Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 12, 2006 06:50pm | #1

   [email protected]   (note:  that's 3 els - k a l l l)

   Did you leave your phone number too, in case they needed to ask a question?

   "Is their catalog worth perusing?"
   Absolutely!!!  It's way more than a catalog.

   "Is their customer service always so spotty?"
   Nope.  I had a delay in getting my catalog, but that's because they were just printing the new one.  It's a family business and occasionally they simply get overwhelmed, but they will take care of you!

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

2. 
   PeteBradley | Mar 13, 2006 06:16am | #2

   Iturra's the place to go if you want to "customize" your Delta or clone 14" band saw. The catalog also has some Delta history and a comparison between old and new machines. It's worth a read, though I suggest that you take some of the products and their claims with a grain of salt.

   If I recall correctly, it took a while before the catalog arrived, so sit tight.

   Pete

3. 
   giametti | Mar 14, 2006 03:38am | #3

   Try contacting them again, if necessary. I've always had someone answer when I've called.
   Louis Iturra can be a great resource in getting more out of your bandsaw. The catalog has a lot of info on souping up the 14" Delta and Jet saws, but there's stuff there for all saws. And if you use the WoodSlicer blade, Iturra offers the same blade for $10 less.
   He really needs a website, though.

   Jim Eddy

   http://www.jameseddywoodworks.com

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 14, 2006 05:24am | #4

   "He really needs a website, though."  I agree! and heard awhile back that they were working on one.  I know how that feels!  It can be really hard to buckle down to that particular task!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   jhounshell | Mar 14, 2006 06:46am | #5

   Forestgirl-If you are ever looking for a personal website design, let me know. I'd be happy to do a personal web design for you showing off your work. If its an information only site, it's easy to do and cheap. It only gets expensive when you try to sell online and set up e-commerce. A site that shows off your work and tells others how to contact you can boost your sales, and is not too much out of pocket. I can send you examples of my work, e-mail me if you are interested.Jeff

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 14, 2006 09:19am | #6

   Hi Jeff, thanks for the offer.  This web site wouldn't be a woodworking site, although I have an idea for one of those that I might want to talk with you about.  The site I'm trying to design right now is for my retail store -- sells trading cards, trading card and miniatures games, and a little D&D (Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying game).  Ooops, just realized this isn't my thread.  I'll drop you an email.........sorry O.P.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

4. 
   JJV | Mar 14, 2006 05:56pm | #7

   Keep calling, because the catalog is worth it.  It's actually pretty big, and there is more information on bandsaws than there are product offerings.  It's a great read because you can actually learn something more than how many different router bits there are. 

   when I called I left a message and about 2 weeks later I had the catalog.  I called with an order and I had that in a week.  So they may not be Amazon but they are better than the initial impression you have received. 

   As everyone else says, they need a website or at least a published email that they review and answer. 

   Maybe someday I'll know a little something.
1. 
   try50772 | Mar 14, 2006 06:07pm | #8

   Thanks, Its been about a 5 weeks since my inital call, and about two weeks since the second. I'll wait another week and call again.

1. 
   PHM | Mar 14, 2006 07:26pm | #9

   You might try their e-mail addy

                '[email protected]'

   I requested a cataloge and received it in about a week as I recall.

   PHM

    

2. 
   jhounshell | Mar 15, 2006 03:03pm | #11

   They may be printing a new catalog right now. I called to request one about three weeks ago. Have not seen anything.

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 17, 2006 07:04pm | #16

   Anyone out there got a FAX machine hooked up?  Print out this discussion and fax it to them at 904-642-2802.  Maybe they'll stop by and chat. :-)forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

5. 
   Napie | Mar 15, 2006 05:43am | #10

   I got my catalog in less than a week after I called them.

6. 
   stantheman | Mar 16, 2006 03:06am | #12

   Worth waiting for.  Mine took about 6+ months, because they wanted to send the new one. 

1. 
   try50772 | Mar 16, 2006 05:42am | #13

   How can a catalog be worth a six month wait?
   All due respect, but a postcard saying we're waiting for a printing would go a long way. What if you want project parts sooner than later, even a quick price list/menu would be better than nothing. Seriously, they advertise in Woodshop News, FWW, and others. Its sound that the only way you get good seiivce is to buy something, maybe I'll call and order a coil spring or something...

1. 
   corners | Mar 16, 2006 06:11am | #14

   If you're not in the USA you'll have to call and pay for your catalog before they ship it.

1. 
   try50772 | Mar 16, 2006 03:29pm | #15

   I'mk in the US.
   Thanks

2. 
   stantheman | Mar 18, 2006 03:20am | #17

   Yes You are right, a postcard would have been good.  I assumed they lost the request.  I was still glad to get it, because it is full of good information,  even though I 've yet to order anything from them.  I learned more about bandsaws from the catalopg than from the book I had ordered about the same time. 

7. 
   forestgirl | Mar 18, 2006 06:42am | #18

   I just got an email from Louis Iturra.  He said he's in the midst of "changing and adding a few more articles and products" and that demand for the catalog has been very, very high.  It all combines to make quite a delay.  He reassured us that everyone who ordered a catalog will get one.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

1. 
   try50772 | Mar 18, 2006 04:33pm | #19

   Any word on a website to make all this unnecessary?

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 18, 2006 07:46pm | #20

   I thought about asking that, but didn't want to be too intrusive.  I left and opening for him to write back. 

   My impression (totally an impression, nothing else) is that they do things the old-fashioned way over there (which thankfully includes great customer service, with the possible exception of slow catalog releases) and moving into something like a web site is probably really hard for them.

   The old catalog I had (2001) looked like it was photocopied at the drug store, ROFL.  Still, that didn't diminish the interesting articles.  The first page detailed the story about how things busted loose after a couple of magazine articles.  The kind of rapid growth that can kill a company if the owners aren't made of steel (so to speak).  Here's a scan of it -- sorry about the size, but can't scan type down real tiny, would make it unreadable:

   PS:  If you have Windows, try a RightClick/Open in New window.  Otherwise, Save Target As and read in its own window.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

   Edited 3/18/2006 12:48 pm by forestgirl