned an extended x1 and I currently own a Taig (and a Minitech). The taig IS horizontal milling capable(quite easy to do), and you can also put a taig lathe chuck on the spindle in horizontal mode and you have yourself a cnc chucking lathe as well. The Taig is superior in quality to the x1 Seig I owned hands down. I have read that the x3 is a far superior machine as well, but I would bet the Taig would have better overall quality, though it is MUCH less machine. Also, if you are planning parts within the "work cube" of the Taig and milling with small bits, the Taig has the huge advantage of much higher rpms. No doubt the x3 can remove material at a much faster rate, but if the parts are small and require small bits, the Taig's spindle(with 1/4HP motor) can spin over 3 times faster, making it far more ideal. The taig has very limited z clearance, which is a detriment when trying to drill a part while in a vise for instance, but otherwise is a nice and versatile machine - and quite accurate when adjusted properly.