I just took delivery of a Grizzly G0609 Jointer. While cleaning the rather voluminous amount of packing grease from the bed, I noticed that there are several surface scratches on the bed, not that big a deal right?
However, there is one rather large set of scratches, that are closer to a gouge. That is to say, if I run my fingernail over them, they are below the surrounding surface of the table. Not a lot, but enough to catch my fingernail, and make for an irregular surface right before the wood would pass over the knives.
The question becomes how big a deal do I want to make about this. Am I unhappy about the situation, yes. However, I am not sure that it makes a material difference.
What would you do?
Replies
Call Grizzly and tell them you are not pleased with the product, they might give you some money back and in which case I would then take a honing stone to the bed and get rid of the high spots. Unless the scratches are real deep I don't think it would detract from the performance of the jointer. Just my .02 worth.
Is that .02 or .002? :-)
2 cents!!!
I had a couple scratches on the 609 they will matter not! I even mentioned the fence and they sent a new one. I still have it but did not put it on. You could buff it if you want, but trust me with all you will putn through it that scratch won't mean squat! Its a beautiful hunk of beef that will serve you well. enjoy.
If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
The scratches and gouges, as long as they are below the surface of the table, won't affect the performance of the machine.
That said, you probably wouldn't accept a new car with scratches and gouges like that in the paint job and I would certainly call Grizzly and expect them to replace the machine since the gouges can't be repaired.
John White
Shop Manager for FWW 1999-2007
You paid a lot of money for that machine, plus the shipping. Call Grizzly and get a new table for the joiner. Regards!
I don't know if I would send it back, but I would call them and tell them that you are not satisfied with the delivery. One thing that I have figured out in life so far is that it never hurts to ask, all they can say is NO..
Kaleo
http://www.craftsmansbrew.wordpress.com
I sent Grizzly the picture of the table, and the chipped paint on the blade guard. I have also stopped assembly while I wait for their response.
Thanks to all for your input.
Contrary to what most are saying - I'd say you have a mole-hill. Those scratches are in no way going to effect how that machine operates nor does the machine have the same aesthetic value that a shiny paint job on a car has. You can ask grizzly for money back but is it really worth it? Should you ask for money back if you plan to go ahead and use the jointer anyway? I bet you'll put bigger scratches in it than that! Use it, enjoy it, and get on with it! :)Chris
If I accept the machine as is, I have paid for a factory first, and received a factory second.
I was supposed to be contacted yesterday by someone in "shipping" to discuss the issue, I wasn't. Why this was referred to shipping is of interest, as it was not a shipping issue. The problems I have were clearly from teh manufacturing process, not shipping damage. I e-mailed them again this morning for the 5th time and received back yest another, we are sorry, you are important boilerplate message, this time asking for the same information I had provided in the first message.
Everytime I receive a message, it is from a different person, and I have to go through the process all over again. It's getting a tad bit frustrating.
I would stop the emails and first thing Monday morning call. Grizzly has a good reputation for customer service and when you have them on the phone you are a real air breathing human, and not just an email on a computer. Ask for a supervisor or manager if the first person cannot give you satisfaction. I would never accept an obviously not perfect machine. New is new, not just functioning OK. To most of us pride of ownership means something; and it's hard to be proud of an obviously imperfect new machine.
Give um heck, and get a new machine.
Bruce"A man's got to know his limitations." Dirty Harry Calahan
Use it, enjoy it, and get on with it! :)
I agree!
I think you did the right thing. The scratches likely have no impact on operation but you paid for goods with the expectation that they be delivered in a condition that the machine you received does not.
Put the ball in their court. That's half the gripe right there - that they at least realise the goof. Hopefully they contact you and see what you think makes it acceptable. Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
I would just plug it in and run h*ll out of it starting tomorrow morning but... I'm not the customer... you are and if you're not satisfied.... you're not satisfied. Life is simple...
Good luck...
Sarge..
On the basis of that photo: no material difference at all.
It does show that that there has been some bad handling and or packing, which would prompt me to inspect the thing more carefully than usual.
I would send the photo to the supplier and point this out.
