Is the base of the x3 a problem?

[phantomcow2]

I am looking to buy the Sieg X3 within a month, but want to scrutinize everything I can first so I know exactly what I am getting. It was mentioned here a while ago that the dovetails on the base look weak. I've seen other images, and there does not appear to be much dovetail contact area. The base overall looks sub-par for a mill of this size in my opinion. It looks like my X1's entended base has more contact area. My question is, is this concern necessary? Or is it not a problem?

[JFettig]

when I read that the first time, I agreed, but now I dont so much. they arent necessarily as rigid as they could be, but if you look at the saddle, thats not any better even if it is as good. Basicly I dont think its an issue, even though it doesnt look too rigid, its probably not the weakest point.

I would have liked to see the handwheel stationary like a normal machine though.

I too am looking into buying one in about a month, mostly for manual opperation.. or at least till I find some brushless drives for my bushless servos.

Jon

[phantomcow2]

I think the saddle looks pretty good for its size. If I ever feel courageous, I may order some steel through work and use their CNC mill to make a new base if I find this one to be problematic. Nobody has really complained about it, so I will have some faith in the machine.
As for me, I want to keep it manual for while, as I gradually gather parts to CNC it.