We are through the holidays now, and I have received a new replacement machine from ShopSabre. It is installed and operational. Most of the downtime was shipping (close to a month sitting on trucks). The folks at SS needed my spindle and controller which added to the shipping time, but SS turned the new machine around and sent it out within a few days of getting my parts.
The new machine went in without a hitch, and works great. All of the problems appear to be gone (with the exception of a tool-changer that is sensitive to cold), and it cuts curves and circles beautifully.
When we couldn't get the machine to work right, ShopSabre came through and made things right. I am very happy with the new machine and the folks at ShopSabre. If you are going to bet your business on this kind of technology, it is nice to know the manufacturer cares enough to do the right thing.
Randy