WARCO GH 1322 UK LATHE

[ARM]

Hi Guys
Does anybody have knowledge or had experience with WARCO LATHES from the UK ???
Where are these made ???
Yeah. Yeah. We hear U Guys ............everything ( that is cheap ) is made in the East these days !!!
We want a robust yet accurate 20" 500mm Between Centres fast RPM machine and their Model GH 1322 looks almost about right for our needs.
We also want to mount a 5C COLLET CHUCK on it and their D1-4 SPINDLE MOUNT poses no problem either.
Your thoughts and or suggestions would, as always, be well appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
aRM
PS : She does look good, if anything !!!

 

[British Steel]

As you probably guessed already, they're Chinese...

Having used one quite a lot, not that well made, not that tough, lots of rough edges, assembled while the paint's wet, noisy balky gearboxes etc. The motors are built down to a price, not up to a standard and tend to overheat, eventually smoke, and parts ain't cheap from Warco... The warranty's shorter than usual in Europe, and I've heard and experienced Bad Things about their customer service both before after sale[1]. If you're buying through a local dealer / importer they should cover warranty, but they'll be chasing Warco for parts (if they have them) unless.they have a direct line to the manufacturer, in which case they'd be importing 'em themselves....

They do *look* good, like Chinese motorcycles, pretty looking trash... Hmm, reminds me of my ex....

I'd be much happier with a used industrial machine, if they exist in ZA, or a Taiwanese machine - you get what you pay for!

Just my 2 Rands worth....

[1] like people ordering a machine, waiting 6 months for delivery and then having it sold to someone else, customers having to reject machines (e.g. similar lathes to the 1322) three tines before they got one that worked properly - not.exactly best practice.... This may he normal in the "hobby" sector, perhaps, but they wouldn't last a week in the industrial market.

 

[ARM]

As you probably guessed already, they're Chinese...

Having used one quite a lot, not that well made, not that tough, lots of rough edges, assembled while the paint's wet, noisy balky gearboxes etc. The motors are built down to a price, not up to a standard and tend to overheat, eventually smoke, and parts ain't cheap from Warco... The warranty's shorter than usual in Europe, and I've heard and experienced Bad Things about their customer service both before after sale[1]. If you're buying through a local dealer / importer they should cover warranty, but they'll be chasing Warco for parts (if they have them) unless.they have a direct line to the manufacturer, in which case they'd be importing 'em themselves....

They do *look* good, like Chinese motorcycles, pretty looking trash... Hmm, reminds me of my ex....

I'd be much happier with a used industrial machine, if they exist in ZA, or a Taiwanese machine - you get what you pay for!

Just my 2 Rands worth....

[1] like people ordering a machine, waiting 6 months for delivery and then having it sold to someone else, customers having to reject machines (e.g. similar lathes to the 1322) three tines before they got one that worked properly - not.exactly best practice.... This may he normal in the "hobby" sector, perhaps, but they wouldn't last a week in the industrial market.

SIR BRITISH STEEL
U could not have said it any better.
Thanks a mill for this input.
We had been looking at some Taiwanese machines as well. To import direct from them.
Only problem is we don't know how genuine these Sellers are. For example we had bought a small Drill grinder last Year and paid via PAY PAL. Received our machine all OK. That was just under a grand US $. Their current Lathe is quoted at around 5-6 Grand US $. Calling for a 30% Deposit and a wait of 60 Days, we don't mind that. What is worrisome is Delivery ??? We just don't know with these Dudes whether we will eventually receive Delivery ???
Remember imports in the old days where money was only released to the Shipper on presentation of a signed stamped BILL OF LADING.
Today they are talking of sending pics when final settlement has to be made !!!
It's a heck of decision to make.
aRM