[Fenichel]

$1150 is an amazing figure. My guess is (unless it's pure ripoff) that there's something in the circuit that's pointlessly different internationally. For example, there might be different standards for color-coding of power wires between Canada & the US, and the charge might cover the cost of a Certified Person replacing lots of wires with functionally identical (but visually different) ones, and another Certified Person formally confirming that CP #1 had done his job.

[Steve303]

It would be interesting to know what would have to be completed in order to meet the ESA requirements.

[DareBee]

One of the most common issues with imported (not Canadian compliant) machines is the E-stop circuit.
". These modifications are required at Schools and larger businesses. While I am sure they are required in personal shops, "
These modifications are the law regardless of where the are used/located.
Many people break the law and do not get caught.
If there is ever an accident, you will lose the lawsuit and your insurance will not cover you.
I am not being a narc, just stating the facts.
I would likely break the law for home use, just as many others do.

[kstrauss]

Another possibility is changes to the spindle lockout. Perhaps rules require that you can't open the spindle door or actuate the PDB without switching the spindle lockout.

The best approach would be to ask Tormach and also the Canadian "distributor" for further info.

[GLCarlson]

Haha, that would be too much, really. I don't want to post here the quote I got, but I almost fell off my unicorn when I opened it ))

Do post it. Rip-offs should be publicized...and this sure sounds like one. At the least, this is going to come up again. Leave tracks.

[Fenichel]

@GLCarlson:

As @DareBee, @kstrauss & I have separately speculated, it may not really be a ripoff. It's at least possible that Studica, a Canadian entity, is (unlike Tormach) bound by Canadian regulations to require the mods, and the price is not exorbitant for what has to be done. Without knowing what the contemplated mods consist of, it's not possible to make judgments.

[Warren_3Deee]

I bought both my SlantPro lathe and 440 mill direct from Tormach. They arranged truck freight, and paid on VISA exactly the price on their website. Freight was very reasonable, and only had to pay taxes on border crossing. A small bracket was missing (non-essential) and Tormach UPS'd it at no charge the next day. One controller was upgraded at no cost on the 440; again UPS at no cost next day.

EDIT: located in Vancouver, BC

[Viroos]

I've just got a quote from Tormach. I have no idea what's the reason and don't want to judge the Canadian representative, but the shipping from Canada was quoted as CAD 2300, the shipping from USA - USD 753 + USD 100 export preparation which is about CAD 1100 totally.

[kstrauss]

I believe that I paid about cdn$300 to Livingston for their customs services since I didn't have a business account with them. I don't know if that is an additional line item in your Studica quote or not. If it is included then that makes the quoted delivery charges slightly less outrageous.

[Viroos]

Where do you buy the way oil (similar to 31386 - Machine Oil)?

[Fenichel]

I get mine at Princess Auto in Coquitlam.

[Viroos]

What kind of oil do you use?

[kstrauss]

I purchase from KBC Tools (https://www.kbctools.ca) #1-820-720 cdn$26.20/gal. Shipping is $10. Setup an account with them since you'll be needing lots of stuff!

[DareBee]

Mobile Vactra 2

[Viroos]

Did anybody try to self release the machine from customs?
I've got an estimation from a brokerage company and they actually doubled the HST price with their fees

[kstrauss]

In my experience you have to travel to the port of entry to do things yourself. In years past I lived near the Toronto airport and personally cleared small but expensive items shipped by air freight. Since Tormach ships by truck I believe that means Detroit for me. I'm certain that the trucking company would not be pleased if they have to wait at the border for you to arrive and possibly unload because of the delay. It just seemed easier for me to pay a broker exorbitant fees and and avoid any unexpected additional charges. Perhaps talk to Tormach and also to their trucking company? Please let us know what they say.

[Viroos]

Hmmm... didn't take the geography in account...
I'm from Ottawa, travelling to Windsor/Detroit definitely isn't worth it, and it's hard to believe they will bring the machine to Cornwall.
I wrote an email to Tormach anyways, will keep you updated...
P.S. The broker's fees are just outrageous! What do they do there for $600+?

[kstrauss]

Is that a "handling charge" only are the total charge? Anything over the 13% HST is their profit. Ask for an itemized quote. Also, give Livingston Brokerage a call; I was pleased with their services and they charged significantly less.

[Viroos]

That's their estimation.
HST is only a half of the total sum.

[kstrauss]

I don't understand. The document shows HST at 5% but I thought that you were in Ontario so it should be 13%. What is the "Priority HS fee"?