Not really mass production but it would be frequently used. I'm aiming for a tabletop, but it makes me uncomfortable when a manufacturer calls their product a prototyping machine.

I think anything short of full size is going to be micky mouse for production. Pretty much all the tabletops just use collets directly in the spindle, which means your "production" job is limited to ONE tool....or you are forever re-settting tool lengths....

Are decent used full-sized available for less than $10k?

If you get lucky at an auction.....Otherwise no..

You cant even buy enough tooling to do a decent job for 10k lol

Lol, i didnt think so. I'll probably go with a benchtop since ill be doing alot of prototyping to begin with. Rob, you do training lessons?

Trying not to go too far off topic.... but Id like to add..

I saw this place on daily planet that I would love to invest in some day. It was a fully equipped shop for inventors and freelance machinist. Anyone with an idea.. could go in and create. Skilled machinist were on hand and It had somehgh end machinary! You paid by the hour or by the month to have axcess to anything in the shop. The owner wqs makin a killing.

This was in the states somewhere but I think in this day and age.. it would do good in a big city like T.O.

For "home" use, you don't need anywhere near the amount of tooling you are used to, and you would be amazed how cheap this stuff is in the US. How about a CAT40 end mill holder or collet chuck for $29. - $39.? Plus, you don't need to buy your tooling all at once.

I am guessing you will end up being disappointed with benchtop machine if you plan to do ANY production.

Back in 2006 when I closed the old shop, the auction company didn't advertise well, there was a poor turnout, and I had a beautiful early '80s Maatsura in awesome condition sell on me for $11k.

For my mid 80's Mori Seiki MV Junior (WITH 4th axis setup) I paid a little over 20k, but I was in need of a machine in a hurry, couldn't wait to find the right deal at auction...

The part I want to develop is 3x3x4 aluminum and essentially requires a 1/4 endmill, ball nose and port contour cutter so tooling costs aren't even an issue. Like you said, I do alot of shopping/ordering in the US and the most expensive tool (port contour) is ~$190.

I have been reading rave reviews about the Tormach 1100. Tormach 1100
1.5HP, R8, available 4th axis.

My one issue with older machines is the outdated electronics. I'm concerned about the system crapping out and replacing it. Although I love the fact that most of them come with handwheels. I don't know, perhaps my fears are misguided?

Your fears are legit. I am looking to replace my CNC lathe because electronics (axis servo control) crapped out, and replacement costs more than the machine is worth.

If you stick with a fanuc controller, and I would NOT go as old as 6 series, you SHOULD be OK to find spare parts.

That Tormach machine looks like a BIG step up from the tabletops I have seen, but I still question what sort of quick change tooling setup they have. Since they offer an optional tool changer, they must have some sort of a setup for an R8 spindle.

You MIGHT be able to find something similar in the way of a Bridgeport "style" CNC knee mill at an auction reasonably.

This is car porn talk because?

Because we're slowly overrunning your threads with slightly off-topic conversation, 1 by 1.

lol

Back on topic.

How are you guys making out with the LUBRIFILM?

sorry Rob....