Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Asian Import mills, EMCO, PRAZI, Myford, MOTORS

----- Original Message -----
From: Alan Marconett KM6VV <KM6VV@...>

> I appreciate hardware like EMCO, Myford and Sherline (shows my limited
> knowledge), so I'm still leery of the Asian imports. What is the
> principle problem with the imports?

You are asking the "Shall I buy a Ford, Chevy or Toyota" question. My own
biased opinions follow.

I started my business with two worn out "quality" American machines and one
Asian import. The import was of lesser quality but it consistently held
better tolerances. I ended up replacing the American machines with another
import that also holds good tolerance.

If money were no object I would have a shop full of Okuma and drive a
Mercedes. If my machines were running 24/7/365 I would still have Okuma,
Bridgeport or whatever. Dollar for dollar, I get the best return on
investment with Taiwan machines because I don't use them daily. And I'm
still driving a ten year old Chevy.

OK, I still haven't answered your question. I'm getting to it. Asian iron
is rough around the edges. Handles fall off. Gear selection plates are
decals instead of machined brass. Motors are wimpy (thus the US option) and
things don't always fit like they should. Accuracy is generally not the
problem. The other headaches can be fixed.

I'm talking worst case when I enumerate the problems with Asian machines.
Some Asian stuff is totally without these problems. Stick with models that
have a good reputation and you should be happy with Asian mills and lathes.

>Does replacing the lead screws and
> bearings, and doing a good alignment bring them up to spec?
>
Good alignment helps with any machine. You probably want to change the
leadscrews anyway if you are converting to CNC. The dollars you save with
Asian stuff can be used to this end.

Roland Friestad had a Grizzly mill at NAMES that was quite impressive.
Can't remember the model but I seem to recall the price was remarkable.

Doug