The only parts I see on that Tulle lock that could be cnc machined are the screws. Those are some pretty serious quality issues. Yikes! When things like this pop out I could only wonder what other issues are lurking.
From what I can tell from my lock, the tumbler is both machined and from what I can tell, wire EDM'd around the perimeter. The lock plate, which appears to be a casting, is machined on the inside surface. I'm assuming the screw holes are drilled and tapped at the same time.
Again, my lock doesn't have all the issues that Smart Dog posted. From studying his photo, I noticed he must have ground/filed off the "TULLE" that is cast into my lock plate. Doing that would exacerbate how much the cock is standing off the plate if the plate is taken down the thickness of the cast in engraving, which I would estimate at around .015-.020 deep. Looking at my lock, that distance is approximately about 1/3 less. Still there, but not as excessive. However he also could have welded up the engraving, which would throw my idea out the window, and it would chalk it up to variation in the manufacture which would be concerning.
Not sure why I am becoming a defender of Track, don't have a horse in the race, but just hate to see a manufacturer that is sticking their neck out trying to bring out new product not get a fair shake, especially when it is not the same experience I have had with the same product.
Jim, I'm sure you can appreciate that.
Long story short, the more options we have the better.