Tools à la Chinois?

[graham-xrf]

"Made in the UK" stopped being a thing with the UK move to a "trickle down service economy" starting 1979. "Made in the U.S.A" is still a thing, though somewhat reduced, and tending expensive. Folk here have already pointed out that were it not for "made in China", many of us would not be able to do what we are doing with our hobby. It has become Asian import, or no machine at all, for an affordable choice!

Now, in UK, it becomes a challenge to even find stuff that did not in some way start out from elsewhere, particularly China. There is stuff "designed in the USA" that got made in China or Taiwan anyway. Pick almost any machine, power tool, or tooling product from any American store, and look hard to find it is 100% made in USA. I can't help feeling this is not really a good situation for us not in China.

I will allow that the nostalgia effect from growing up amid magazines like Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated, Popular Science, and the NASA Apollo program has clouded my judgement.

 

[cross thread]

So true, there are a lot of vintage (ie: non China) deals out there though .
Mark .

 

[markba633csi]

It's interesting that you mentioned that- having never been to the UK somehow I had this idea that all kinds of older British made machinery like Myford and Centec and Colchester were available in the classifieds but I must be mistaken. Apparently all the good stuff has been snapped up by other hobbyists and collectors? Very lean pickings in the used market?
-Mark

 

[graham-xrf]

So true, there are a lot of vintage (ie: non China) deals out there though .
Mark .

Yes to vintage, especially if it be fine precision old iron that gets TLC and can turn out nice stuff. Much of the satisfaction and appeal comes from that. If it can use some restoration and update, then one can view a vintage machine as a project materials kit.

As things are, I sometimes treat my (Chinese origin) stuff as a base materials kit to be modified into something nicer. I think most folk getting an affordable goodie that was last given a wipe in China will find cause to do some "modifications".

 

[graham-xrf]

It's interesting that you mentioned that- having never been to the UK somehow I had this idea that all kinds of older British made machinery like Myford and Centec and Colchester were available in the classifieds but I must be mistaken. Apparently all the good stuff has been snapped up by other hobbyists and collectors? Very lean pickings in the used market?
-Mark

One can get Myfords, even "new manufacture", but of the decades old traditional design, kept alive by the a business serving the hobby model engineering market. It is at a mad price!. All the rest are decades old, worn, and doing the rounds of eBay and the like. My toys are South Bend. Even in UK, I reached for old American. Boxford were the South Bend clone. Now, the company offerings have changed. Do not expect to get a machine like US users can get from Precision Matthews.

In UK, you can't even get a PM machine without it first visits the USA West coast store, then moves to the East coast, gets re-shipped, imported, and transported some more. I won't even begin to describe the trail of transportation charges, taxes, etc. It's a true act of faith importing to a place without a dealer outlet (that I could find).

My floor-standing pillar drill, imported from Poland, turned out to have originally gestated in China. Yes - I have some "modifications" in mind!

 

[cross thread]

Hey Graham , If it's not too much to ask could you get me a Brough Superior .- Call me Lawrence

 

[projectnut]

Whenever I buy a tool, I first research the origin of design and manufacture. Over the years I've purchased a few "made in China" tools and have been disappointed every time. If not with the quality of the tool certainly with the service and support system behind it. Like many members I would rather buy used higher quality tools Made in America rather than the often-one-time use tools made in China.

I must admit it's harder to find Made in USA tools than it once was. Many American brand names have either been bought by China or the still American owned companies switch their production facilities to China for cost reasons. Everyone in this country wants to make a minimum of $50.00 or more an hour, but wants prices to be what they were in the 1960's. It doesn't work that way. The cost of labor is typically 30% to 35% of the cost of a product. You can't double the hourly wage and expect prices to remain the same.

When no or low skill jobs are commanding a minimum of $15.00 an hour it also drives up the cost of skilled or semi-skilled labor. Why would anyone spend the time effort and money to attain a skill when it doesn't pay any more than working at a fast-food restaurant.

EDIT: removed last sentence, OP notified with reason.

 

[pontiac428]

This is me and my non-chinese tools:

 

[RJSakowski]

When making a decision as to whether to buy used USA made or imported machines. I considered the possibility of buying a used machine that had unknown defects where my time would be consumed with trying to make things right vs. buying a new import machine with documented shortcomings which could be corrected.

With the exception of an Atlas Craftsman 6x18 lathe that I bought in 1970, all my machines have been new Asian machines. I have done some modifications on all of them but have had no serious concerns with any of them. In an old used machine, replacement of defective parts can be a major issue, With new machines, parts are usually available. When you buy a used machine, it is usually "as is" and any hidden problems become your responsibility. With a new machine from a reputable dealer, you have your warranty and customer service to make thing right.

 

[erikmannie]

EDIT: removed first sentence - OP has been notified of reason.

Companies in Taiwan, UK, Germany, Poland, USA, South Korea, Poland and more provide excellent products, & I am very happy to support them.

Metalworking is good clean fun only if you make a huge effort to keep your money away from dark places.