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  1. #61
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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    It's funny was on youtube today looking at videos of the slant bed lathe. And it sure seems that Zhenjicnc makes the Automate lathe. It's the same video on their site as the automate site!

    Still want one. . .and a great deal compared w/ the Tormach 15L








  2. #62
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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    I am very interested in the Automate Talon MT-1036 but I wish there was much more information available on their website. Contrary to what was posted previously in this thread it still seems pretty poor.



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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    I have talked with these folks now for actually, several months. We are looking at the Raptor TS 1117 lathe. I think the product is good.... what is not good is the communication of machine specifications. It does NO good to have all the information in the world on a website if it is not accurate. They need to get their act together. I have made two attempts to spend my money with them and this inaccuracy of information has scared me off both times. I am about to make one last effort.

    I can tell you that Kade is good to talk to. I think he knows what is going on and I think when he tells you something, you can count on it being correct. He seems to have a good knowledge of the machines and is willing to verify the information. He certainly knows more about the units than anyone else I have found there. Good Luck. Dan.



  4. #64
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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    Quote Originally Posted by Ican View Post
    It does NO good to have all the information in the world on a website if it is not accurate.
    Also what is disturbing is that a number of the machines still show pictures from what is obviously not the same machine. So what are you buying?

    For example, on the Raptor 1117 page, the casting picture has a different number of feet than the main picture of the 1117. There are pictures of what are obviously two different turrets (and different cross-slide covers). And pictures of two different control panels (I don't know what the controller is in the main picture, but it isn't a Siemens 808D).

    This is definitely not a purchase to make sight-unseen. You need to go to their show room, see what you are actually buying, and maybe run some parts.

    Also, I am betting they are open to negotiation. They have some of their machines on eBay priced below their website prices.

    From several thousand miles away, the Raptor 1117 looks like a deal at $24k when compared to a similarly spec'd Tormach SPL15 at $17k. The problem is that I can read dozens of reviews discussing everything you want to know about the SPL15. I can find no reviews of the Raptor 1117, just a couple manufacturer videos on youtube. Who wants to be the first one?

    Tim
    Tormach 1100-3 mill, Grizzly G0709 lathe, PM935 mill, SolidWorks, HSMWorks.


  5. #65
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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    Quote Originally Posted by tmarks11 View Post
    Also what is disturbing is that a number of the machines still show pictures from what is obviously not the same machine. So what are you buying?

    For example, on the Raptor 1117 page, the casting picture has a different number of feet than the main picture of the 1117. There are pictures of what are obviously two different turrets (and different cross-slide covers). And pictures of two different control panels (I don't know what the controller is in the main picture, but it isn't a Siemens 808D).

    This is definitely not a purchase to make sight-unseen. You need to go to their show room, see what you are actually buying, and maybe run some parts.

    Also, I am betting they are open to negotiation. They have some of their machines on eBay priced below their website prices.

    From several thousand miles away, the Raptor 1117 looks like a deal at $24k when compared to a similarly spec'd Tormach SPL15 at $17k. The problem is that I can read dozens of reviews discussing everything you want to know about the SPL15. I can find no reviews of the Raptor 1117, just a couple manufacturer videos on youtube. Who wants to be the first one?
    I Will! I DID! My 1117.... or as another name SL6 will ship next week. I think those guys are as good as they come..... I spoke with a higher up there this week and gained enough confidence to make the purchase. It's just money.

    I really wish they would get their stuff together ...and I didn't really want to type "Stuff". I think the product is good but the organization is... well, not organized. We will see. I have been plain spoken and blunt with them.... If it is junk...it goes back and I'll literally dump it on their parking lot it in a split minute! However, I somehow am comfortable that they are not liars or cons.... they seem real. As everyone knows Smithy has been around a good while and this Automate line is new but the company is the same. Again... Kade is good to work with. He is the only reason I made the purchase. As far as prices, I just don't have a thing to complain about there.

    I'll post some video & images as it goes along. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Dan.



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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    Ican, thanks for the response. I really like the looks of their products. But you are right. They really need to get their "stuff" together so that buyers can have some confidence in their products. Please let us know how things turn out.

    Warren



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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    Quote Originally Posted by wfr8577 View Post
    Ican, thanks for the response. I really like the looks of their products. But you are right. They really need to get their "stuff" together so that buyers can have some confidence in their products. Please let us know how things turn out.

    Warren
    I'll do some postings here as things move along.... good or bad I'll tell it like it is. I think a lot of the problem there is that although the folks at Automate know their product, they have someone doing their web work that doesn't know beans about a machine tool. Between that and folks who want to keep changing machine names... they are in a mess. It is pitiful....absolutely pitiful that they don't get this right. That site is so important and could be their best salesman. You're welcome for the response. .... now get over here and help re-re- arrange a shop so the thing will have a home!! Dan.



