I've been lurking for quite a while and am looking to take the plunge and buy a mid sized milling machine. I have limited access (Im in a different department) to a very well equipped machine shop that has somewhat skewed my expectations. (Bridgeports, H.H. Roberts CNC, and Haas VMC's.)

I am looking for input on which style of machine and the best source. I want to work in both aluminum and mild steel to fabricate parts for around a small farm (tractor bits etc) and ultimately build a 5x10 CNC router. I may also CNC convert the mill.

The issue, as always, come to cost/value. The machines at House of Tools are $700-1200 more than equivalent machines at Grizzly (I am in Vancouver and can I can pick up from either retailer). I can also import the machines directly from China for 500-700 less than Grizzly prices but am loosing any post sales support. The wild card is the IH mill but I think shipping would make it prohibitive.

I am looking at either a RF45 or ZAY7550 style machines. Below are some of the options I am considering. Any thoughts or input?

RF45
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Industrial Hobbies 12Z
http://www.industrialhobbies.com/

House of Tools FRV 30-GH-45M
http://www.houseoftools.com/product.htm?pid=169868

Grizzly G0484
http://www.grizzly.com/products/9-x-...th-Stand/G0484

Direct Chinese Import (CHIZHOU HOUSEHOLD MACHINE TOOL)
http://www.czjyjc.com/en/news_detail...111283&id=1309

ZAY7550
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House of Tools FRV 30-ZX7550W
http://www.houseoftools.com/product.htm?pid=198686

Grizzly G3617
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Hori...cal-Mill/G3617

Direct Chinese Import (CHIZHOU HOUSEHOLD MACHINE TOOL)
http://www.czjyjc.com/en/news_detail...111283&id=1298