- Joined
- Jan 12, 2019
- Messages
- 96
I have been doing home machining for about 20 years as a hobbyist. I started with the first model Unimat, then the second model Unimat. I moved into a combination mill and lathe from Grizzly and then upgraded to a larger mill and lathe from Grizzly. I became weary of the set up time on these combo machines and opted for a Grizzly 10x22 and a Wholesale Tools 2 HP bench mill. I know very well that these machines are hobbyist grade. I could get them to do what I wanted but my projects were not complex.
I recently relocated to Naples, FL which meant that I had to close down my shop and start from scratch. Lathe gone, mill gone, everything gone. I replaced the mill with a newer mill from Central Machine which is precisely like the Wholesale Tools job. I bought it used at about three years of age. This machine is much tighter and more precise than the Wholesale Tools machine.
So on to the questions:
1. I am sure you all know that this machine is sold under about a dozen different names including Jet and Grizzly. I once assumed that a machine made for a larger distributor, (Jet for example) might possibly be built to tighter standards. I was recently told that such is not the case. That all of the machines are built to the same standard and that the only differences are a) the name on the machine. and b) the pricetag. Is there a definitive answer to this question? Do some of the distributors put tighter standards on the machines they buy?
2. I believe I am told correctly that the factory that supplied these machines was located in Taiwan and them moved to mainland China. Does anyone know if this is true and if so, what year was the factory moved?
3. If the answer to question 2, is "yes". is there a difference in quality of the machines that come from the mainland in comparison with the machines from Taiwan?
4. Are these mills made in; a) one and only one final assembly factory that supplies the machines, b) multiple factories operated by the same company, c) multiple factories operated by different companies? I do understand that it is likely that various parts come from various suppliers, but I am speaking of the final product.
5. The Harbor Freight reputation for lack-luster quality is well known. But it is also true that the organization is making an effort to bring on tools of higher quality and to improve the quality of the existing lines. Does anyone know of any specific effort to improve this mill or of any observed improvement in the more recently built mills in comparison with earlier manufactured mills?
6. Are there any efforts afoot to present opportunities for improvements made by the user? Better bearings? Improved mechanics? etc? I have looked on the internet and found only one video which is difficult to follow but appears to do a nice job.
I bought this machine cheap and it is unlikely I will be unhappy with the purchase. I made the first one work for me and I am sure this one will too.
I recently relocated to Naples, FL which meant that I had to close down my shop and start from scratch. Lathe gone, mill gone, everything gone. I replaced the mill with a newer mill from Central Machine which is precisely like the Wholesale Tools job. I bought it used at about three years of age. This machine is much tighter and more precise than the Wholesale Tools machine.
So on to the questions:
1. I am sure you all know that this machine is sold under about a dozen different names including Jet and Grizzly. I once assumed that a machine made for a larger distributor, (Jet for example) might possibly be built to tighter standards. I was recently told that such is not the case. That all of the machines are built to the same standard and that the only differences are a) the name on the machine. and b) the pricetag. Is there a definitive answer to this question? Do some of the distributors put tighter standards on the machines they buy?
2. I believe I am told correctly that the factory that supplied these machines was located in Taiwan and them moved to mainland China. Does anyone know if this is true and if so, what year was the factory moved?
3. If the answer to question 2, is "yes". is there a difference in quality of the machines that come from the mainland in comparison with the machines from Taiwan?
4. Are these mills made in; a) one and only one final assembly factory that supplies the machines, b) multiple factories operated by the same company, c) multiple factories operated by different companies? I do understand that it is likely that various parts come from various suppliers, but I am speaking of the final product.
5. The Harbor Freight reputation for lack-luster quality is well known. But it is also true that the organization is making an effort to bring on tools of higher quality and to improve the quality of the existing lines. Does anyone know of any specific effort to improve this mill or of any observed improvement in the more recently built mills in comparison with earlier manufactured mills?
6. Are there any efforts afoot to present opportunities for improvements made by the user? Better bearings? Improved mechanics? etc? I have looked on the internet and found only one video which is difficult to follow but appears to do a nice job.
I bought this machine cheap and it is unlikely I will be unhappy with the purchase. I made the first one work for me and I am sure this one will too.