Im in the uk. Purchased one of the originals in 2021.
Shipping: comes in two parts. 1F then UK customs. The former everyone feels the latter was much longer than i anticipated. I think it was kicked around in Heathrow airport for at least a couple of weeks.
Tax: well get the latest import info from uk.gov website; its a shocker. Or do as i did and be damned and pay whatever it is.
I really like my 1F, no regrets. I mulled over a Shapepoko.
1F Support is great, the forum is funny and supportive if a little light on diversity, but thats not 1Fs issue.
I’d never used a CNC before but I found the original 1F a breeze to setup once i had made a table, but the 1F is damn heavy. My first table wasnt a good one, but good enough to get started.
Dont sweat getting the perfect setup at the start. Just jump in and learn.
1F is easy. Modelling and CAM paths is the tricky piece.