Our pricing is based on cost of materials and machining time. The TT1634C is made of 4140PH steel. This is a VERY tough steel. It is expensive, it is difficult to grind, and it is difficult to machine. The end result is a plate that wont strip threads, and the bores wont bell out. Awesome plates.

The TT1634CH on the other hand has all the features of the TT1634C but it is the Hobbyist version. My Hobbyist versions are made from a very strong (almost 3 times 6061 Aluminum) higher carbon steel, but its not 4140ph. The TT1100H, theTT770H and the TT440H are also made from this same steel. They also are thicker and have over .800″ of thread in every threaded hole. That is real Clamping power.

Most businesses opt for the heavy duty “never fail” 4140 plates, they can take the daily beating and stay in tolerance. Most Hobbyists appreciate the Awesome designs with a more moderate price tag, and they are going to go much easier on the hardware as well.

If you want to go really light duty because you are just machining Wood and Plastics, go for a Aluminum plate!