Faceplate finishes/materials?

[alex grams]

So I ordered This faceplate from Penn State Industries (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Y64LUC/ref=oh_o04_s00_i01_details) via Amazon.com a few weeks ago and got it in and am using it for holding a donut chuck.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31LKxThzv9L._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Well, I am working on making a longworth chuck, so i ordered two more. However, when they arrived, they looked like this (first ordered faceplate on left, newer ordered one on the right):

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=215716&d=1323825033

Am i missing something here? Ok, they may both technically be steel faceplates, but what is the cause in difference in the finish? I honestly prefer the first, and that is what I expected, but why the change in finish/color? Should I return and ask for the original? Is there any less benefit between the two?

Thanks in advance.

[Scott Hackler]

Different makers from China? Who knows. Makes no difference in performance, just in appearance.

[John Keeton]

Alex, I guess the important question is - do they spin true? Beyond that, if the finish really matters to you then you may want to return it. But, I am not sure the finish would bother me if it functioned properly. Just my thought.

[Steve Schlumpf]

I agree with John - if it spins true - that is all that really matters. Course, if the paint really bothers you, put it on the lathe and touch it with some sandpaper. Paint would be gone in seconds!

[Ken Hill]

10 to 1, the finish was changed due to a manufacture change (overseas more then likely). As stated, if it runs true then your call on an exchange. From what i've found, a change like this also means less of a clean machining on the product and the paint is used to hide it. Kind of easy to see the metal surface structure in the painted item versus the better outside appearing and more finally finished machining of the item that is merely cleared.

[Roger Chandler]

I wonder if the painted one is cast metal and the one without the finish is trued on a lathe? Just something to check.

[Joe Watson]

Looks like that to me too, Roger.

Do they weigh the same ?
Looks like the one on the left is Stainless and the one on the right is painted cast iron.

_

[John Fabre]

Here's a review on it, it must be a crap shoot of what you get.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/common/customer-reviews/stars-3-0._V192240710_.gif Photo is not of product., November 4, 2011
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: PSI Woodworking Products CF3J Faceplate 1-Inch by 8TPI 3-Inch Diameter (Tools & Home Improvement)
The photo of the face plate shows more than 4 mounting holes.
I didn't catch it in the description that it only has 4 mounting holes.
The face plate is painted black too.
It will still surve it's purpose so that's why I'm giving it a 3 star.

[Dennis Ford]

The unpainted one sure looks better, does not mean that it will work better. IMHO, you should drill 4 additional holes. You won't always need 8 holes but it is nice to have plenty.

[Jamie Donaldson]

We photographers used to have to pay extra for equipment that was "professional black?" Of course those were the days when most of our equipment like cameras were made of metals, and now they're mostly plastic.

[Ryan Baker]

The painted one does look cast instead of machined. The paint is most likely there to help slow down the rusting, as well as to hide the surface. It may or may not make a decent faceplate.

[robert baccus]

Anyone ever notice the finish on Oneway faceplates??--------------old forester