I am in the process of deciding on a new mill and lathe. I really like the features and prices on both the PM45 mill and the PM1236 lathe. I have read the horror stories and praises for PM/QMT. I have also read the same stories for virtually every supplier of Chinese machines. Should I stay away from PM/QMT and go with a different supplier or pull the trigger and order from them?
Brian
I got the PM1236 last year. It's the first lathe that I own, but not the first that I've used (mostly Jets and older European machines years ago). I'm very happy with the machine so far. The ways are very straight and flat. All movement is smooth and tight. There are a couple small nits:
- The gearbox takes a little babying when switching settings, especially the auto-feed gearbox. Once set, it runs smooth as silk.
- The autofeed lever takes a little oomph and wiggle to engage when changing from one side to the other. But going in and out of the feed is smooth and easy.
- The steady-rest really needs bearings, not solid tips
But I've experienced the same and worse with the far more expensive Jet machines at our local makerspace (well, it's really in Philly, but it's the closest one with good machines).
Re: QMT:
1. Matt is VERY knowledgeable about his machines
2. He totally stands behind his product: when the 3-jaw chuck just wouldn't run true, he worked with me on the phone, sometimes late at night, to try a whole bunch of different things. When it became clear that it wasn't going to be right, he sent me a new one, already tested, free of charge and in only a couple of days. That's service!!!
3. QMT is no different from any other supplier of Chinese machinery in that they totally depend on both the supplier and the Customs office in terms of delivery dates. It's exactly the same with Grizz, or anyone else. Basically, whatever they tell you, multiply it by 2 or even 3 and you won't be far off
4. As with all smaller shops, Matt is QMT and QMT is Matt. Both the good and the bad. In particular, Matt doesn't really deal with email when things get busy. If you want something from QMT you HAVE TO CALL MATT. And you have to keep calling until you get him on the phone. Once you do, you get clear, good, timely information, and any issues get resolved quickly and well. Yes, there are other competent folks in the office and in the shop. But they don't always have all the up-to-date info. Once you understand that, dealing with QMT is a pleasure. You can not rush the process. You have to have patience.
Overall: I am happy with the machine, and happy with QMT. I would unreservedly deal with them again. If my Mother-in-law ever decides to get her own lathe, I'll call Matt first.
Re: PM45: I looked at it pretty closely when I was buying my mill. I decided to go with the Industrial Hobbies square-column mill, instead. It's heavier and more rigid, has a huge working cube, and I liked what Tom Spada had to say. Having gone through that experience, I would do it the same way again, and would recommend it to others, with the exact same communications caveat (see #4 above).