Hey guys,
I should clarify that approximate pricing is FOB port (not delivered to North America). There is a fair sized charge for that part too. And as we are finding out the amount can vary quite a bit with lots of fees and charges. If we do go this route, I plan on posting more info so that it's more clear.
I had thought of the "bigger door" option too, but I believe it's a non-starter. I don't think the landlord would appreciate it! I would also be a non-starter to intend to patch up a larger opening due to the construction of the building. We are ground floor (concrete), but the door we have now was an opening that was previously a window. It's not to say it couldn't be done (pretty much anything could be...), but it's a balance of cost and benefit. That would be large costs and would take out of the budget for other things.
The on it's side had also crossed my mind, but given the weights involved (for the big machines), again the costs/risks of such a thing made me put it aside quickly. If it was to get a large Chinese machine (like the 1325's) in then it would likely work due to the lower weight, but then that's just a bigger version of what we're looking at here and not a solid machine like that Thermwood.
And to your point Gerry about the older machines and maintenance, it's certainly a factor also. It's a common topic in discussions of lathes for example, get some old iron or a new asian machine. While mass/rigidity is important, it isn't the only factor. I went the Chinese route on that one myself (but a specific, heavy spec one) and I think it was the right decision.
I should also say that I don't see this as the end point but rather a step along the way. The primary use is going to be plastic and not huge volume. The aluminum work is really more R&D and low volume, a few parts a month. Any of these machines will cut aluminum, but it won't be quick in most cases!
We attended the CMTS show last month. Most of the gear there was specific for metal production, and that's what you need if you are going to jam out large numbers of metal parts. There was a DMG VMC there about the size of a car garage with a picture window on the side of it as big as the one in my living room machining a planetary gear about 2' across. Cool for sure, but way more than I need (and I don't have the millions required laying around!). But even the smallest of these are are way more of an investment than we are talking about here and start to come up as limited in terms of capabilities (part size/work area).
Anyway, more to come as we continue on this!
Thanks,
-Gord