Re: Precision Matthews Lathes???
Matt is great to deal with, but I placed an order for a PM1236 lathe in March 10, 2009 and it arrived June 25 2009.
As soon as it got from China to Penn, it was tested, fitted with DRO, and shipped to my place in a couple days. Finally, after 4 other lathes, I have one that is not holding me back in gunsmithing.
No one knows what the Chinese will do until they do it.
There are lots of interchangeable parts between all Chinese lathes... but the different brands have different features and different paint jobs.
I think the headstocks are made in a good part of China, but the steady rests are made in a prison by amputees... just kidding, the steady rests are made in art class in an old folks home. The best steady rests get painted and go to America and the lesser ones are used as fishing weights. Look at a 15 year old Jet steady rest and a new Precision Matthews steady rest. Must have come from the same art class.