Re: Asian Lathe Conversion

Tom,

If your intention is to purchase for the sole purpose of
retrofitting, I think you should forget it. For less money you can
buy any number of older NC lathes with dead controls. Hardinge
HNC's are one example.

Regarding Asian machinery in general, you get what you pay for. If
you're willing to pay the bucks you can get any quality level you
need. The vast majority of the world's high precision machine tools
are now made in Asia.

Regarding used machinery, buy from a reputable dealer and you aren't
taking much risk. With the current state of the economy there're
some incredible bargains out there.

My $.02 worth.

Doug





--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "mayfieldtm <mayfiet@i...>"
<mayfiet@i...> wrote:

> I'm considering purchasing a 12 x 36" or a 13 x 40" gear head

lathe

> from Grizzly or Enco or ???
>
> Has anyone had any experience with retrofitting the lead screws

with

> ball-screws on either of these machines?
>
> Also, any comments on the quality and/or accuracy of the Asian

Lathes?

> I found one Review on the web that claimed a quantum leap in

quality

> from the smaller to larger machines.
>
> I assume that they are no match to American or German machines,

which

> I just can't afford. Nor do I want to take the chance with used.
> However if I find that I have to tweek, tweek and tweek just for +-
> .001", It would probably be best to do without.
>
> Tom M.