Lads
I believe what i read from all that was being written and offered was a classic case of " Quod erat demonstrandum" from there perspective, it worked for them and they were willing to share there opinions and proofs.
Here's mine, I don't like the MT system because what has already been stated but i over come it who care's, i have even stuck fag papers over the little buggers to stop the slip, my point is i have to work with what i have and so do allot of other people, so MT tapers in my book is a negative.
R8 is a great system, its one of a few designs that work as it should and designed for, its very common globally which makes tooling reasonably priced, saying that i believe in the UK its harder to find machinery which accepts R8 arbors, and the OP is from England so that is a consideration. so R8 is a positive in my book.
ER system, have no idea so i have no comment.
I think its a duty for the experienced members of our club to give a major consideration in what its like to Be new in this hobby and how much of a major disadvantage it is, they have no concept in what it takes to machine even the most simplest of jobs, they don't realize the difference of a column mill/driil or knee fixed head v-way system because they have never done it, they have no clue what a QCTP has to offer over a lamppost design blaa blaa and so on.
90% of the members on this forum do a smashing job in sharing there wealth without being condescending, I have over the years of being a member here have noticed talented people explain the simplest things to novices where suddenly the light bulb ignites, when most people of knowledge here answer to a posting they understand the OP skill level and advise accordingly. I read this on this post.
The OP is new, he is asking opinions to which he received, what ever road he chooses he will never be satisfied with his purchase because through his own learning curve his acquired knowledge will have advanced and problems with tooling, accuracy, reliability will surface to a level he does not know right now, there is no substitute for hands on experience he will surly find this out i wish him luck, my advice is stick with it as it is a very rewarding hobby.
So now you know where i am coming from i will sum up.
Fergus, although i find your postings interesting i sometimes squint to find a hint of useful information, i know you have allot to offer try to de-clutter it.
Miner, like i stated the op is new, I doubt he is concerned in making the balls in an angular contact race square, the guy just want to buy a milling machine.
Happy Days........ Anthony.