Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

> A jig grinder is a high-precision grinding machine system that does not require a license to export to European Union countries but does require a license for export and reexport to Russia because of its applications in nuclear proliferation and defense programs.

Oh boy I can't wait to see what happens to businesses like Autozone who might accidentally sell screwdrivers to Russia. /s

Seriously though this is a relatively cheap tool which has largely been abandoned in favor of CNC technology. I used one to make engine parts for my Honda in shop class. It strikes me as absolutely bizarre they would arrest anyone for what amounts to a few generations old hand operated tooling. Maybe Putin needed to fix a Lada? Who knows.



The indictment calls it a "high-precision computer-controlled grinding machine" just before it mentions it is "commonly known as a 'jig grinder,'"


Who says this wasn’t a precision CNC jig grinder?


Who knows what it was. I feel like that's calling a Ferrari a "grocery getter". I mean it's probably not wrong - people do probably take their Ferraris to pick up milk - but it feels like the author isn't familiar with the subject.


A jig grinder is a specific type of machine tool. A $500,000 CNC jig grinder is still a jig grinder. It's equivalent to calling a Ferrari a car.

And in this case we do know it was a CNC jig grinder.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: