I realized I should ask this in a more general sense. I am looking to buy a used machining center for about $10k - preferably newer than
1990. I do only aluminum - slotting, 2d contouring, drilling and tapping. This is for prototyping and small production runs (< 50 pieces). I need 15 to 20 inch on the Y, and 25 - 30 inch on x. Could anyone give me a pro and con comparison of different machines, with some idea of what may be needed in repair costs (mechanical items - spindle bearings, linear ways) as well as controller programming comparisons as well as the best machinery dealers?