projectnut
Stainless
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2006
- Location
- Wisconsin
Last week I started a thread about lathe test bars.
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/what-style-lathe-test-bar-338332/
After some consideration I decided to buy a center mounted style to see if I could reduce the time to realign the tailstock after cutting tapers. I found several offerings and decided on one advertised as "Made In The USA", with a US flag proudly waving over the text. It wasn't that expensive, but it did cost nearly 50% more than those advertised as "Made In India" or Made In China".
I received the bar yesterday and decided to give it a try. The first thing I noticed when opening the package was the label reading: "Designed and Engineered in the USA" ----- "Manufactured in China". To me this tool was not made in America. I'm not sure if it's the manufacturer or the retailer is deliberately misleading the consumer by false advertising, and charging a premium price for an item clearly NOT MADE IN THE USA. Several retailers use the identical advertising, but there is no mention of where the tools are made on the manufacturers site.
The same retailers advertise several dozen other tools by the same manufacturer with the same Made in The USA banner. With this experience I highly doubt any of the tools are now or were ever manufactured in the USA.
As a side note the tool seems to be well made and does perform the job it's intended for, so quality is not a factor. It's the advertising I have a problem with. I doubt they would be able to charge the premium price if it was advertised as "Made In China".
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/what-style-lathe-test-bar-338332/
After some consideration I decided to buy a center mounted style to see if I could reduce the time to realign the tailstock after cutting tapers. I found several offerings and decided on one advertised as "Made In The USA", with a US flag proudly waving over the text. It wasn't that expensive, but it did cost nearly 50% more than those advertised as "Made In India" or Made In China".
I received the bar yesterday and decided to give it a try. The first thing I noticed when opening the package was the label reading: "Designed and Engineered in the USA" ----- "Manufactured in China". To me this tool was not made in America. I'm not sure if it's the manufacturer or the retailer is deliberately misleading the consumer by false advertising, and charging a premium price for an item clearly NOT MADE IN THE USA. Several retailers use the identical advertising, but there is no mention of where the tools are made on the manufacturers site.
The same retailers advertise several dozen other tools by the same manufacturer with the same Made in The USA banner. With this experience I highly doubt any of the tools are now or were ever manufactured in the USA.
As a side note the tool seems to be well made and does perform the job it's intended for, so quality is not a factor. It's the advertising I have a problem with. I doubt they would be able to charge the premium price if it was advertised as "Made In China".