CNC-Step High-Z S-400 or Marchant Dice MDL-2-TR ?

[No1_sonuk]

I'm looking into buying a machine, and have narrowed my choices to these:

Marchant Dice MDL-2-TR (This is hardware, motors, controller, software, etc.)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=220347108333

(They will supply with 100mm Z-axis, extended rails, and a 4th axis, with motor, for extra)

or CNC-Step High-Z S-400
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=260279773244


What I'm after doing with it is modelling in plywood, making PCBs, panel cutting/engraving, and possibly doing some work in aluminium.

The CNC-step works out about GBP1000 more expensive when a router is added, but it looks to me like it might not be as rigid -
Examination of the photos shows the High-Z S-400 Z axis is only attached to the Y axis at the bottom - kind of letting looks override function.

Any advice?