Smithy 1240 cnc questions

[sharpshooter90]

In this day of internet marketing, its very difficult to get an exclusive from a Chinese factory for any off the shelf design. The Chinese are very sophisticated and know the market price of their products, and would require a huge commitment from anyone wanting the exclusive rights. This Taiwan company most likely takes orders for the machines and passes them on to the factory through a Hong Kong middleman due to the political tensions between the 2 Chinas. keep in mind that a website like this can be set up in a day from someone's apartment. Without a personal visit to their facilities, I would take them with a grain of salt.

[benji2505]

Yes, but as we learned below there are not a lot of things happening between China and the End customer.

[philbur]

Apart from possibly an increase in the price.

Phil

Yes, but as we learned below there are not a lot of things happening between China and the End customer.

[philbur]

They will probably give you a quote for a container load, FOB. I doubt you will get a quote for an individual unit.

Phil

I followed one of the ads on top of the forum home page. Interesting machines that look very familiar. Seems to me that Smithy did not make sure they have exclusivity from their Chinese suppliers:

http://www.atron.com.tw/uwish/front/bin/home.phtml


Did anyone check the price there?

Benji2505

[acidcustom]

They will probably give you a quote for a container load, FOB. I doubt you will get a quote for an individual unit.

Phil

check Ebay for HOW-MAU $1000-$1200 USD cheaper for both their equivalent of the Smithy CNC's

[philbur]

Not after you add their USD 999 for shipping to the dockside USA + any import duty. Then it's the same price and you are left with no local support to call on.

It's also potentially a big mess if you are not happy with what you receive.

Phil

check Ebay for HOW-MAU $1000-$1200 USD cheaper for both their equivalent of the Smithy CNC's

[uptoolateman]

I'm looking into buying a KX3 (622cnc equivilant) from Novakon right now, $4995 with 4 axis controller, stand, mach3, and bobcad/cam. $500 more and they install a computer (dual core, 1gb ram, 512mb video card, WIN XP) in the drive box and include a 19" flat screen, mouse and keyboard. Shipping would be around $500. Looks like the 1240 equivilant from them is $8995 with the same standard equipment. They are using Gecko 203 drivers and the c1g BOB from CNC4pc. So after looking at LMS for some Tormach quick change tooling, an MPG pendant, cutters, and a vise I am still below the Smithy price.

If I had a few thousand more and the space I would have gotten a Tormach and I would have still possibly considered them if their mill was still $6895 but even that price would have left me with no budget for a computer, tooling or a stand.