I was told when we bought our Mini Mill last year that the chip auger was not necessary. "Most people don't buy them because the machine doesn't make that many chips." That's what the manager for the local HFO told me.
Yeah right!!! Some times I have to dump the ship bucket 2 times a day!!! And we only run 8 hours a day!!!
My 2 cents: If you are buying a Mini Mill, and plan on using it for production, get the auger.