I talked to a stone fabricator today who was of the opinion that Park was crap. I was stunned. I could see how someone liked one company over another, but crap?

He feels that his Northwood was much heavier where it mattered compared to the similar model in Park.

Could this be just a personal thing, or is there a basis to his opinion. I would imagine that structural and base weight plays a strong role in stone/quartz CNC machining.

Tom:

Put yourself in this guy's shoes. You just dropped a quarter-million dollars on a machine. The last thing on earth you want to admit is that you've made a mistake. To some people, cutting down others makes them feel better. If this guy feels putting down Park makes him smarter, more power to him, but both companies have stellar reputations.

Since when is weight a criteria for performance?

 

Joe

Joe,
I think weight makes a difference more so in stone milling machines than solid surface, but I can see an advantage in both. Accuracy measured in the ways these machines are can be screwed up with otherwise unsubstantial movement like vibration. The heavier the weight, the less vibration.

I see the logic behind that, but I wonder if they make too big a deal about it. There are other factors (intelligence in the design - heh - got you on that, quality of components, etc.) that must factor in as much, or even more.

I also take your point on buyer's bias as well. But that's really why I'm asking. I think his criticism might be overrated and would like to find out if that is the case.

Tom this probably a Ford/Chevy thing.  Way more important than the metal is the software and the service.   Once you have cleared a certain threshold of building a good machine, the important variables are people and software. Both of those companies clear that threshold IMO.

I have heard and had good experiences w/ NW personally , even tho'  we bought a used Omag.  fwiw 

If you ever consider looking for a stone CNC call me. I have been wading thru a gigantic learning curve the last few months, and have a pretty good feel for it now.





Joe's probably right on this one.

Thanks, Chris and it's great to hear from you.
I hope someday to get into my own fabrication, but I'm afraid it will be a long time from now.