Beginner CNC Mill Comparison

[Akash Rastogi]

I wanted to get a feel for who here on CD has used any of the following mills:

1) http://www.tormach.com/store/index.p...w&ref=PCNC1100

2) http://www.cncmasters.com/index.php?...ical-knee-mill

3) http://www.smithy.com/cnc/1240-mill/pricing#tab-2

4) http://www.microkinetics.com/express/

These are four we have narrowed down which are within our price range. We looked into used machines as well but I believe the school cannot allow us to do this.

Anyway, I was looking for feedback on any of these. I have been at CNCzone all day so I know that Tormach is favored by far among the three here. The CNC Masters machine only has an automated quill, so this only gives me limited travel, however the length of the bed is tempting.

Are Tormachs manufactured in the US? Does the quality of the machine live up to the hype? How easy is it to learn? Is setting up longer parts in multiple operations easy (drivetrain plates/tubes)?

I haven't seen much about the Smithy.

The MK seems ok but I haven't heard much else about them on CNCZone.

Advice and feedback is much appreciated for someone new to CNC machines.