Well, looks like we can have a lively conversation about this!
First - precision: If we define precision by the tightness of the tolerance, in 1930 precision may have been a tolerance of .1", while today it could be .0005" - or whatever target it may be. Therefore, it would be a moving target that would be hard to define, depending on the processes of the day. Which is my point, I am focusing on that the process that is precision, not the result.
Second - machining: I think wire EDM, laser and waterjet are dumped into the "machining" bucket because the result of the process is similar to the mechanical cutting devices - but they do not exhibit tool wear. They may be better suited for another category. Electrodischarge grinding may behave like precision machining. I did not have a chance to work with it long enough to determine if the wheel does decay like plunge EDM electrodes, in which case its behavior would be consistent witht he definition.
First - precision: If we define precision by the tightness of the tolerance, in 1930 precision may have been a tolerance of .1", while today it could be .0005" - or whatever target it may be. Therefore, it would be a moving target that would be hard to define, depending on the processes of the day. Which is my point, I am focusing on that the process that is precision, not the result.
Second - machining: I think wire EDM, laser and waterjet are dumped into the "machining" bucket because the result of the process is similar to the mechanical cutting devices - but they do not exhibit tool wear. They may be better suited for another category. Electrodischarge grinding may behave like precision machining. I did not have a chance to work with it long enough to determine if the wheel does decay like plunge EDM electrodes, in which case its behavior would be consistent witht he definition.