[deanler]

I'm about to go ahead and buy a kx1... everything I've read seems to be good but I need some real world expierence from people who own one or have used one.. For another 1500 dollars is the kx3 worth it for an inch more travel?

[sansbury]

I've considered a KX-1 but mainly because I don't have room for a KX-3. I think it adds a lot more than an inch of travel.

One thing I like about my X2 DIY conversion is the ability to use Tormach Tooling System quick-change adapters. Now that I have a pneumatic drawbar (based on the Hoss design) I can switch tools in seconds--I can't tell you how nice that is. If you have a lathe, you could probably make your own in 1/2" size or make depth rings for your most common tools. If you can easily make your parts with just one tool this isn't such a big deal.

[ihavenofish]

if you have room and money, get the bigger machine.

i have an early kx1, and its got many Z axis issues. the newer ones are better, but the Z saddle is still a bit too short and with the ball screw in the back it causes a lever effect when the z axis changes direction.

other than that, its a rather decent and capable machine if its all you have room for.