[kstrauss]

A couple of points:
The Tormach website removed all references to providing Mach3 on new machines at least a year ago. In fact, did the 440 ever ship with Mach3?

The PDB and ATC for the 440 were released fairly recently and well after the demise of Mach3.

The lack of thrust bearings sounds a poor design decision. On the other hand, 440 manuals are online so perhaps their careful study is a good idea for a potential purchaser.

I wouldn't expect anything other than a hobby machine for the price of a basic 440. Consider that many people (including me) make commercial use of a 770 or 1100 but most would describe them as hobby or light industrial machines.

[samco]

There are thrust bearings. They are integrated in the stepper motor. (User adjustable I seems). And as you say - it is in the manual. (Starting on page 156).

The lack of thrust bearings sounds a poor design decision. On the other hand, 440 manuals are online so perhaps their careful study is a good idea for a potential purchaser.