If space is not an issue, maybe you can look into a VF1. It will give you an extra 6" of Z travel and I think the Mini/SMini series has weldment bases vs cast iron bases for VFs. It's been a few years, but I too looked at a Mini vs a VF and decided that VF comes with more standard features that are optional on the Mini and if you add up all the VF standard options the price of a mini is comparable to a VF. . . but it's been a few years so I don't know if that is still true.
I think the Haas probe package are great and better than what other manufactures are offering. I even ordered it on a SR-100 that doesn't list it as an option. It cost a little more for a ISO30 holder and to field install it, but it's still worth the price.
HSM is an option I did order but wonders about. The specs on the controller is not as transparent as the mechanical specs. The HSM description of today is the same as it was back in 06'. However, I would imagine a current controller without HSM will probably perform better than a 10 year old machine with HSM. Based on what I read, I know there is at least one generation controller difference between my 06' machine and today's machine. I also wonder how Haas can compete technologically with dedicated control manufacturer like Fanuc & Siemens but I haven't read any complains about Haas controller being inferior in any way. So, I will just keep on enjoying Haas ingenuity.
I don't have through coolant but I remember people mentioning TSC being absolutely necessary in production environment. . . . luckily my machine sits idle most of the time so I don't have to regret not having TSC.
I did order the Ethernet/HD along with 16MB option back in 06' when the alternative was either floppy or RS232. It wasn't cheap but it made file transfer and management a lot easier. However, I skipped both options on the SR-100 because I think with USB being standard it's hard to justify paying that much money for Ethernet/HD and the extra 16MB option.  |