RedDirt
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2007
- Messages
- 469
- Location
- Northern Idaho
- Tractor
- Kubota BX23, Wards 16HP HST Garden Tractor, (previous) D2 Logging Cat
I'm buying a lathe to upgrade my shop capability from rudimentary tractor implement fabrication to being able to fab precision parts for the implements. I want to bore, turn a shaft, cut threads, etc. Actually I am looking at 3 in 1 machines (drill, mill, lathe) so I can cut keyways slot holes and such too.
My question is regarding the quality the various makes available. When I look at a certain model I can find several companies offering precisely the same model, just painted a different color.
For instance I am considering a lathe with attached mill and see virtually the same machine built by Shop Fox, Bolton, Grizzly, and Harbor Freight. Prices are $1900, $1700, $1500 and $1300 respectively but they seem the exact machine with the same specifications. Occasionally some additional equipment is offered as standard equipment but this is normally not enough to warrant the cost difference. The Grizzly operator manual is far superior to the HF manual but both are downloadable...no biggie here.
So I am wondering, as a general rule, are the more expensive makes getting better machines from the manufacturer and the cheaper ones have imperfections, don't bench test as well or, in some way, an inferior machine? Or...if it looks and specs the same then it is only a "name" I'm buying and I am just as well off with the Harbor Freight as the Shop Fox?
With a readily available 20% off HF coupon the HF is roughly $850 less than the Shop Fox not including shipping for the Shop Fox and local pick up for the HF. That's substantial enough for most wallets to consider the HF model!
BTW - These smallish low price machines normally don't warrant an individual test certificate.
My question is regarding the quality the various makes available. When I look at a certain model I can find several companies offering precisely the same model, just painted a different color.
For instance I am considering a lathe with attached mill and see virtually the same machine built by Shop Fox, Bolton, Grizzly, and Harbor Freight. Prices are $1900, $1700, $1500 and $1300 respectively but they seem the exact machine with the same specifications. Occasionally some additional equipment is offered as standard equipment but this is normally not enough to warrant the cost difference. The Grizzly operator manual is far superior to the HF manual but both are downloadable...no biggie here.
So I am wondering, as a general rule, are the more expensive makes getting better machines from the manufacturer and the cheaper ones have imperfections, don't bench test as well or, in some way, an inferior machine? Or...if it looks and specs the same then it is only a "name" I'm buying and I am just as well off with the Harbor Freight as the Shop Fox?
With a readily available 20% off HF coupon the HF is roughly $850 less than the Shop Fox not including shipping for the Shop Fox and local pick up for the HF. That's substantial enough for most wallets to consider the HF model!
BTW - These smallish low price machines normally don't warrant an individual test certificate.
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