[Ira]

Hi, I'm new to machining, I've been reading a lot (all) of these posts, thanks. I purchased a Patriot machine in Febuary 09 because it looked like the best bang for the buck, good use of space, and I'm not looking to make super tight tolerance parts. I ordered the DRO and self installed CNC options. The DRO looks cool, but the CNC seemed underpowered, so I returned it. Now it's been like 6 weeks and still no refund check, also still no Patriot, but I think those are in JT's shop, and I should get one soon! Has anyone had business problems with shopmaster? I hope I'm just being a worry wort. I really want to get started setting up the replacement CNC system I bought, and start chipping away. Is it normal to pay for the machine upfront and take delivery whenever?

[sharpshooter90]

If you don't have the machine yet, how did you find the CNC underpowered? As far as delays go, its pretty much normal for any Chinese product, and seems to be more so in this economic climate. When I ordered my Patriot I was told 6 weeks for delivery, but it took 10.

[Ira]

About the CNC, I was expecting 640oz/in motors, but ended up getting a 400oz/in system, that's why I returned it. When I ordered the system there were only documented specs for a 640oz/in stepper system, so I assumed that's what I was buying. The 400in/oz system may have been adequate, but it was a low current system, and I wanted a little more headroom incase I needed faster federates or had problems with step skipping. I think coupled with the ball screw option, the 400in/oz system should be pretty slick, but I already have it in my head to use lead screws and tryout some custom lead nut designs, also I didn't want to spend an extra $800. (I'll probably switch to ball screws at some point, but I want to get a feel for things first.)


I guess it was my mistake for not getting written specifications on the CNC package, but JT was cool about it and offered me a refund. However, I've been getting a bit of a run around trying to collect my refund, and I'm trying to figure out if this is SOP for Shopmaster or if I'm getting jerked around.

[fastlanecafe]

About the CNC, I was expecting 640oz/in motors, but ended up getting a 400oz/in system, that's why I returned it.

I got the flyer from Shoptask offering the Machine, DRO and 4 axis CNC for 3995.00. That sounded like a super deal, so I called JT and he explained that the CNC and DRO were customer installed units shipped direct from the factory only, so they were non refundable. However he said I could trade the CNC in on the bigger system later on as long as the I paid the UPS charges. Is that the package deal you ordered?

[digitalmdj]

Have you seen the new machines JT has on his site. The fancy handles are gone and the guards went back to the old style. It the same old company that made my machine. You pay for the good stuff and now it's back to selling junk. He did change the compound rest at the cost of everything else. When is this man going to get it. You cant advertise one thing and then sell another.

[Roadster]

I ordered my machine around April 1. Since then, I have stayed in communication with John Taylor. At one point, he said that the manufacturer was having trouble getting some parts from the suppliers because the smaller ones were going out of business. Just like in the US. That may be why the handles changed.

If you look at the new ad, he describes the castings as fine gray cast iron. That is a change from meehanite cast iron. When the new machines came in, he changed the photo to show the new straight handles. At least, these two changes show honesty instead of trying to fool somebody.

Fine gray castings are up to the stresses and pressures which this machine will produce. The straight handles, I'll get used too or build circular replacements. The main thing is that the ISO 9001 standards are still being met.

I spoke with Taylor on Monday. He informed me that my machine was in but the DRO had not arrived. He wanted to know if I wanted it shipped and let the manufacturer drop ship the DRO to me or wait. I spoke with him yesterday, the DRO's are being shipped, should arrive there by next Wednesday, my machine will ship next week.

I don't know about your refund. I have dealt with companies who say refunds take two to three months.

At least Taylor is in business and making efforts to deliver. Many US companies continued to take orders even though they were going out of business. Those consumers were stuck. Grizzly will take an order, bill you, and have no delivery date scheduled from their factory in China. This is the worst economic situation since the 1930's. In ways worse, because we are spoiled and want it now and perfect.

When your machine arrives, get an automotive stethoscope and listen to each area of the machine running without a load. If you smell or feel heat, shut it down. NOW. If you hear anything unusual, such as grinding, binding, or snapping, contact Taylor for his advice. Keep times, dates, and recommendations. Normally it's just a cleaning and adjustment issue. Handle one issue at the time. Repeat under load when fixed.

[norvil1]

welcome to john taylor's world.

[Fast01]

I ordered my machine in October 2008 and took delivery in December 2008, so from what others have said and from my own experience, the delays seem to the the rule rather than the exception. As far as your refund....not sure. When I did get my machine it was (is) missing the compound. I called JT right away and was told one would be sent in the next shipment of machines.... which was delayed. The shipment arrived with no compound. I'm now waiting for the next delayed shipment to arrive and hoping the compound is there. So far it seems like the problem is being addressed and my calls and e-mails are always returned, so I'm not gonna cry foul just yet. Although, if I was waiting for six weeks for a check I'd be a bit pissed off.