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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    Quote Originally Posted by Ican View Post
    I'll do some postings here as things move along.... good or bad I'll tell it like it is. I think a lot of the problem there is that although the folks at Automate know their product, they have someone doing their web work that doesn't know beans about a machine tool. Between that and folks who want to keep changing machine names... they are in a mess. It is pitiful....absolutely pitiful that they don't get this right. That site is so important and could be their best salesman. You're welcome for the response. .... now get over here and help re-re- arrange a shop so the thing will have a home!! Dan.
    I heard that they had sold out to the Chinese and that is why they changed their name to Detroit Tools. Is that Kade Smithy guy Chinese? I know that they stuck to those old fashioned 3 in1 machines far too long and the market changed and Tormach took over the entry level CNC Mill market. Smithy tried some quicky catchup designs and software that was roundly lambasted. It looks to me like they are just grabbing off the shelf Chinese machines and trying to put their own name on them, but anybody can buy direct from China now, so that may not work out.



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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    Quote Originally Posted by jdclark View Post
    I heard that they had sold out to the Chinese and that is why they changed their name to Detroit Tools. Is that Kade Smithy guy Chinese? I know that they stuck to those old fashioned 3 in1 machines far too long and the market changed and Tormach took over the entry level CNC Mill market. Smithy tried some quicky catchup designs and software that was roundly lambasted. It looks to me like they are just grabbing off the shelf Chinese machines and trying to put their own name on them, but anybody can buy direct from China now, so that may not work out.
    No, Kade isn't Chinese... nor is anyone else I talked to up there. I will know more Monday.... I couldn't put down what Tmarks commented above that is good thinking to say the least.... so I am leaving for Ann Arbor in about an hour. I'll keep this thread updated as I can. Dan.



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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    Quote Originally Posted by jdclark View Post
    I heard that they had sold out to the Chinese and that is why they changed their name to Detroit Tools.
    Smithy has been selling Chinese 3in1 for a long time, but the company isn't "owned" by the Chinese.

    They didn't change their name. They just market their cnc machines under the "Detroit" name, since "Smithy" is associated with hobbyist 3in1, and their new cnc line is definitely quite a bit different (and more expensive). Nothing wrong with that, they are upfront about it (not like the online electronics stores that have five different websites with different company names to try to spread the bad reviews out).

    Quote Originally Posted by Ican View Post
    I Will! I DID! My 1117.... or as another name SL6 will ship next week.
    Looking forward to hearing about it. Did you visit their showroom first? I would like to, but definitely isn't a convenient plane flight from me (or probably from you in TX).

    Tim
    Tormach 1100-3 mill, Grizzly G0709 lathe, PM935 mill, SolidWorks, HSMWorks.


  11. #71
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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    Quote Originally Posted by tmarks11 View Post
    Smithy has been selling Chinese 3in1 for a long time, but the company isn't "owned" by the Chinese.

    They didn't change their name. They just market their cnc machines under the "Detroit" name, since "Smithy" is associated with hobbyist 3in1, and their new cnc line is definitely quite a bit different (and more expensive). Nothing wrong with that, they are upfront about it (not like the online electronics stores that have five different websites with different company names to try to spread the bad reviews out).



    Looking forward to hearing about it. Did you visit their showroom first? I would like to, but definitely isn't a convenient plane flight from me (or probably from you in TX).
    Tmarks, I just returned from their place this morning (Tuesday10-25). After your comments above combined with my feeling that I should go anyway... I left Saturday about noon. I was there for a Monday morning un-announced visit. I looked over about the entire place but spent most of my time there visiting with Kade about the SL6. They had one under power and I did see the spindle run and the turret operate. They didn't cut anything but I have to say, the machine was solid and impressively smooth. The spindle was super quiet and although I didn't notice the RPM... it was revving way up.

    The one note I would make is that if you purchase this particular SL6 series unit remember when parking it in your shop that there is a door you may need into on EVERY side. It will eat a little space due to that if you are like me ...when you park & level a machine that is where it stays. Period.

    I found everyone there that I spoke to friendly and to a good degree, knowledgeable. As for the experiences we have ALL had on their site with the specs, I just don't think the Detroit folks realize how important that really is. Accurate images and specs on a machine are just simply a must. Those not being on the site is what made me do the frankly grueling drive up there and back. It was a 2650 mile turnaround....and let me tell you, I have a nice new truck that rides good....but by the time I got there I actually felt sorry for my vehicle. The roads are as bad as I have ever seen.... and they are working on them in many many places. I want to put to bed that they are Chinese.... THEY ARE NOT!!! They are like dozens of other machine dealers, selling China made goods that ALL have good and bad points. They HAVE NOT sold out the the Chinese. I still say if you want to do business there talk with Kade. He will work to make sure you are getting accurate info. I hope this can help someone in the future. Dan.



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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    wow... that is quite the trip. Sounds like it made you positive about your decision to purchase, which is good news. In my case, I have some United mileage, so the flight is free... just going to take 2-3 days to make the trip.

    Too bad they couldn't just load the machine in a trailer for you as long as you were making the trip...

