Thread: Old verses New

I saw this question earlier but have been busier than normal today so have had all day to dwell on the issue. I use large ex-industrial machines, so my thoughts are on this size/ class of machine. This may resonate with other members but for me it's about some perceptions I have –
· Prior to the mid '70's, a company (especially a machine tool maker) was more likely to be run by a technical person than a 'professional manager'. I like to think you are more likely to have a product build with some appreciation of the function of the machine rather than its margin.
· Also prior to this (before the advent of CNC) it was recognised that lathes, mills etc were likely to be used by someone wanting to use them for manufacturing – there was skill involved both in making the machine and the role the machine would be put to. I like to think that (especially in the older machinists and inspectors) there was some pride (work ethic?) in making a good product and an understanding that the users would appreciate a good machine.
· The other perception I have is value for money. The price of an old used machine is ridiculously low when you think about the features, the amount of material in it and the way it feels and works. That's not to say this is uniform across the old/ new machine divide. I have a Swedish mill because English ones of the same vintage were by comparison very poorly featured. However, if I tried to find a new machine with the same features it would cost a lot more.
This is not to say that some new machines don't come from factories that are run by technical people or that production personnel do take pride in what they do but I think it is much harder to find those companies. Having said that, I bought a Chinese bandsaw 8 to 10 years back that I think is wonderful and throws doubt on a lot of the arguments I have made, but I think that 'good' Chinese is rarely imported into Australia, so there is not much choice out there.
Since the '70's too there has been more disposable income around which I think has fuelled a growth in the sales of machine tools for hobby purposes. That's not bad, but at the same time I think it has pushed the market to the low cost end. While I think a Myford is too small and wouldn't buy one, at the hobbyist end of the market for the cost of a Myford you can buy an awful lot of cheaper machines.

Michael