If you look you'll find posts on here by me about my cnc router. Nice router, good machine, just can't do what a vmc can do. So I just ordered a Haas TM-1P with HA5C rotary 4th axis and rigid tapping to replace it. It has been an interesting ride doing research on what I could possibly afford and what would fit in my garage.
I started looking into this about a year ago. Business has been good and orders are backing up, I decided automating more of my operations would be a big help. Besides using the router to do things fairly slow, that needed a lot of hand work, I am using a manual Bridgeport to complete a lot of parts and don't have that kind of time anymore. I started looking at Haas originally, got a little nervous about the price, then started to try to find "newer" used machines. Most everything is used industrial sized machines which my space can't handle. Used mini mills are not large enough and the haas tool room mills are far and few between; plus the older models don't have a full enclosure which I need in my small space.
The used prices I was finding for the select size of machines were getting pretty close to new and the machines were always some kind of compromise. A little to big, no 4th axis and the like. Another factor is I am no machine repair guy and don't want to waste alot of time and money with a new purchase sitting with me tryng to figure out what's wrong. So I decided I would research some of the smaller imported machines, I went round and round with the machine sizes and options till I finally decided to get some quotes. I got 3 quotes from the import people, names you would know and machines I read about on here, though occasionally, and they came in alot higher for what I wanted than the low advertised prices they post on their web sites. So after their quotes were received and in the process of reviewing them, I thought it would be a good idea to look at Haas again. I went on the Haas site, priced out the TM-1P with 4th axis and rotary and it ended up being only $900 more than the import. Woo, woo! American made quality, available parts and service when needed. I was an extremely happy camper. Called the dealer yesterday morning and they are running a 5% sale till today! So a little sooner than I wanted, I placed the order and the check is in the mail.
Got a 6-7 week wait now but think I made the perfect choice. Will fit in my garage, do everything I want and what I can't spring for now I can add in the future.
Very happy.