First, I have a small machine shop with manual Bridgeport, 13 x 40 lathe, surface grinder plus other grinders, welders, etc. However I just recently purchased a new Super X3 and I must tell you that the learning curve of
CNC is pretty steep but interesting.
Basically, the X3 is a pretty good piece of equipment. However I still have a couple of items that are causing problems. First, the panic button doesn't work for some reason. It's not the button as the contacts are doing what they are supposed to do. This is a very important item especially when you see that the cutter is going to crash into the vise etc.
Secondly, the motor doesn't always start when it is supposed to. The result of this is if you have a small end mill in the machine and it feeds down into the work piece, then starts to move either x or y, that is the end of the tool. I have broken several so far. The motor is getting the start command and buzzes but doesn't turn, if I manually rotate the spindle a few degrees it will run.
Thirdly, I wouldn't recommend using a laptop to run the machine. There are older desktop machines available used that will do as good or better. I purcahsed a used laptop for the purpose but am now using an old desktop that someone gave me.
When Richard gets back from China, I'm sure he will be able to address my problems.