I cut D2 tool steel and aluminum ALL the time on my VM-22, it runs like a champ!
I was told the Box ways dampen the vibrations better but they also wear out quicker, the linear ways are easy to replace if you ever wear em' out. I think if you check the website, the box ways don't have nearly as fast rapids or feeds. (Going by memory, haven't checked lately.) I wouldn't think twice before buying the same exact one I have. BTW, something to keep in mind, Milltronics have one MAJOR advantage over Haas and Fadal, you can put WAY oversized pieces inside the cabinet and still cut it. I have 22 inches of Y travel and just got done milling a part that was 40"x32+" I had to flip it but there was ample clearance inside the box to clear the castingsm etc. This is a very real consideration if you do oversize work ever. I know for a fact Fadals won't do that and on the older Haas models, didn't some have a way cover that slanted up in the back preventing overhanging work?
Just my thoughts, I agree with your assessment on the standard features being more economical on the Milltronics. (They're VERY user friendly too if you plan on training new employees in the near future.)
Wahoo! My 100th post and my 30th birthday all in the same week!
Later...
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