SX3

Ok, I have to ask............... what is the main difference between the Axminster SX3 Mill and the ARC SX3 apart from colour and PRICE?

Maybe ask Ketan at ARC?

No disrespect to Ketan, but ask somebody at axminster, too? Nothing like getting both sides of the story before making any fair comparison?

And do remember that concentrating on the single main difference may mean missing a plethora of minor points. PRICE is not always a good indicator. SERVICE after the sale might easily be a deciding factor. Only you can ascertain which is the better machine/deal after you weigh up all the pros and cons for your particular situation.

Edited By not done it yet on 21/07/2016 06:58:56

I bought a sx3 6 years ago from arc and have always had excellent after sales service.The machine is a good one for the price.

Frank

Apart from price, all Axminster's machinery carries a 3 year guarantee. How much that is worth to you is up for debate. If nothing goes wrong in the 3 years, then money 'wasted', but probably worth every penny if you should happen to need a major part replacing. ARC's customer service is exceptional and very personal, but I've heard of Axminster replacing machines entirely during the guarantee period, even though this might be handled by a person to whom you're no more than a customer number. You pays your money and takes your choice at the end of the day.

Arc SX3

Axminster - website not responding

warco - machine of similar price

chester - machine of similar price

yes I know not answering the question but when this sort of thing comes up I like to have links to the websites of relevance.
Adding a further spanner what about the similar priced 626 type which has a large following on here.

sigh, I want a bigger workshop and a pile of money.

All SX3 machines are made by SEIG. Most SEIG machines (particularly mini-lathes) are supplied on a pick'n'mix basis so two superficially similar machines can be very different in the detail - some of which may not be detectable from a visual inspection or without taking it apart. Also, the companies mentioned above hold good stocks of spares.

This does make choosing hard, but check the specs side by side, consider the reputation and customer support of the sellers and if still in doubt, perhaps talk to some of the sellers and ask why their machine costs more (or less).

Neil

1. Currently no difference in machine apart from a paint job - for the SX3. History: Originally when the SX3 came out, ARC refused to sell it, due to various issues. Once these issues were ironed out, ARC decided to sell it, for hobby use only. After a number of years of placement on the market, and feedback, we upgraded the classification from hobby to light industrial.

We are going through a similar process with the X/SX2.7 which has been available from various sources over the past 15+ months, but ARC has chosen to wait until now, with hope to launch in September/October.

2. Axminster's 3 year warranty link . They classify this machine now under their 'Axminster Engineer Series'. Note should be made of 'Annual Use' under the maximum number of hours. Arc neither agrees or disagrees with the number of hours - be it for this machine or hobby 'Axminster Model Engineer Series' classification machines. In ARCs opinion, this is a matter for each companies only policy.

3. I too have heard, and also know as fact that all suppliers, be it Chester, Warco, or anyone else have taken whole machines back within their guarantee period. ARC too has taken machines back. The decision is based on reasonableness tests on a case by case basis, taking many variables into account. The fact that a company is offering a 3 years warrantee and others don't, does not automatically mean that they will take back a machine after a reasonable length of use over time!. However, if one chooses to believe this, that is their choice. Here is an example link thread.

Ketan at ARC.

Many thanks to all for the response........

KenJ

Regarding warranty - what are you looking to do with the machine?

If you are looking to convert to CNC usage, or change out spindle type, etc, then warranty may be void as soon as you start replacing parts, how much can you modify before your warranty is worthless? This is of course less of an issue if you intend to use the mill 'as-is'.

With regards spares, the only companies I am aware of that actually list parts as an available after sales option are Arc, and to a lesser degree Amadeal in the UK (Grizzly in the US offer pretty much any part, but shipping won't be cheap) most suppliers will probably replace a part if you manage to break it if still under warranty.

Other potential UK suppliers, in addition to those listed above, for a similar size/price machine would be SPG Tools, Amadeal and Toolco, there may be others.

The only addition will be DRO ..................

Thanks for information.

KenJ