Hey guys, I've been shopping around for a CNC mill to add to my shop arsenal for a little while and have come to the decision that I would like to buy a Haas. I will most likely be purchasing new and was considering a few different machines.

The machines I was considering were the TM-1P, MiniMill 2, and the VF1 (this being at the very top of the budget). For now I will be doing some short run production and prototyping, but would like to get into bigger stuff later on. I would love to spring for the VF1, but would have to be very very convinced before that happened.

The main difference I'm seeing between the TM series and the MiniMills is the spindle lubrication, the TM's being grease packed and the MM's being oil mist. Is that going to make THAT much of a difference in the long run?

The options I am looking at are rigid tapping for sure (the VF1 comes with this), high speed machining, Renishaw probe (could probably deal with a 3D taster for $5k ), and possibly a chip auger.

Just give me you honest opinions guys!