Stephen, please don't mistake my comments about chinese manufacturers as being an idictment of Grizzly. I thought I made this clear in post #32, but after re-reading what I wrote, I can see how you and others might interpret it that way. I REALLY should have worded that better. My only defense is that my 15 month old woke up and was fussing. Yeah, pretty weak, but it's the truth and the best I got.
To be very clear, I have no axe to grind against Grizzly. In my opinion, they do a much better than average job at customer service and appear to work very hard to ensure quality products are imported. I've owned a few of their tools, got what I paid for, and have kept an eye on them over the years.
About a month ago I posted a message here (at least I think it was here) about how impressed I was with their offerings at AWFS, particularly their new, small Euro slider. Nicely done for the price!!! I think I even recommended it to a fellow here who wanted a slider but said Felder/Hammer/MM, etc., were out of his price range.
The point I was blathering about is that problems with Chinese made products, when they occur, are too often the result of their approach to quality, which is, it is the responsibility of the buyer. This is why Grizzly and other importers place QC people at the site. This is a well known and documented problem that the Chinese are trying to turn around. Are they there yet? No, I don't think they are. When will they get there, if ever? I have no idea. I'd invite you to re-read post #32 in this context.
Another side issue and what motivated some of my more snarky comments is what appears to be a curiously strong, ummmm, shall we say "brand loyalty" for Grizzly that seems to be present here. Being happy with your tools is one thing, but some of the comments and statements I've read on this forum (not necessarily this thread) are downright funny. Envision a gaggle of high school girls gushing over the star quarterback. Except in this case, the girls are chubby, balding, middle aged guys covered in sawdust. Now picture them holding pom-pom's..... To be honest, it's sometimes hard to resist poking a bit of fun at it. That's my perception anyway. Could I be wrong on that? Very possibly.
At the end of the day it's just woodworking. No reason any of us should pop a vein over it.
Regards,
John