    Hopefully face-to-face feedback will encourage them to clean up their site. I corresponded with Kade about some of the egregious examples, and he fixed some of them (although their eBay sales adds are still all the old unrelated pictures).

    For example, looking at the GS-1113 webpage, the 9 pictures actually are showing 5 different machines. Which one do you get when you buy the GS-1113? The cast iron bed way is obviously not the machine shown in the rest of the pictures.

    What is the delivery timeframe for your machine? Did you request any options?

    Last edited by tmarks11; 10-25-2016 at 11:50 PM.
    Tim
    Tormach 1100-3 mill, Grizzly G0709 lathe, PM935 mill, SolidWorks, HSMWorks.


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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    Dan - great feedback. That's quite a trip!

    Did you happen to see the mysterious and elusive GX-1413 lathe? Apparently Kade is selling a lot of these.

    I bought one - but it's on a boat (hopefully) from China right now.

    Most of the info I got from Kade via email, and a bit from the Z-mat website which is pretty bad as well.



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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    Quote Originally Posted by brianbonedoc View Post
    Dan - great feedback. That's quite a trip!

    Did you happen to see the mysterious and elusive GX-1413 lathe? Apparently Kade is selling a lot of these.

    I bought one - but it's on a boat (hopefully) from China right now.

    Most of the info I got from Kade via email, and a bit from the Z-mat website which is pretty bad as well.
    I don't recall seeing that particular machine. They had several units sitting there and I looked at them all. Kade did mention that there were more on the way... due to hit the beach in about a month. One thing I did like about the Automate folks is that when they get the machines, they open up the crates and test the machines. That is rare to say the least. The ones I seen run were smooth and quiet as a mouse. Kade says they use a lot of German screws & various parts. I think that is good.

    I got the last SL6 in stock. Good luck with the shipment. As I sit here typing this I can't help but think about the journey these units make to get to us. Whew! Dan.



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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    Dan - the sl6 looks sweet actually did want that one but the size was a little too large for my space. The gx1413 is a bit smaller 66x47. I added the turret which increased the price to that of then sl6 basically. Glad to hear the machines are smooth and quiet and that they test them. Not so much with other importers that start with T and N.



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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    Quote Originally Posted by brianbonedoc View Post
    Dan - the sl6 looks sweet actually did want that one but the size was a little too large for my space. The gx1413 is a bit smaller 66x47. I added the turret which increased the price to that of then sl6 basically. Glad to hear the machines are smooth and quiet and that they test them. Not so much with other importers that start with T and N.
    I looked at that GX1413 for the same reason... space. Geeeze! If my shop was 3 times the size it is, I'd find some way to fill it up. It took me 3 days to figure out how to just get this SL6 arranged so it will fit. Make sure before you start to work arranging your space that you get some good views of EVERY side of that machine. The SL6 has an access of some kind on every side that needs room left to open the door. No one bothered to tell me that.... I was a little shocked when I first seen the unit. As sure as I don't leave room for ONE... that will be the first one I need into. Hurry up and get yours!! I guess we need to send a tug after that ship!! Dan



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    Gold Member daniellyall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    in the vid here the guys playing with the smithy lathes

    <img src="https://ivxo1q-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mENMmTr_Cabc7pR0FUdB6gtbADq2JbuG4_rGy0eBQvLJx19pTi6TqMUIJN0xgOyDIc0gWoxYhS38HpbSTFGdfaK-o42IOU6jczrhDpfpCOTNGL1X6hvZCbgj0y35gqmq1YGTrWwShYGV-C7lXA2esy0Pi_WfnBSyroDLSGXwce4uSr1U7op7srdi78rispHCa_K4aFlTlJPVkkNWMfgh_Tg?width=60&height=60&cropmode=none" width="60" height="60" />

    Being Disabled is OK CNC is For fuN


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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    Nice Video,
    THANK YOU for sharing. Dan



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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    Dan - yes lets get that ship moving!

    The way my lathe will be setup I should have some access to all sides.

    That video posted looks pretty good. I can't wait to see more from him.

    Hopefully this forum will stay active, with owners. Would love to see feedback on the machines.



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    Gold Member daniellyall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Smithy AutoMate

    yer so do I, there needs to be something to kick tormach in the but, they have started to drop the ball in a big way

    <img src="https://ivxo1q-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mENMmTr_Cabc7pR0FUdB6gtbADq2JbuG4_rGy0eBQvLJx19pTi6TqMUIJN0xgOyDIc0gWoxYhS38HpbSTFGdfaK-o42IOU6jczrhDpfpCOTNGL1X6hvZCbgj0y35gqmq1YGTrWwShYGV-C7lXA2esy0Pi_WfnBSyroDLSGXwce4uSr1U7op7srdi78rispHCa_K4aFlTlJPVkkNWMfgh_Tg?width=60&height=60&cropmode=none" width="60" height="60" />

    Being Disabled is OK CNC is For fuN


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