Hi and welcome.

You are right in thinking that a good spindle is essential for your work. We have a 3040 with the DC spindle and it has blown up. See if you can get a 3040 with a water cooled spindle. That will do aluminium if you take small cut at a time and go quick.

If you have the extra cash have a look at a 6040 with the larger spindles too.


Now as for UK or China, my advice is anywhere in the EU. If you import from China you will have to pay VAT + the 3-4% import duties. There are a number of German sellers as well as UK based sellers. The UK ones may be Chinese outfits that have bonded stores in Portsmouth and can ship to you in 5 day with free postage. I have 3 machines purchased this way and DHL deliver very quickly.

Best of luck.

George