I'd like to be under $10k including DIY or pro rigging, but I'd spend more if I found something with a sub/Y axis, etc.
Fanuc, because I can fix it and don't have the ability to learn a new control with all the things I'm forcing myself to learn at the moment. lol
I'd consider an older machine, as old as a 10T, if it was minty. Otherwise I'd prefer a 16i/18i/21i series control because I have two already and they have advanced spindle drive parameters so I can turn down the spindle accel to work on my power.
And gears. I like gears. Maybe newer machines don't need them, I know my big Leadwell doesn't have any gears, but it has an 80HP motor to make up for that. In my mind, a late 90's/early 2000's era machine with 2-3 gear ranges and 15-20HP would be good. The old Mazak I started with had a 0-500 low range and that was awesome for hogging at larger diameters. Couldn't really stall it.
I'm near Portland, OR so those are far from me. I could go as far north as Canada border, South to Sacramento and East to Boise.
The Blue and white Mori SL25 I'm going to call on tomorrow is minty and nearby. They want $22k and I doubt they'll take under $15k for it. I'm basically going to offer them a quick and easy $7500 and if not, no sweat.
This size lathe is not a big profit center for me, but I don't have anything between an 1-5/8 collet nose Hardinge and a Leadwell with a 5" through hole. Like having nothing between a 20 lb sledge and a tack hammer.
