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central machinery? Good? Bad?
I recently found a good deal on some central machinery equipment.(jointer and lathe) used, but very reasonable.
9/7
Central Machinery, Harbor Freight's brand, is intended for people new to woodworking with a limited budget. There really is no "Central Machinery" company. Harbor Freight buys odd lots or limited runs from other manufacturers. I once saw a Central Machinery 17" bandsaw in their catalogue identical to my Grizzly 17". It wasn't there in the next edition.
9/7
Hey Shawn, From the sounds of it you are just starting out. Central Machinery is junk but may do a rudimentary job as well as other cheap tools made in China. If you want to pick things up on the cheap you have two choices. Buy imports, or buy quality used equipment from craigslist,e-bay, auctions, newspaper etc. You can guess my vote. One advantage to quality used you may not consider until you have to is getting parts for your central machinery tool when one of the pot metal castings breaks (and it will) Good luck! There is a nice vintage lathe on craigslist right now if your anywhere near Roanoke, VA. 9/7
I appreciated all the input. My setup right now is pretty complete, I was just hoping to streamline production. I have a small shop with plenty of space, with myself and 2 full time guys. It just seems like we always need the same tool at the same time, so I was hoping to fill a corner and eliminate some stand and wait time. I was just hoping that they had the crap end, and a better end. When things seem too good.................... 9/7
Shawn,
9/8
Shawn,
9/9
Another vote here for used tools as opposed to cheap. Ebay, Craigslist and such are good sources, but don't forget your local equipment dealers too. They often take equipment in in trade when a customer upgrades. Typically, they just want to resell this stuff as fast as possible. A good relationship with a reputable dealer can pay off in spades. You can let them know what you are looking for, and they can let you know when it becomes available if they don't already have it. And if you trust them, you'll have a very good idea of the actual equipment condition before you buy without having to rely on online listings or drive all over creation to possibly see junk. Ralph 12/18
my CM low speed 8in. dia. bench grinder failed within 10-20 minor used in 1 yr. as the nylon worm gear just fell to pieces and I assure you I am an amateur week end user for sharpening drill bits, so if this piece of junk replacement is 10% of $50 price, I will donate to the curb and go to sears. I know the nylon must be part bubble-gum to suffer under my use as I know I did not stop the wheel to strip the nylon, so the material was so cheap, it was not worth fixing even if CM GAVE ME a new part. 2/2
Buy American when you can. Bottom line, it is better. 4/8
Shawn, here's my experience with Central machinery tools: Depends on what you buy. Most of the "Industrial" models are serviceable at bargain basement price, with outdated features copied from old US or German stuff, and probably produced on old US or German tool&die equipment sold to them by the lousy conglomerates who bought up all the little guys and offshored the jobs and equipment and put good US companies out of business. Anybody remember Wilkes' Machinery and the really beautiful stuff they used to make and the service you used to get? Now, they sell high end stuff on the internet, but they don't make the tools anymore. 5/3
More of a general question about Central Machinery drill presses - I have a model 803B that needs a chuck - anyone know where to get one???? 8/10
I just recently bought a Central Machinery Vertical Mill (Model 4991). I bought it only after discovering that the tool is virtually IDENTICLE to the Grizzly, Cummins, Micro-Mark, & Homier versions, and all of these machines are produced in the SAME factory in China. I have found the tool to be adequate for my use, and I use it for metal work which is more demanding on the tool than wood. I did upgrade the drive system to a belt driven type to improve performance and reduce drive train noise, but other than this I have left the tool as-is. Harbor Freight (which sells the Central Machinery Vertical Mill) does sell tools which CAN be used with great results, but the performance on some units can be enhanced to a level not originally built into the tool (for a moddest cost). Kits are available to convert my mill into a full fledged mini-CNC machine, but I don't intend to do enough milling to justify the upgrades. 9/13
I would have to say it depends on the item purchased, I have tried a lot of thier stuff, I still have part of it and they got some back. I have the 2 h.p. dust collector and it is great, had a small "pancake" compressor ,thay got it back. I got a stile and rail cutter set, does a great job, tried a hvlp spray system,they got that back, got a staple gun that wouldn,t set the staples, got a 23 gauge pin nailer does a great job, You can return items that don't do what you thought thay would. I like bostich nails guns but the newer ones have a lot more plastic in them than the old ones, pretty flimzy and will break. I feel some items that are higher priced you may be better to go with a more reliable brand name. 11/12
A major consideration for HF is service. When something breaks, and you can guarantee it will, where do you get parts to fix it and how long will it take? I've used HF tools with reasonable luck but when they break you will be more than lucky if you can get it fixed. Parts take a very long time to obtain if they can be ordered at all. 11/12
I agree with the mixed reviews of Harbor Freight tools. My comment is about customer service and replacement parts. It is surprisingly good, and I do mean surprisingly. I needed some widgit type parts on a tool or two. There was no problem getting a real person on line (who was in the US!), they had the widgits in stock, and they were promptly shipped. I wasn't charged $10 for some stupid bolt (as has happened with Delta). This isn't an endorsement of HF tools, simply a description of my CS experience,. 1/27
i needed a demo hammer for 5 days, it was 72.00 for 4 hours around here. I got a 40lb demo hammer for 200.00. job is almost done. if it lasts it lasts if not its paid for. I would not use this stuff as a tradesman or commercially though. i also bought a pipe threader and the 1 1/4 cutter dies stink, but they are usable. the other option was a 1200.00 hilti for the demo hammer. hilti will last but i dont need a demo hammer often
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