I traded emails with Matt today and know they have 20s... have asked since whether 25s are also in stock.
For all of my current and immediately forseeable purposes, the smaller SX3 variants would serve me quite well. I just don't need bigger. However, once I really figured true cost for the 3960 with a z axis dro and tach and shipping, I'm at or over the PM20 shipped as currently priced and have a lighter, smaller unit with less capacity and travel. The PM unit gives me some room to grow at only the cost of some floor space.
As to 20 v 25, it comes down to space and maneuverability. My narrow shop is already a bit cramped (table saw, mitre station, wood lathe, grinder, dp, bandsaw, rollaround dust collector, benches) so I'll have to rearrange and, maybe, eliminate something. Good chance I'll eliminate the permanent mitre station and just create a mitre station I can setup and breakdown as necessary. I might have to limit myself to the 20 depending on "elbow room" and because the 35 lb savings might make future adjustments a hair easier. Again, since I don't really NEED the extra size and juice of the PMs right now, I don't consider that a huge sacrifice. Wish I could put the mill on wheels!
I do have some limited tooling already (end mills, setup blocks, clamps, vise, and measuring/setup stuff like a dial test indicator, machinist level and squares), but will need to order some collets and other items. I'll be working on that list this weekend, too, so feel free to throw out any suggestions. Again, I really appreciate your time and answersnto my questions... you've been a big help.
For all of my current and immediately forseeable purposes, the smaller SX3 variants would serve me quite well. I just don't need bigger. However, once I really figured true cost for the 3960 with a z axis dro and tach and shipping, I'm at or over the PM20 shipped as currently priced and have a lighter, smaller unit with less capacity and travel. The PM unit gives me some room to grow at only the cost of some floor space.
As to 20 v 25, it comes down to space and maneuverability. My narrow shop is already a bit cramped (table saw, mitre station, wood lathe, grinder, dp, bandsaw, rollaround dust collector, benches) so I'll have to rearrange and, maybe, eliminate something. Good chance I'll eliminate the permanent mitre station and just create a mitre station I can setup and breakdown as necessary. I might have to limit myself to the 20 depending on "elbow room" and because the 35 lb savings might make future adjustments a hair easier. Again, since I don't really NEED the extra size and juice of the PMs right now, I don't consider that a huge sacrifice. Wish I could put the mill on wheels!
I do have some limited tooling already (end mills, setup blocks, clamps, vise, and measuring/setup stuff like a dial test indicator, machinist level and squares), but will need to order some collets and other items. I'll be working on that list this weekend, too, so feel free to throw out any suggestions. Again, I really appreciate your time and answersnto my questions... you've been a big help.