Did you every fix your surface finish problems you mentioned in this thread:
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/showthread.php?t=138345
That crack could certainly contribute to problems with surface finish.
Bummer about the crack. Hope Grizzly does you right.
Yes it could on really large cuts but probably only to the same degree that a fly heats up the room it flies around in. The real danger is the crack could continue till it goes all the way through. Then you got a problem.
Those PM guys are nasty at times. I think many of them have not had their morning coffee when they start posting. Still, most over there are wonderful people just like here on CPF. CNCzone is better moderated.
Cheers
Dave