I just purchased a new set of Lyndex-Nikken 5C collets ($1100). Boy was I surprised when the box said "Made in India." I was expecting "Made in Japan" like the last set I purchased. As far as I can tell, Lyndex-Nikken does not have any manufacturing facilities in India, almost certainly meaning these are manufactured by a "partner" and relabeled as Lyndex-Nikken.
I have not opened the box to check the TIR of any of the collets or to inspect finish quality, as I am thinking I am going to return the set. Once opened, returning gets a lot more difficult.
Yes, I know about the cost and pricing pressures facing manufacturers, and I am sure that there is some top quality manufacturing going on some place in India (they sent a robot probe to the moon, after all). However, I could have purchased 6 or so sets of questionable Chinese collets for what I paid for this set. I not want want a set of crap collets, I want a set of top quality Japanese, Korean or USA manufactured collets. I do not want to be a test case for Lyndex-Nikken's new Indian manufacturing partner.
Should I keep them or go elsewhere? And where is elsewhere?
I have not opened the box to check the TIR of any of the collets or to inspect finish quality, as I am thinking I am going to return the set. Once opened, returning gets a lot more difficult.
Yes, I know about the cost and pricing pressures facing manufacturers, and I am sure that there is some top quality manufacturing going on some place in India (they sent a robot probe to the moon, after all). However, I could have purchased 6 or so sets of questionable Chinese collets for what I paid for this set. I not want want a set of crap collets, I want a set of top quality Japanese, Korean or USA manufactured collets. I do not want to be a test case for Lyndex-Nikken's new Indian manufacturing partner.
Should I keep them or go elsewhere? And where is elsewhere?