New mill and lathe.

[william_b_noble]

since I can't find the plans, I probably scanned them some time ago, here is the essence as a sketch - the radius is a "nice" match for the dial indicators, the spacing should be symmetrical, 3 or 4 inches to each side of the center - easy to make on a mill and a hand saw - bore the vertical holes to size, bore the two radiuses to make the nice curve, saw the rest with a saw, slit the ends, drill and tap the two holes, press in the dowel pin (you can use drill rod of course) and you are done.

 

[Bazzer]

My Weiss branded lathe was ordered and shipped from Quebec. And there are or were Weiss labled machines in a few parts of Europe. For at least mine and I believe the Warco 280V, PM 1127 and LB models they all seem to be built in Nanjing China. That said, and while they might be from the same factory, there's various non stock or usual features some of the tool dealers just don't bother to list. MT 3 tail stocks as just one example where most list there's with MT 2. Now there's also various spindle nose designs from what seem to be quite rare threaded, then the studs and nuts and up to the proper D1-3. Just because a dealer lists the lathe with only certain features doesn't mean others aren't available as long as your willing to special order and wait for it to be built and shipped with the next order because that's what I did. I dunno, maybe not all dealers would be willing to do so. Mine was.

These machine tool factory's are now much like the North American automotive factory's from the 1950's - 80's. They'll have an available option list and with business the way it is in China, will build some of the quality, grinding etc up or down to meet your out the door price point. Grizzly has mentioned quite a few times in the past having there own limited staff at some of the machine tool manufacturers as there in place QC for final acceptance the tool would meet there minimum standards. Looking just like is not the same thing as being exactly the same. Some models of the PM lathes have feed rod clutches instead of the rudimentary shear pin all the rest seem to have. Superficially then yes they all look to be the same until you start to look a bit closer. I'd also suggest it's fairly safe to assume the lower volume dealers with lower price points might get some of the lesser or close to out of spec parts that the high volume dealers don't, or in Grizzly's case there own QC reps ensure they get the better parts and assembled machines. It's simple business economics at that point. That also might answer why some lower priced machines have more part or electrical issues mentioned on these forums than other more established dealers do for what looks to be the very same machine. Since we don't know for sure were all mostly guessing. But I'd rather make mine with more logic based guesses.

I would give a resident customer QC person in a Chinese factory little chance of over ruling the Chinese production manager on any QC issue, the Chinese factory would rail road the QC guy and too much trouble and their visa would be withdrawn.

 

[trlvn]

I would give a resident customer QC person in a Chinese factory little chance of over ruling the Chinese production manager on any QC issue, the Chinese factory would rail road the QC guy and too much trouble and their visa would be withdrawn.

Um, the factory will only get paid for their work if the QC person agrees that the product meets the agreed-upon metrics.

If the QC person hasn't signed off, the purchasing company is not going to accept the shipment.

Either way, the factory doesn't get paid without the QC approval. How do you see that putting the factory in a position of power?

Craig

 

[DavidR8]

My Taig II is a great little lathe and I plan on keeping it for very small parts. For larger projects I added a bigger lathe and a mill.

I just finished building the benches. I haven't used them yet, but they spin up OK and the DROs work very well.

It took me a very long time to decide what size of machines to buy. So far I'm happy with the fit and finish.

Apologies for reviving this year old thread but with some time on the machines I'm curious how you are getting one with them? Are you pleased with the purchase?
Thanks!

 

[froudeg490]

Sorry for the delayed response. I haven't been checking messages. No significant issues to report for the mill or lathe. Both machines probably have about 4-5 hours of use. I fixed an oil leak on the lathe on the headstock oil reservoir. It was just insufficient sealant on the mating surfaces. Easy fix with a thin gasket and some Three Bond 1184. I replaced the table locking levers on the mill, because they can get bent. I believe this is common issue with this size and type of mill.

I will probably eliminate the change gears on the lathe and add a Clough42 ELS (electronic lead screw). I already have the ELS on the Taig II. It works very well.

So far no regrets with the purchase. They both machines work very well.

I just remembered that the lathe cross slide DRO chip shield/magnetic strip holder covers the cross slide locking screw and the carriage ball oilers. I milled a slot in the extrusion and replaced the SHCS with a hex bolt an thin wrench I had left over from an IKEA project.

 

[DavidR8]

Haha do not let yourself be fooled by "the same factory" myth.
Imagine: Feeding your favorate lady at the first date vs. feeding the neighbours cat. ( All coming from same kitchen in USA? )

Greetings Timo

Craftex annd Weiss are absolutely made in the same factory.
This picture was sent to me by the Weiss representative that I’ve been working with on my VM32 mill.