Mike, I agree with you in hoping (you know what Nietzsche says about hope "prolonging the torments of man") that the PM/QMT equipment is everything that it has been purported and/or reported to be. With all previously indicated "ship to customer" dates missed (i.e. April, May, June and now July 18) I must say that I'm a total skeptic at this point. Like you, had I known that delivery dates would have been missed like this, I'd have hung on to the old iron or proceeded in another direction. Like you, my floorspace limitations exacerbated the situation for sure (not QMT's issue). Other than certain firearms components, particularly in the immediate post-Sandy Hook/propsed so-called assault weapons ban market, I've never ordered/purchased anything and experienced such difficulty in obtaining it. Other gunsmiths and machinists I know, both retired and working, can't believe it. By now I could have had an old South Bend 10L long bed (perfect for gunsmithing IMO) completely overhauled, outfitted w/DRO, tooled and on line. I thought the 1340GT would be the quicker and better choice. Certainly, not quicker. Better remains to be seen. I hope my skepticism is for naught.
Ray, thank you for the info. re. QMT having all outstanding orders for 1340GT's ready by this week. Ray, I sincerely mean no offense to you but I'll believe it when I see it. I know you don't have your hands on the controls, so to speak. Funny thing happened this morning which sparked this entry. I had a regular customer tell me I was "full of s--t" regarding my purchase of a new lathe. Was he out of line? Maybe. Although, I have to admit, that's how it must look to him. Another customer, who was in, sort of smirked and laughed. So, I wonder how many other customers are thinking that I am "full of s--t" and are just not as honest or impolite, if you will. What is bad for reputation = what is bad for business.
Gigs, your report on the 1340GT being sent with Chinese chucks is disappointing to both of us. I wish that was indicated in the sales literature for the 1340GT. It is not.
Danny, it's good news to hear that your 1340GT has been shipped. May it arrive unscathed and without delay. I wish you well with it!
Lunch is over. Time to go. There's another customer calling. Hope that's not a new inquiry for barrel/lathe related work.... Hope that's not another "Hey, Tim, did your lathe come in yet?".... Maybe I won't pick up....