GT vs HD

[Harlech]

Can anyone who is familiar with Precision Matthews tell me the difference between the PM-1440GT and the PM-1440HD?

TIA
Harlech

 

[davidpbest]

The GT is made in Taiwan with a 2" spindle bore, 15-1/2 short spindle, higher grade bearings, etc. 5 year warranty.
The HD is made in mainland China with a 1-9/16" spindle bore. 3 year warranty.

 

[pacifica]

GT guarantees .0001" or less on bearings,has 7 to 8" distance between bedways, much lighter,meehanite fc-25 cast iron construction,sheetmetal steel base.
HD doesn't state quality or runout on bearings, 10 1/4" between bedways, is about 50% heavier, cast iron base,cheaper than gt.

 

[KevinM]

Any PM machine with a T in the product name is made is Taiwan.

 

[7milesup]

Keep in mind that just because a machine is heavier does not necessarily make it better. I can add a heavily built base to a poorly constructed machine but that does nothing to improve the machine other than some vibration dampening. Personally, I think there may be too much emphasis put on a machine's weight.
If you look closely at the 1440HD pictures, the casting of the apron sure looks rough to me. Maybe it is just the picture but there is certainly a difference between mainland China and Taiwan.

 

[pacifica]

Keep in mind that just because a machine is heavier does not necessarily make it better. I can add a heavily built base to a poorly constructed machine but that does nothing to improve the machine other than some vibration dampening. Personally, I think there may be too much emphasis put on a machine's weight.
If you look closely at the 1440HD pictures, the casting of the apron sure looks rough to me. Maybe it is just the picture but there is certainly a difference between mainland China and Taiwan.

I agree, minimal (under .0001")spindle nose run out, accurate compound ,apron and bedways(for example the pulleys on the 1340 GT appear to be machined, even then I had to balance them and they were off) are what I like about the taiwan made machines.
A number of members have spent a bit of time and effort getting the 1340 gt to toolroom accuracy but did it because the base machine is very good.

 

[ddickey]

The Woods Creek Workshop guy has one except the 13 x 40. I'm sure he'd talk to you about it.

 

[Phil_C]

If I was buying one for a maintenance shop in an industrial plant like a paper mill or something like that hands down I’d go for the 10 ¼ HD one. For MY shop it’d have to be the 1440GT no question.

Just depends.