Warco WM18 miller problem

Having read the article by Dave Fenner (Aug 2009) regarding the WM18 and looked at a number of other machines I have recently purchased one from Warco.

It does everything desired but as soon as I started placing items on the table eg milling vice or clock gauge I found that scratches appeared very easily. I have not had a problem with my old RF25 miller. I am reluctant to continue using it . Can anyone explain what I do to avoid ruining the table surface. I am also surprised at the amount of piting of the surface as though its been surface ground but not to a very great depth.

I would talk to Warco about this first, personally I find this is normally the best route to follow.

Edited By V8Eng on 24/01/2013 19:55:31

Hi David,

I have a milling machine similiar to Weiss WMD25, ta bit smaller than your WM18, and I have not experienced any of the problems you describe.

Regards

Thor

It is a well known fact that although cheaper, in some cases to buy, third world machines are not as robust as second hand British equivalents. The overriding factor is that companies offer accessories with their machines which are attractive to buyers, but this is not always economical, you still pay for those accessories but it is a hidden cost as the machines themselves have such a good markup on profit, you pay for the lack of quality in both the steel and cast iron. Understandably , everyone is on a budget, but it can be a false economy in the long run.

I'm not sure that's true now. Markup on machines is generally modest - the market is hugely competitive. The business model for most of the trade suppliers is to attract customers with a good deal on machines and keep them as future customers through good service. A lot of customers making regular small purchases and the occasional bigger one is what every business wants.

This has driven greatly improved quality and reliability of imported hobby machines over the last 20 years or more.

Neil

There was no completion to this thread in 2013, so it may have been a soft casting - or may not.

Certainly, in the US, there seems to be a burgeoning market for expertly reconditioned industrial machines of a bygone era. As long as they do the job required, they are often considered as far better value than a new machine - from wherever it may be sourced.

Properly aged (and heavier castings) seem to ‘rule OK’ where quality is concerned.

Far Eastern vs old British is a well trodden debate on the forum. There's much to be said on both sides. Dare I suggest though that Peter's point of view isn't entirely gospel. He:

• Resurrects a 5 year old post, never a convincing platform
• Starts by claiming "It is a well known fact...", when actually it's "a well known opinion"
• Uses the term "third world", which has lost it's original meaning
• Assumes lack of quality explains cheapness rather than considering the possibility that selling price also reflect economies of scale, cheap labour costs, tax advantages, competition, and a competent understanding of the market. Possibly there are state subsidies as well.
• Plays the 'false economy in the long run' card. Maybe, maybe not. In professional engineering circles 'the long run' isn't a respectable argument. Particularly when old kit has to compete with someone who has invested in the latest and best available. Better to choose after defining what's meant by 'Fit for Purpose' and 'Value for Money'. What that means to me might be very different to what it means to you: it's unwise to generalise.

One way beginners make a start in the hobby is by searching the internet. I feel it's not helpful for them to read posts casting unnecessary doubt on their most straightforward entry method, ie buying a new hobby machine. The implication that only western lathes are worth having is very misleading. Yes you will be pleased if you pick up a good one. But there are plenty of worn out crocks too. Experienced buyers know what to look for; I'd suggest a beginner is better off de-risking his purchase by buying new. Not because the quality of the machine is better; it's because new purchases benefit from consumer protection law.

Above all I think it's more important to make a start than worrying about where and when your first lathe was manufactured. After a couple of years experience, it's much easier to make informed decisions about what you really want. By all means change your mind. My Chinese kit isn't as refined as I would like but it does all I need of it, at the right price, and I've not regretted buying it. As to longevity, I expect it will see me out.

Dave

Thank you Dave, for very eloquently putting what I could not be bothered to say!