This is the misconception that lies at the root of many of these arguments. They are not all made in the same factory. What happens is someone designs a decent machine and has it manufactured to an acceptable standard by one of the better factories in Taiwan or China. A load of cheapskates then get another factory or factories to churn out copies that look the same but are in fact shite. There may be lots that are made in the same factory but if you can find the one that is the original then you will get a decent machine. Finding out which was the original design is a different matter and may require the investigative skills of Hercule Poirot.
Furthermore, made in the same factory, does not necessarily mean made to the same tolerances, you only have to look at the difference in quality between Axminster's own Hobby and Trade ranges. they are doubtless made in the same factory but quality wise they are chalk and cheese.
The only reliable way is to take a good long look at the machines in your budget and decide for yourself which is made to the better standards. This of course pre-supposes that you can tell the difference between quality and shite. (This is not to suggest that anyone taking part in this debate cannot do so)
As I said in my earlier post, whilst my experience with Charnwood machines is not good, (poor finishing, badly fitted components, tailstock that sticks on the bed in places, etc.) not all Charnwood machines are shite. I compared several brands of table saw at Harrogate and the Charnwood blew the Axminster Hobby series out of the water in terms of quality, epecially when it came to the amount of play in the sliding table.
It is not black and white. they are not all the same but neither are all Charnwood machines rubbish. You need to look carefully at the individual machine you are buying. As far as band saws in this price range are concerned my choice would still be Axminster over Charnwood but personally I would wait until I could afford better then either.
Oh and I don't have a Bentley and my Mercedes is now 15 years old and rusty.