I would not do that with ulterior motives, but would be appreciative of any positive action the supplier takes: no action or a failure to acknowledge instigates to a negative impression which stays there when you want to buy again....
I would at least phone Grizzly and tell them about the issue. Then they have a record of it, in case you decide that you can't live with the scratches. It will be much harder to prove your case afterward.
You may decide that it isn't a problem, but then again you may...
I sent an e-mail to Grizzly yesterday, with photos of the scratches, as well as the chipped paint/powdercoat on the blade guard.
I received an e-mail back this morning from their custome service department telling me that they had forwarded the issue to the shipping department, and that I should hear from said shipping department within the next 24 hours.
It looks like from the picture that the gouges are actually voids in the casting. these are entirely different from the issue of scratches. I would ask for a new top just based on that.
I received a call this morning from their shipping department. They are going to have a technician review the photos, then may schedule someone to come "check" the unit to see if they feel it will require a replacement.
SEND IT BACK! thats not acceptable in my eyes.
Dan the woodbug
Return it. Take a look at powermatic and compare the quality.
I'd return it or get them to refund money so it's a scratch and dent item.
It's true that this wouldn't make a difference with function, but you bought a new item, and part of doing that is the anticipation and excitement of getting a brand new item. We all know the drill: woodworking tools are toys for us, and it stings to get a slightly used present under the Christmas tree. Having Grizzly consider whether or not they'll do anything for you is like a stern father telling you "quit whining... it's as good as new."
I try and buy tools on sale or used, or better yet right off the showroom floor on sale. That way I can see exactly what I'm getting and a gouge or dent doesn't make a difference (and a bonus - they're usually preassembled.) If I spend retail price on something brand new I expect it to jump out of the box as clean as a new born baby, and let ME put the first dent in it.
Carlos
Edited 3/27/2009 11:34 am ET by calden
return it
the Muncy. PA location has 2 HUGE tent sales every year to dispose of damaged machines JUST like yours.
SEND it back at Grizzlys expense
Question:If you go to a Grizzly showroom and pick something out, can you inspect it before it's loaded on your truck? Or do you admire the nice showroom demo then get a sealed box? If I were to make the trip to a showroom I'd surely want to take a peek at the actual unit I'm getting. Carlos
wrong -
No peeks at the showroom unless you plan on undoing the crate it is ship in and loaded with a forklift.
Well that's not fun. I would be reluctant to purchase a spankin' new machine from a place like that if I couldn't at least glance at it first, given some of the issues that can crop up.I realize that they can't do that because then there would be a horde of buyers uncrating their machines and inspecting them in the parking lot. But then I probably wouldn't buy from them for that reason.
Carlos
You dont seem the get IT.
You certainly have the opportunity to inspect your purchase.
Grizzlys machines are imported and shipped in containers.
They are loaded with forklifts requiring substantial crating on pallets.
ALMOST all decent sized planers, bandsaws, joiners, etc can NOT be unloaded by simply lifting them off a pick up or trailer.So, go ahead and unpackage the new purchase and inspect away.
All that will do is make your unloading at the final destination more difficult.The scratched machine is the exception - NOT THE RULE for Grizzly machines.ALL the purchaser needs to do is CALL Grizzly and they WILL take care of the situation. That is what the large tent sales are for.As for you, inspect away. Most people take their new equipment to the shop before unpackaging and in the rare instance they find damage..... they commence corrective measures.I suppose you inspect every tooth on your table saw blades to make sure they are all exactly the same set too - before paying for them!
I do get it. I do try to inspect large and expensive purchases before I take them home. It is a major pain to get something shipped to me, find that it's not right, and arrange to have it returned. What you call "corrective measures" I call a waste of time and a lot of frustration. If I have the option to take a quick inspection before I can take something home that's my preference. If that means that I partially uncrate something and have a bit more hassle getting it home, then so be it.I've bought a bunch of high-end musical instruments in my life. I would ALWAYS rather go to a store and go through a playing and inspection process as opposed to looking at a picture and description and mail-ordering something. Granted, a guitar is not the same as a jointer, but I still like to get some hands-on and visual experience before I buy something that large.I can't figure out why this approach is so aggravating to you. There's no need for sarcasm. If you do things differently, fine.Carlos
To bad U dont get IT.
