Like many other tools made in China, the boring bar and tool holder are very well made. They are hardened (I haven't measured the hardness yet), have a gloss black oxide coating and the insert fits snugly in the pocket. I don't use them for precision turning, so I can't comment on the repeatability of the insert seats. The biggest surprises were the included inserts; I've never heard of this brand, but have since ordered a few different types of them because they look (and work) like inserts that cost over $10 each. They are double coated, the sides are ground and the bottom is lapped. I measured the length and thickness of all 10 and they were all within 0.0002 inches of each other. The way I see it I got a good discount on some good inserts and got the tool holders for free.