i have two camasters, all machines are different as to what an owner wishes to use it for and specs are all over the board. as you said you are doing extensive research so i am sure this is not new to you, i spent 4 months just finding level between all the different manufacturers. my x3 508 was 28.000 and the single head camaster 408 with a 5 hp columbo was 19.500 i have added my own vacuum on both tables. i use cabinetparts pro and aspire for machining and cabnetware for design (i have had it since 97) there is an owners forum at
www.camheads.org
i would call joey he is an awful nice fellow
the machines are overbuilt for thier size and for the money and class of machine there is not another this heavy, it certainly does not stand second best to any, if you want i can show you mine online
jim