I'm shopping VMCs in the $15-20K range for a prototyping shop. Want a toolchanger and will be working primarily in Al and 300 series stainless. I also need the option to leave the sides of the enclosure open so I can do work on one end of a long workpiece (doing small features the ends of, say, 16' long aluminum extrusions). Vertical capacity shouldn't be an issue, and relatively short X/Y travels shouldn't kill me either. I'd like a machine made in, say, the last 15 years, and should be in very good condition.
Most importantly, it can't be too heavy. I'm bringing it up a freight elevator that will top out in the 5000lb range. It also needs to be able to fit through an opening 7' wide and 7'-6" tall.
I'm currently looking at a pair of Kitamuras - a 1996 Mycenter 0 and a 1997 Mycenter 2X. They're both local (Long Island NY), which is good.
Anyone have any thoughts? Much appreciated.
Spencer