I've gone and done it.

[lloyd-ss]

I was looking at the G0704,  and the G0463 which is $155 more expensive.  I am having trouble figuring out the substantive differences.  I think the 463 has a heavier column, but the table and table travel are actually smaller.  But the 463 weighs about 155 lbs more, depending on where you look on the grizzly site.  I think the weight of the stand is included in the shipping weight of the 704.
Any insight? 
I have a G1005Z right now and moving the head up and down is such a pain if you have to do it in the middle of a set-up, 'cause you have to re-establish the XY zero.  I think I have someone who wants  my G1005Z, and that could give me chance to get something with the moveable Z.

All suggestions are welcome.
Thanks,
Lloyd

[Rescue35]

The 463 is also called the X3...big brother to my X2 and made by the same company, "SEIG".

If I had to chose between the two I would go for the 704. I haven't heard of anyone regretting theres. From what I have read it is generally considered a step up in size and quality over the 463. The 704 also just looks like it was designed better. The 463 looks like half of it was made as an after thought.

Both are easily (relativly) converted to CNC if you ever want to step into the darkside of machining.

[lloyd-ss]

Excellent!  That is exactly the info I was looking for. Now I need to finish convincing ny buddy that he "needs" my G1005, which, honestly, he really does.

Both are easily (relativly) converted to CNC if you ever want to step into the darkside of machining.

Now that is unfair.  I just retired as of 2 days ago (    YEA  !      ) and I am a sucker for a dare.  I was doing manual G-code programming 30 years ago and lovin' it. Punch tape and "real" floppy disks,  maybe 8" in dia?
I have a copy of Alibre modeling SW that I have never learned to use, so now is the time!  Life is good!

[ZipSnipe]

I agree with Rescue, the 704 is my favorite. I like the travel and the look.  But the x3 has a proven track record in accuracy . That extra beef comes in handy when doing precision work.

[Rescue35]

  I just retired as of 2 days ago (    YEA  !      ) and I am a sucker for a dare.  I was doing manual G-code programming 30 years ago and lovin' it. Punch tape and "real" floppy disks,  maybe 8" in dia?
I have a copy of Alibre modeling SW that I have never learned to use, so now is the time!  Life is good!

Congratulations on retiring. It will be interesting to see what you churn up now that you are not distracted with a "job". Especially if you get some new tools!

[strever]

Ditto
what he said

  I just retired as of 2 days ago (    YEA  !      ) and I am a sucker for a dare.  I was doing manual G-code programming 30 years ago and lovin' it. Punch tape and "real" floppy disks,  maybe 8" in dia?
I have a copy of Alibre modeling SW that I have never learned to use, so now is the time!  Life is good!

Congratulations on retiring. It will be interesting to see what you churn up now that you are not distracted with a "job". Especially if you get some new tools!

[lloyd-ss]

Thanks guys.  Let me unwind the last 40 years first, LOL.
Lloyd

[Rescue35]

OK, you can have until January 2nd...

Just kidding. Enjoy the retirement. That's what it is for. However, when you get bored, remember that you could be building spreadsheets.

[strever]

Lloyd
i got bored after 18 months of retirement
and made a big mistake
bought a job 
so do what you want and enjoy it

Merry Christmas
Dick

Thanks guys.  Let me unwind the last 40 years first, LOL.
Lloyd

[Rescue35]

I just noticed that this was moved to the "Simple projects" child gate after having been on the first page of the Machine Shop gate since February. It is becoming very confusing what belongs in this gate even after rereading the objectives for it.

As for an update on the mill. I managed to goof off most of the day. I did vacuum up the swarf but I still need to install the limit switches and find a permanent home for the control electronics.