Anybody in Canada ever deal with these guys (Quality Machine Tools - Quality Machine Tools Home) - I'm still about 1 month away from ordering the lathe but feedback on them would be appreciated. Here is where I stand as far as decision making goes:
I've done a lot of reading and the Grizzly lathes get a passing score (their G4002 / 4003/ 4003G) for quality and service.
Busy Bee just added another $100 to their lathe price ($3599 now "on sale") and it didn't get any better for it (CT043N) - they are out of the running...
So my last 2 candidates for 12x36 lathes are:
Quality Machine Tools who sell the Precision Matthews PM1236 - this looks to be the same as the Busy Bee model with fully enclosed gearbox but with more accessories for less money:
PM 1236 Metal Working Lathe
or the King Canada equivalent of the Grizzly G4003 Power Tools, Woodworking and Metalworking Machines by King Canada sold by a few places for ~$3500 plus S/H
So I'm pretty much sold on the PM1236 with the "preffered package" as its everything I'm looking for, 2nd would be Grizzly (save the money and buy the accessories myself), 3rd King Canada, 4th used (not many local 12x36 lathes show up) and last is Busy Bee.
Mike