I was Googling Super X-3 and for some reason, hit this 'Super X-2'. The price is crazy, but the interesting thing is that the table is fixed and the column moves!
Is this really a stiffer arrangement?

It does seem to also do tapping like the Super X-3, and has more power than the vanilla X-3!

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Axminster-SIEG-Axminster-SIEG-X2-Super-Mill-715053.htm

Hi Digits,

Interesting design but is it CNC friendly?

First thing that comes to my mind is all the extra weight to move.

John

That's sweet looking! Nice solid column, I like that. It looks a lot more CNC-worthy than a typical X2.

is it free range ?

looks an odd way of dooing

is it free range ?

looks an odd way of dooing

:D If they're all paying Hugh F. Wit. £87.50 a chicken, that might explain why it costs more than an X-3! ;)

The moving colum design is actually fairly common in industrial machines - especially horizontal, but I'd be a little worried about moving on on dovetails.
My X'1's gibs only seem to be adjustable between siezed and wobbly - I imagine that any play at all would be maginified by the height of the column to a rather large error.

I wonder if they'll have one at the London Model Eng show next weekend at Ally Pally?

Check out this link to a fanstatic DIY moving column design:
http://www.diy600.net/

yup sitting next to 1/4 million £ worth hermle m/c centere right now
but that base looks a little er, little know what you mean about the x1
try delrin gibs :)