I am considering getting a TZ or TOM, and wondered if the net-net outcome of finding a working but routed machine and swapping in a new REPRO PF would be significantly less $ than the $7k or so I would spend to find a unit in great condition? Half of me wants to explore what a full PF swap is feels like, and the other half of me does NOT want to spend 200(?) hours enjoying that adventure. If the difference is a couple of thousand dollars, then perhaps its worth it. But if its a wash on pricing, I would be happy to save the 200 hours.

Thoughts?

That is how I was leaning. I have this fantasy that I will find a pizza shop with an unplugged TZ or TOM sitting in the corner that I can buy for a song, and then swap the PF myself. I think that dream is fading fast.... but there is something so 'solid' about the 90's vintage machines compared to NIB.
I have TOTAN-1995 and JP-2020 and they really feel so vastly different. I will probably never part with either (but there is room for a third!) LOL

Dream fading...

I saw a TZ at a local small restaurant near me in March which started this whole thought. Here it is 8 months later and it is still sitting in the same corner, COVID took care of that. Perhaps a call to the owner to squash this fantasy for good. Maybe cash flow would be a motivator for him...

Thanks everyone for their input. The comment about machines sitting in public view really reasonates and probably means folks have taken a run at it lots of times. I will keep my eyes open for a reasonable quality TZ or TOM machine and just tune it up as needed.

Have a great Thanksgiving all!