I didn't mention previously, but my future upgrades are the one-shot oiling system, a power feed for the X axis, and the 2 speed belt drive. Don't know if CO has the gears ground, but they are hardened.
I am hoping that because they use this machine as the basis for their CNC machine, that there won't be any problems with the ways. We will see. I also don't believe IH was doing all the quality inspections that CO is doing. Again, the proof will be in the machine I receive. Of note is the PM 932: It is the same basic machine as the RF and people here are not screaming that the machine is junk.
I too am just looking for a decent quality machine in this price range, but I was initially drawn to the CO by the Y axis travel. Tired of machines with a 9" wide table and 7 or 8" of travel in Y. Seems kinda stupid (to me).
If all goes well, I will get a machine with the capacity of a small knee mill (table size, axis travel) but without all the bulk of a 1500-2500 lb. machine. Of course this also means this machine will not be a rigid as a full blow knee mill (I do not have that requirement in a hobby mill), but I can at least roll it up a ramp on a moving truck. Always tradeoffs...
Bill
P.S. I'll let you know the make of the VFD and motor when I get the machine.