Re: Chinese Lathes.

Hi Terry, List,

Maybe it's because one built a low cost CNC, from plans or one's own
ideas, then it is to be expected that there will be limitations, and
possibly less then acceptable commercial performance (and a lot
cheaper!).

However, if you buy a "commercial" machine, and you find out it is not
quite square, cheaply made, etc, you would be disappointed!

OK, let's say I bought Sears (an example). I know that their tools (got
my Sherline mill and a EMCO 5" lathe from them, years ago) will be top
quality, and they will stand behind them.

If I buy an Asian import from XYZ, and it's junk, I'm disappointed
(mad)! Now I should have known if I paid less, there's probably a
reason, but they may look almost the same (as a European model, for
example), and *I* can't tell from the "pictures" and claims for the
machine (I'm a novice). I simply CAN'T get a good idea of the "quality"
to expect (and it sounds like it varies).

If I BUILD a machine, and it doesn't meet my expectations, then I can
blame myself. If it's someone else's plans, I'd be inclined to blame
them, but I might have a better idea studying the plans, if a machine
would meet my goals (maybe not!). Also, the machine would more likely
be "overbuilt", compared to an import (more metal, better job on making
parts, QA).

Does this make sense? Now what *I* would like is to LEARN enough so
that I can evaluate "those machines" better, and make intelligent
choices. Otherwise, my thought is to pay a little more (was Sears?),
until I have reached that level.

Alan KM6VV


hexagon@... wrote:

>
> ---Why is it that a list that is based on low cost nc building, the
> cheaper the better, where Dremel's held by hose clips to wooden
> brackets are acceptable yet affordable equipment from Asia is not?
> I played the "air guitar" to the Ventures when I was a kid and grew
> out of it.
> Terry