diyengineer,
Thanks for the response, I have been checking out your suggestions and looking over the CNC modification in Hossmachine's thread too. After viewing a couple videos of the setup I think I would really feel better buying the CNC system already installed, pretty much ready to go.
Are the Shopmaster machines usually regarded as junk as machines? Lots of slop or bad tolerances, weak frame/chassis, etc.?
For the Lathe/Mill combo with 4 axis CNC, no gearbox/VFD 2x1HP, a couple vices, mounts, and about 16 carbide bits/tools the price is still only around $4,000 plus freight. But I don't want to buy into that and find it a total POS. I found some absolute hatred for this machine over at practical machines forums so that has me worried...