Machine Mart - you get what you pay for?

[RogerS]

Ne'er a truer word said when it comes to their compressed air fittings.

To date, one female PCL internal diameter out of tolerance and it wouldn't fit.

One yellow 10metre straight hose leaked air from one of the connectors.

90 minutes later, gallon and a half of petrol to return and get a replacement. Neanderthal man merely grunted and shuffled off for a replacement, his knuckles trailing grooves in the dust on the floor with nary an apology for my inconvenience.

Return home to find replacement also leaking air but can't be a***d to go back. Have emailed customer service on the offchance that they might post me a replacement.

So suggest you avoid them for these type of things.

But where can I go to get decent stuff at a good price?

 

[jasonB]

Try J&L, Easiest to look through the virtual catalogue (bottom left) they do flowtech fittings

http://www.jlindustrial.co.uk/cgi/insrhm?ukepcode=HER40

Jason

 

[Scrit]

Roger

The traditional PCL fittings aren't really the best design and their design/manufacturing tolerances seem to be what I'd call fairly sloppy in any case. I've standardised on CEJN 310 (mainly because I've got a local distributor) which are a lot less sloppy and pass about 3 times as much air as the traditional PCL (which was designed back in the 1930s I think). CEJN 310 equivalents are available from a number of suppliers, indeed PCL make that pattern these days (called something like XJN or Euro 2000?) - I've got a few but they aren't as good as the original CEJN-made fittings. I reckon that with air fittings you get what you pay for, so getting stuff like CEJN or Schrader is well worth the extra cost over the longer term.

Flowtech, should anyone be interested, are in Skelmersdale, Lancashire and do an excellent catalogue of air and vacuum fittings (they stock some IMI Norgren stuff, but not Festo or Camozzi products). Their quick connect fittings are all 3rd party "compatible" fittings and can be found here. Most compressed air places seem to have an account with them (they are trade account only)

Scrit

 

[woodbutcher]

hi roger

in the past i have got my air fittings from http://www.toolstation.com and have never had a problem.




woodbutcher.


ps no affiliation.

 

[RogerS]

Thanks guys for the suggestions.

Full marks to Machine Mart Customer Service also as they are sending me a replacement hose foc by post.

Cheers

Roger