I've run both the 2 and 3 axis CNC versions of Southwestern Ind. Trak control. In reality the control is the same as the control used on the BP conversions. Generally I like the Trak control as it is a pretty simple to use CNC. It has a couple of quirks but then just about every system does. It allowed the importing of CAM files for more complex stuff but for most CNC operations it really easy to learn. Now the Trak bed mills the heads do rotate on an axis parallel to the machines Y axis. So tramming has to be done occasionally. IMO the tables are longer than you need for most jobs so they do have a problem with table sag but not as bad as a BP. Cast Iron isn't that expensive so I have a hard time seeing why they did not make the bed wider than it is. Although looking at their website I see they now have the bed mills in 2 sizes http://www.southwesternindustries.co...bedmills.shtml.
In reality for the most part I have found that 2 axis CNC mills are generally more usefull than 3 axis unless one is involved in contouring type 3D work or you have a number of repetitive pocketing operations.But then I really don't have the experience in mold or die work to go by. These machines however are no replacement for a true CNC machining center*
*Trak for a few years was offering a model that was billed as a second operation mill. Similiar to the Hass Mini-Mills http://www.haascnc.com/details_VMC_NEW.asp?ID=39 with a table around 14" square and 3 axis. We tried to get them to buy one at work as it took a really small footprint as far as floor space was concerned and a lot of our stuff wasn't that big that it required a larger table.
Amatuers cut gear teeth one at a time. Professionals generate them via gear hobbers and shapers