The problem with buying a knock off, who are you going to contact to solve a problem when it comes about, Are you going to call some person in the middle of China. If we continue to buy everything from China we all are going to be out of jobs. The quality of the motors are sub standard and wil not last near as long as a well built machine. But to each their own buy to save and in the long run you will see your art go down hill. Would you want a doctor to cut you open with a substandard scalpel or a sharp German made one?