I am pretty sure teh spindle cover has a interlock. It seem a few of the first machines they sold may have had trouble with this switch not working and this is what I remember it from. Of course they took care of the problem.
It would be best to post this in the Tormach section of the forum. You can get any info you need on the machine when you post there. But I will say this, there is no way the Tormach is going to compair to a Haus Mini mill. Your talking about a m,achine that is three times the price.
Now that doesnt mean the Tormach will not do the job your wanting it to do, but that just the Haus is a much better machine, and it should be for the price. The Tormach is very good for its price. But it is what it is.
To even consider compairing these two machines together kinda implies you might need to understand more about there capabilities, and your needs in a machine. ANyway post in the Tormach section and you will find the info you need.
Jess
GOD Bless, and prayers for all.