[digitalmdj]

JT is back to his old tricks again. He is probably broke and not selling machines. You cant get new machines if you don't have the money to pay for them. He has been using your money to purchase the machines. As for the compound rest you need to just find one from somewhere else. The one JT will send you is to small for the machine. It is finally happening JT is going under. Like I said before JT does not stock replacement parts .

[norvil1]

hey ira have you got your money or machine back yet?

[Roadster]

What is this? Four request and no answer. Actually, I don't think digital wants to sell his machine. It apparently runs pretty well or he would jump on the opportunity. Actually, all in all he is probably a fairly smart boy, just needs a few decades to think about it.

I love my old mopars. I still have the 68 Satellite that I bought new in June 1968. My son left his 70 Duster that we built while he was in school here and drives a Corolla everyday. It gets around 38 mpg as opposed to 15 for the Duster. I have an old 72 Coronet with 49,000 miles that belonged to my mom before she died. I need to get rid of it. Maybe.

When I was a kid around 5, my dad had a 41 plymouth coupe. I would ride on the package tray and look at the Sears Roebuck and the Montgomery Ward Christmas catalogs. That was in 1952. My older brother and an older neighbor kid were playing cops and robbers one day. Dad's car was the get away car, so they filled the gas tank with sand and dumped some down the carburetor. He didn't even to get to the street. I finally found one a couple of years ago. I put in a 318 Poly head with factory dual quad intake. I like to old Poly head valve covers. I was going to use an A833 OD transmission, but decided to go with automatic because my wife wants to drive it. She says that she can drive stick, but she slips the clutch at 4800 rpm's when she backs up. Or should I say glazes the clutch at 4800.

Building and restoring Mopars is challenging. Few parts suppliers. It's getting worse. There have been two major parts suppliers for the American auto industry shut down within 30 or 40 miles of me. I hope this economy picks up soon. It's all about survival right now for so many companies and people.

I think the 31 roadster will look wild with the long rams hanging out over the fenders. My dog and I in the front, my wife and her dog in the rumble seat.

[norvil1]

"Do you have wild pheasant down there?"

i don't know about wild pheasants, but there are a couple of old farts around here that can get pretty wild,if you rile then up and by the way they are not impressed by anonymity.

[1324discover]

Don't buy a Shopmaster if you want a good reliable quality machine.

[Roadster]

I guess the 1324 means that you have a Smithy. I looked at those also but the Smithy is just an old John Taylor Shoptask design. Smithy should try to get an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer to build their machine. It would still be an outdated design.

Good luck to you with your little Smithy.

Are you in California in a treeless community and drive a Jeep? If so, welcome back digital. I received my tracking number from Roadway today with a tentative delivery date of next Thursday. It's somewhere in Texas right now.

[smallblock]

I guess the 1324 means that you have a Smithy.
Are you in California in a treeless community and drive a Jeep? If so, welcome back digital. I received my tracking number from Roadway today with a tentative delivery date of next Thursday. It's somewhere in Texas right now.

Digital has been promoting the Smithy's for a while- makes you wonder why he didn't buy one in the first place. I don't think he knows himself.

[digitalmdj]

No your wrong. But I am defiantly not promoting the Shoptrash. Smithy just happens to have the top slide that will work with my machine and tool post. Just like JT they never have spare parts. He wants your money so he can order the machine . Also his supplier is starting to sell the machines direct which will cut out JT. He no longer has a exclusive on the design.

[flatheadford49]

just wondering if the OP got his machine in. Someone else just picked up a machine. Just wondering maybe it was in the same container.

Good Luck
Flathead

[gearhead dan]

I'm wondering if anybody with a Patriot lives in the SF Bay Area. I'd like to check one of these out.
Also, for all you owners out there, what is it like to change over from the mill to the lathe and vice versa?

[gearhead dan]

Thanks for the reply. So you got the $200 off for paying with a check?
I keep going back and forth on this machine. I'm trying to figure out what the equivalent separate systems would be. Any thoughts?
Gearhead Dan

[smallblock]

I don't have the room for two separate machines so the Patriot really fits the bill nicely.

If you purchased separate machines these two would cost you about $4,500


http://www.grizzlyindustrial.com/pro...th-Stand/G0484

http://www.grizzlyindustrial.com/pro...ed-Lathe/G4003

There is a considerable saving with the Patriot over similar capacity separates, and the price difference is enough to justify any compromises related to the combination design.

The real savings come further down the road when considering DRO, CNC, Ball screws, coolants, benches etc. With separates, these costs are double right off the start.