Are all Chinese milling machines the same?

[homerandmarg]

Hi all,

Like many of you in the past, I'm looking to purchase a milling machine, something the size of a hafco HM46 or similar. Have looked at Metex DM45, Standaco DM-45, Titan Machinery TM45, Paramount MMD45, Ausino-CEMEC DM45, Steel Master SM-MD45 and of course the Hare and Forbes HM46.

Other than the different control boxes, electrical switching configuration, ancillary equipment, different handwheels, colour etc. Are they all the same quality and have the same accuracy? Do I make a decision based on the accessories it comes with and the price or do I have to attach a dial indicator and measure table flatness, run out of spindle etc to make a decision?

To give you an idea of where I'm comming from, the Titan TM45 ($2790) looks identical to the Paramount MMD45 ($1899)

The Standaco DM-45 ($2035) looks identical to the Ausino-CMEC DM45 ($2800)

The Steel Master SM-MD45 ($2414.50) is extremely well appointed for that price but does that mean its an inferior product in terms of the casting quality and accuracy?

Thankyou all in advance for your input and help.

Simon

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

There seems to be enough similarity among machines with different brand names to make me think they start from the same castings.

Same seems to be true of the "bed type milling machines".

Dick Z