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Tools from the orient.

2K views 11 replies 10 participants last post by  Loco 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I think it is not fair to say that tools made in the orient are bad. Just because they are cheaper than European or US products you cannot classify them as bad tools. There are many tools not made in the orient which are below standard in quality. A lot of power tools and hand tools under US brand names are bad in quality. US manufacturers are using Chinese and Taiwanese factories to produce their tools and machines.

I always believe you get what you pay for. If you are not a rich woodworker you can always buy cheap tools which are usable.

The manufacturing system in China is based on what an importer wants. If he wants to make a cheap machine he can ask for cheap machines.

We shouldn't be too biased . it is just like saying only people in your country are good and those from other countries are bad.

If you want cheap tools buy cheap tools . If you think cheap tools are no good don't buy. But please remember products made in the orient enable many people to buy products that they can only dreamed of.
 
#2 ·
I kind of agree with you, but the trouble is telling the difference from one to another. So you I tend to buy based on cost versus what is tangible. I know the older Delta/rockwell stuff from the 40's- 60's have stood the test of time. Also I look at what is in a machine, motor, bearings, and wires/switches. If the casting looks good and the rest of the parts can be sourced from anyone, then I can fix whatever arises. The asian market has sort of pigeon holed themselves to that reputation.
 
#3 ·
I don't think anyone is having any issues with "tools from the orient". there are some pretty fantastic tools made "in the orient".... how about we label "orient" though - isn't that half a large part of the world? so it's a bit too general I think.

Japanese hand tools are second to none. - that's orient

Taiwanese machines are known to be of good quality - that's orient.

currently - and this is the key word - speaking for 2013 - the majority of chinese machines are subpar to others. - not all, but the majority. is it a mfg lack of quality? I'd say that's half the responsibility, while the other half is indeed with whomever is ordering it from them and asking for 'cheap cheap cheap'. but bottom line is - those tools/machines when compared to others of same/higher cost are subpar and not to the same quality by far.

I always advocate to do your homework before buying anything - compare , check , make sure you know what you are getting , and that what you are about to pay for will suffice for your requirements. to each their own
 
#4 ·
PurpLev says,"there are some pretty fantastic tools made "in the orient"…. how about we label "orient" though - isn't that half a large part of the world? so it's a bit too general I think."__
I agree. Power tools made in Japan are good . Some machine made in Taiwan are of acceptable quality and some are bad. That is why I say it is unfair to generalize that if the tools are cheap and failed after a short period it is because they are made in the "orient".
If you want cheap things you just cannot beat the Taiwanese and Chinese made products. I have a second drill made in China . It cost me only US$15.00. I didn't put it to hard used,though. After more than four years it is still ok. For normal use I employ Bosch drill.

Woodworking for me is just a hobby since 1970.

Thank you for the friendly replies.
 
#6 ·
I suppose there is still some confusion about this subject, but these days the majority of tool products products-most of them fine-seem to be made in Asia. With many types of tools, such as lathes and bench grinders, for instance, many brands of different prices are manufactured on the same line in the same Chinese factory. However, that doesn't mean they are all good or all bad. These manufacturers operate with different quality control standards for different brand clients. For instance, Jet tools are built with a high quality control standard while Harbor Freight's Central Machinery line are produced with a much lower quality control standard. What that means is if you buy a Jet lathe there is a good chance of finding a top quality tool in the box with all the parts you need. With the Central Machinery lathe, it's a bit of crap shoot. Be prepared to return the item or have a missing part delivered.
 
#8 ·
I have to agree with Ashahidan!!
I will not go into regions of the orient, lets just say China and call a spade a spade.
For me its a two part equation. Number one is the manufacturer, they want something cheap for there bottom line so if that means using grade 8bolts instead of grade 10 to save some pennies they will walk down that road.
Number two is the Consumer(yes thats us). It seems that we are more than willing to throw away our money on crap from Harbor Freight or Princess Auto(yes I said crap), go home and use said item untill it breaks and then just go out and buy another. There would not be places like these if there were not the demand.
So what do you do when you have bought something labeled ''Made in China'' find out it does not work for whatever reason/or breaks shortly after purchase?
Do you make a big stink about it to the manufacturer or Store you purchased it from?/ Do you tell your freinds /write a review
I bet most people just let it slide and buy another.
Things are not going to change unless we start saying something!!
You would be and idiot to say of a Country that puts satellite's in orbit that they cannot make quality items.
 
#11 ·
Kimosawboy, I agree with what you say about QUOTE: Do you make a big stink about it to the manufacturer or Store you purchased it from?/ Do you tell your freinds /write a review UNQUOTE. If we all did this, it would certainly result in better quality and also higher prices. That would eliminate a large percentage of consumers who shop for price first, quality second.
 
#12 ·
That's the only difference in any of those tools Tighter specs .as $$$ = less sales= old scumbags on the board not happy.
Buy Japanese, Spain, German, etc. They actually make things.Really nice things.

The US is nothing more than a giant import-export country with a workforce of medicated morons and a con-ned-sumer base of cheapskates.

See that thar shynee NASCAR huntin' knyfe ? It cum wiff a free canna WD40 !
Idiots.

A real one cost $300. Sorry the tip broke of yours while you were trying to pry the child safety cap off your Prozac.
 
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