The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

[TSM2018]

ATC, suddenly became more affordable. I will check out the sawcreek mill forum this weekend for the post. I would love to get to the pro hobbyist level. If I am spending this kind of money, then I would buy the *New* Rose Engine with all the accessories. This kind of money is not in my budget.

[tomgardiner]

I know I'm too late to influence any decisions but I couldn't see the point of a table top machine. My wish list would be steel and lots of it. My machine is about 3000# and it still leaves traces of vibration with fast y-axis change in direction.
I wouldn't be without a vacuum pump - a quiet one. I am running a Busch oil type pump and still hold a conversation with it running.
I would like a push button spindle - wrenchs are getting old.
A removable section of table to expose a vertical machinists vise for vertical holding.
FMT's touch off z calibration has been flawless but is in a vulnerable position.
Optional dust boots: pressure foot small for detailed work large for larger cutters. Swing or slide away for access to the spindle.
Drilled and tapped table to accept fixtures.
One thing I don't like about the picture you posted was the long axis drive sits outboard which takes up real estate. In an ideal world that would be confined to the footprint of the gantry.

[tomgardiner]

One last thing. The one thing that influenced my purchase decision over all the others was the confidence that I would be making parts with just basic 2-4 hours of training. I had no experience with programming or tuning electronics. I know I paid a premium for that but it was worth it.
A concise training and reference manual along with a turnkey machine for woodworkers who would rather work wood.

[potzmannwoodshop]

My wish list would be steel and lots of it. My machine is about 3000# and it still leaves traces of vibration with fast y-axis change in direction.
I wouldn't be without a vacuum pump - a quiet one.

I would like a push button spindle - wrenchs are getting old.

Optional dust boots: pressure foot small for detailed work large for larger cutters. Swing or slide away for access to the spindle.

Drilled and tapped table to accept fixtures.

I have an older Machine, from the late 90's but it has all of these features. 10,000lbs of cast iron, 10hp becker vac pump, 10 position tool magizine with auto change, vacuum built in from the factory with auto dost boot height based on tool, vac table is set with 8mm tapped holes every 120mm. She mills up to 600IPM and rapids are at 20m/sec

Dont ignore older industrial machines. If you dont mind a steep learning curve they can provide more bang for your buck.

[IslaWW]

An update to this thread...the second machine is in testing and almost ready to go off to its new home. A little bit of test cutting first: https://youtu.be/LHKHqkKT4aA