Thanks for the info guys! After DH's comments in another thread about biting the bullet and getting a used Haas, I have been researching them and managed to stumble across a pair of 1991 VF-1 machines that appear to be in good condition for $7500 each (originally for sale at $15K, been discounted to move out).
My biggest concerns were power requirements (I am working out of my house right now) and if I had to buy an industrial-strength compressor to support it.
The only other big thing is maintenance - anyone have a suggestion as to what to budget annually for maintenance on an older Haas mill? What do typical machine shops budget for that kind of expense? Anyone have an idea what service contracts tend to run from Haas?
Just trying to cover as many bases as possible before possibly pulling the trigger on a 6500-lbs shipment landing in the middle of my garage floor!
Thanks!
-R