A Nardini is a totally better lathe,BUT,never buy the blue ones. Only buy the green ones. There are lots of issues with the blue ones that I can't remember reading about. Changes in management or something else might have caused the problems.
ARE the PM lathes ALL made in Taiwan? I'd like to know.
The Grizzlys are made in China except for more expensive models,when there's a large "MADE IN TAIWAN" sign on the page. But,they cost more money. Personally,I'm afraid to invest in a Chinese lathe. They are just too unpredictable in quality. And that remark that "They have to wear in is pure nonsense. Probably the hold downs under the carriage were too tight. That could be fixed. But,if the rack gear was too close to the rack,that would be a LOT more trouble.
Fortunately for me,I bought my 16x40 Grizzly lathe in 1986,when it WAS made in Taiwan.
I read somewhere that parts of the PM lathes are very rough,but can't recall where it was,but it was recently. I don't think those surfaces affected performance,just looks. I went to Grizzly in Pa. in 1986 and picked out TWO 16x40 lathes. Miserable 3 lane highway getting up there. I got one for work and 1 for myself. I think I'd still rather see an expensive lathe in person,and see how smooth it operated before buying it.