Well, I agree on the point that this can't be a part of the forum where we will 'sell' or 'make-or-brake' brands, but ...
Let me tell you this story. I was looking for a miniature lathe beginning of this year. Having a 200cm version at my fathers place, I learned myself how to use it and how to break ik (more important than anything else) but I could not make very small parts. So ... going to the 'Spielware Messe' in Dortmond, I discovered another brand which made very small lathes. After a poor explanation from the stand holders and sales people, I was surfing the net for weeks and weeks and decided to buy a lathe from the German brand. But ...After 2 days, I discoved it had a compound slide but no settings to turn conical parts. Damned!
I was able to cancel it (lukely) and started searching again. I have been searching this forum about 10 times but no luck, untill I discoverd Sherline.
Man, they just offered what I was dreaming of for a very reasonable price.
So ... here's my point:
- I'm not selling Sherline and I'm not saying they are the only good lathes and mills out there, but ... I simply did not know them.
- When talking about lathes (and certainly about mills), you cannot talk about price categories because first of all, buying the machine is one thing, but you almost double the price because of the accessories. Don't forget that some brands are a bit more expensive but include some parts as well
- I'm sure that budget is an issue (isn't it for all of us), but for some people, there are different issues. Personally, I want to spent a couple of Euro's more on a machine if I have of the shelf precision and quality. Spending time on fine tuning my machines is time I cannot use them to make model parts and to enjoy.
So, once again, I fully agree that this should be a non-brand depandent discussion, but ... I think it's more important to inform people about what they get! I'm happy I bought my Sherline setup, even if it doubled the investment. Not because it's easy to get (man, my lathe had to go from the States to Sweden to Belgium), but because of the quality and precision straight from the box!
I'd say, we make the link between prices and quality and possibilities and start from there!