FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. I see advertisements for other 3 in 1 machines everywhere- why don't I see your machine in magazines etc?

A.  When we first started in the business we used to do a lot of magazine advertising, but as we sold more and more machines we realized that word of mouth was selling all we could produce.  Therefore we reduced our advertising budget to just brochures requested by customers and the website.  That is one of the reasons we offer so much machine for the money.  When you buy one of those other 3 in 1 machines, probably 1/3 of the price you pay goes toward their huge advertising costs.

Q.  How can I be sure this is a quality product?

A.  The PATRIOT machine is the result of over 27 years of evolution and improvement from our original designs.  Unlike other 3 in 1 machines that are purchased off the shelf based on some price/profit ratio and marketed as a common commodity. 

Q.  What about spare parts and service?

A.  Because the PATRIOT is the only product we sell, it is easy for us to maintain a full parts inventory. Other companies with 5,10 or more products simply cannot afford to stock parts for every machine in their product line. Further, because we have only one product line, everyone here has knowledge of the machine and its functions. You will never get one of those endless phone menus that leave you on hold for hours.

Q. How do I go about getting warranty parts?

A. Your PATRIOT has a 3 year parts warranty standard. A lifetime warranty is also available see special offer for details. If you encounter a problem, call on our technical line to speak with a technician.  In many cases, problems can be solved in a few moments. If replacement parts are required we will ship them to you by UPS ground upon receipt of the old part in our warehouse. Faster service can be arranged  if necessary. See the printed warranty for details.

Q.  What kind of accuracy can I expect with the PATRIOT?

A.  The PATRIOT is designed to CNC specifications, and is the only 3 in 1 machine that carries this exclusive designation on its factory certification as well as the important ISO 9001 production quality certification..  Others claim " CNC kits" or " CNC conversions", but only the PATRIOT is 100% factory designed for CNC drive. There are too many specifications to list, but lathe spindle runout at the ground face will be about 0.0005". Other specifications are to similar high standards. When properly adjusted and operated, the PATRIOT can produce quality work better than any machine in its class. Of course, the ultimate factor in any work will be the skill of the operator.
 

Q. I have only limited knowledge of machining- how can I be sure I can learn to be a machinist?

A. We often help our customers through their initial learning process.  Our technical line is always open and a technician will answer your call directly- no secretary or recorded menu.  Your operators manual and our staff will help you get started, and you can refer to our 24 hour on-line technical section any time. We offer the best set of books Available to the home engineer, see # ST 39A  in the TOOLS section.  How fast you learn will depend on your natural talents and the time you spend using your machine. 

Q.  How do I know the PATRIOT will do the jobs I want?

A. If,  After studying our technical specifications,  you are still unsure if the PATRIOT is the right sized machine, call our technical line and speak to a technician.  We can help you decide if you describe your job, or send us a simple drawing. We do not want you to buy the machine if it is too big or too small for your work. We often recommend other machines for customers who cannot use a PATRIOT.

Q.  How do I get such a heavy machine into my home garage?

A. Moving heavy objects by hand has been a challenge to mankind since before the Egyptians dragged all those stones to build the pyramids.  If you are not equipped with a fork lift, your machine will be delivered to a truck terminal near you. You may pick it up there and bring it home in a pickup truck. Once in your driveway,  There are a number of ways to move the machine safely without heavy equipment. A call to our technicians will give you some very  good tips on moving the machine.  Fortunately for you, the PATRIOT comes already bolted to a steel bench WITH 4 HEAVY DUTY CASTERS.  Your only challenge is moving it into position. CAUTION! Be sure your area is clean and organized before moving the machine, and do not allow children or others to stay in the area while you are working.

Q. I see a lot of 3 in 1 machines being sold everywhere these days in catalogues, stores, even motel parking lots ? What makes the PATRIOT different?

A.   First, we were first!  When we sold our first 3 in 1 machine many of those companies did not even exist.  As we progressed in the evolution of our products, we stopped selling the older style machines.  Other companies have taken up the sales of those old designs because we made them popular.  Take a look at the HISTORY of our products, and see if you recognize some of our old designs being sold today by others.  However, you will NEVER see them selling our current design, because we are always in the forefront of design and innovation. When you buy a PATRIOT, you can be assured that you are at the front of the pack and those other guys are running  a lap behind.