I am in the market for a new vmc. It has no specific purpose and will be used for all types of jobs. Something in the 30 x 20 range with 8000-10000 spindle. I dont want a throwaway machine but I dont want to spend huge money. Because of the uncertainty of what jobs it will run, I want something very strong and rigid (heavy 10,000 lbs>). What do you all feel is the best bang for the buck?

By "strong and rigid" you have limited your choices to "box way construction" machines.
Machines usually priced somewhere in the $70k < range.
Fadal, Fryer, First, Kent, Cyclone
You want inexpensive Dalain (Chinese)
There will definately be others. Just a few I happen to know of

Thanks for your reply. That is the price range I am in. It doesnt have to be a box way machine. I would rather the repeatability. What do you think of Hurco's vmx line? I am also considering mazak and bridgeport. I know they are more money but, are the worth it over a hurco or a non Japanese made machine. Bang for the buck! If it costs 60,000$ for a machine that is going to last 5 years and 100,000$ for one that will last 10+ years, I would spend the 100,000$

Hurco's WinMax control looks GREAT for on-machine programming.
I have a lathe with FAGOR conversational control and it is superb (you can get these on VMCs as well).
The Fryer Anilam control looks really good.

I do mostly 1-offs, so for me a super quick-to-program control has HUGE value.

I have read some complaining about the Hurco machines in general on this forum.

I feel the Mazak is likely the highest quality machine out of the 3 you have mentioned.

If you get a mazak make sure you can make peace with mazatrol before you write the cheque!

ah, my biggest concern with mazak.