Independent VMC Acquisition Consulting Service for Small/Mid-Size Shops
The customer is looking to invest $50,000 in a VMC and has had some rough experiences with Haas—frequent breakdowns and overpriced parts. They're on the hunt for better options, which really underscores the need for impartial, expert guidance when buying big-ticket machinery. A consulting service could be a game-changer for small to mid-size shops by:
- Evaluating their specific machining needs and budget.
- Offering a detailed comparison of suitable VMC brands, both new and used, with a focus on reliability, parts and service costs, and the quality of support.
- Helping with sourcing and negotiation.
This kind of service would cut through brand bias and help avoid expensive mistakes.
Origin Reddit Post
r/machinists
50k to spend on a small to mid size vmc . What would you buy ?
Posted by u/No_Razzmatazz5786•06/05/2025
I’m familiar with haas machines but to be honest I haven’t had good luck with them. Lots of breakdowns and overpriced parts. What have you guys had good luck with ?
Top Comments
u/EffectiveExact4128
I would look into Mazak’s Ez line of machines if I were in your position. Looks like they no longer have the prices on their website, but they are built to compete with Haas.
Smart is anothe
u/tripledigits1984
Older Mazak VCN 430 or VCS 430 > New Haas TM for the $. You also can get a chip conveyor vs the Haas auger
u/No_Razzmatazz5786
I don’t know much about hurco stuff. Parts and service support ok? Can you talk to someone in America if you need troubleshooting help?
u/dickfoure
I'll vote for this as well.
u/broken_soul696
On the opposite side, the build quality on brand new Mazaks leaves a bit to be desired. We have 2 at my shop that are brand new, QT250 and QT350MSY, both have had some issues. QT250 had a mai
u/DarkIronBlue360
CanCam CNC just introduced a VMC lineup between 20k and 60k CAD depending on your requirements.
u/Terrible_Ice_1616
Yes - their support is why I'm always recommending them to ppl - we have a 20 y/o hurco, and they got on a video call to walk me thru re-timing the tool changer when we had an issue; they did
u/Sidewinder129
We bought a used doosan DNM 5700 for less than 50k, but I can’t remember how much. It’s been a beast and constantly outperforms our HAAS machines. Every time I run it I’m impressed. I haven’t
u/HardTurnC
Depends what does your work look like small or big shop or just a owner operator situation. If i was just for me I'd get just a higher end tormach and use the extra cash to go on vacation. Fo
u/jermo1972
I've got a FADAL 4020 for sale, 2003, good condition, CAT 40 Tooling, 4 Vises.
Works great.
Arizona location, $10,000,.
You handle rigging.
u/Terrible_Ice_1616
I would cosign this as well if it's in good shape - we've got an 01 fadal and that thing is a trooper. It won't hold the tightest tolerances, but as long as you're aware of its shortcomings y
u/Terrible_Ice_1616
Used Hurco VM1
u/theonlybay
We have a shop full of Haas and one Mazak that we bought on a whim. The Mazak we have had for 10 years and have never had to place a service call.. not a single one.
u/OpaquePaper
Lol they're not that cheap I just priced and 120k was "cheapest"
u/One_Car_142
Kira KPC30b. Still my favorite machine in the shop despite being the oldest and least capable.
u/OpaquePaper
430 and 410 is what i have beyond amazing!