Where should I by my first X3, and why? Some say Grizzly, others Harbor Freight, still others say Sieg. What should I do?

I don't think you can buy directly from Seig.

I believe your choices are Grizzly, Lathemaster, or Harborfrieght. I also think that Cummings carries the mill.

Anyway, the HF and Cummings appear to be the old model. Which has less z/x travel.

The grizzle and lathemaster, both appear to be the newer model which has around 15' x travel.

You need to decide if your willing to spend less money for less support. If you buy from harbor freight. You'll have whatever their exchange timer is... (30 days?)

Grizzly, gives a longer warranty. I think. You'll have to verify that.

As for lathemaster and cummings. I'm not sure.

Personally, I'd get the larger of the two. And Grizzly seems better known.

Additionally, if money is a factor. You can catch harbor freight's 20% off coupon and knock ~200 dollars off the price of the mill.

how do you get a hold of one of their coupons?

Join their mailing list...

http://www.harborfreight.com/

On the right side.. there is a link that says something about discounts/coupons.

Usually, about once a month they will send out a 20% coupon of a single item. Right now they are having a special on 6" digital calipers... for like 6 bucks.

Also you can look on ebay or here. Randomly, people will post/sell coupons.

Someone pointed out to me that you might be better off signing up for coupons on this website.

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/

Top of the page.