Howdy Gang,

Waddell here, longtime lurker, first time poster.

Looking to pull the trigger on a benchtop machine that will be cnc'd. I have a couple parts that I want to, medium quantity, mass produce that are the 23 to 26" length range.
My preference leans toward a larger table and associated travel (9 x 39") machine to do these in a single setup.

The (3) RF clones I mention are in the $2300+ range, bare bones.

I have an opportunity to obtain a Optimum BF46TC Vario clone aka Opti or TopTech here in the U.S. at a price significantly lower than what Grainer's basic BF46 is priced.
For those of you unfamiliar with the BF46TC, it comes standard with one shot oiling, pneumatic drawbar, ISO 40 spindle, 3hp spindle motor, CNC prepared etc.

A fair amount of time and $$$ could be expended to bring any of the RF clones on par with the Opti/TopTech. One question is: Is the BF46TC worth nearly twice the price of a bare bones RF and then having to bring it up to par?

One drawback with the BF46 is that it only comes with a smaller 33" table.

Is the quality of the BF machine and the equipment listed worth the money?

Ballscrews and control system are a moot point, they have to be purchased either way.

What would you do?

Thx,
Waddell.