For every 10 crates you waste time on inspecting, you will be darn lucky to find 1 damaged from Grizzly.Most of us would rather wait to waste time than WASTE IT prematurely!That is the POINT - Obviously YOU DO NOT GET IT.Waste away while playin your banjoooooooooooooooooo
Roggytop,Easy there. This thread has the potential to get way off track into the acrimonious category.I agree with you. I think Grizzly gives very good value for the price of their machines stands behind their products. The OP has indicated that he's already received indication that the shipping department is in the loop on this. (Although we don't know the specifics, yet, of that involvement)I think we'll read shortly that Grizzly has arranged for a new machine to be sent and for the damaged machine to be picked up.Rich
Just for the record here, I also agree that Grizzly gives great value for the money. I've never suggested otherwise. I was addressing the issue of massive disappointment when purchasing something expensive and new and not easy to take back to the store. There seems to be some misunderstanding, but I think you get what I meant. Carlos
WEll, after many phone calls and E-mails, Grizzly has decided that the infeed bed needs replacing.
So, they offered to either shipe me a new bed so I can install it, or to arrange for the machine to be picked up and returned. I have elected to return the machine. I am not sure that I currently have the skill set, or the tools to replace the bed.
Glad to hear Grizzly is taking care of it. I did need their assistance on a G0586 jointer cabinet (damaged in shipping). They replaced it with no hassle. I found their customer service very good to deal with.
Enjoy your jointer, GeorgeYou don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. - Michael Pritchard<!----><!----><!---->
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I'm mainly a hand tool guy, but I do have a metal lathe and small mill in my basement shop. These are Grizzly machines. I bought these in summer 2008, picked them up at the Muncy Grizzly location. In early spring 2008, I purchase a large brake, shear, and some other metal forming equipment from the Muncy Grizzly location. At both times, I can attest that the guys loading me took the utmost care with the fork trucks and my truck. Both times they went out of their way to make sure the packages were loaded without damage and that my truck was loaded correctly.
T.Z.
That's great. I've never heard any negative news about their customer service.Rich
Good to hear!! Guess one thing that helps, in these challenging times, is customer service.
We don't have a local dealer, but when I need something big i'am going to give them a look over.
May you enjoy the finest of shavings.
The important thing is you recieved satisfaction! I've got a lot of green machines and called them on ocassion and the've gone out of their way to make any issue go away! Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
"I try and buy tools on sale or used, or better yet right off the showroom floor on sale... (and a bonus - they're usually preassembled."True, but do you know if it's assembled properly - pulleys aligned and such? Unless you know that it's assembled to your tolerances (or higher), I think it's easier to set up a machine from square one.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com(soon to be http://www.flairwoodworks.com)
- Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Good point, Chris. I was more commenting on what you see is what you get, but I do also like to put things together. Not only can you be sure that it's done right, but you have a better understanding of what to do for maintenance and repair.Carlos
One thing no one has mentioned so far is the potential resale value of the tool.
It's unlikely the gouges will create problems when using the tool. However, if the owner decides to sell it at some point, any potential purchaser is going to look at those gouges and, at the very least, consider the jointer damaged goods. And that will assuredly cause the price to be lowered.
If you go to buy a used car and find out it has a crumpled fender, you're certainly not going to want to pay the full asking price for it.
Though I'm generally loathe to go through the hassle of doing this type of thing, in this case I think it makes sense to ask for a solution to the problem.
ZoltonIf you see a possum running around in here, kill it. It's not a pet. - Jackie Moon
Sorry but I don't agree with some of you guys. If I go out and pay top dollar for new machine, I expect just that. No scratches, dents, chips, or the like. If I wanted a machine like that I would save several hundred dollars and buy it from the scratch and dent sale or find a used machine.If you go buy a new car and it has a scratch in it, do you still pay full price for it? No. Will it effect the performance of the vehicle? No. Paying sticker for a new piece of equipment to me means I am getting something in perfect condition, appearance and all.
The "holes" above the ruler look like casting problems. The marks below the rulers are definitely scratches caused by who knows what.
It's unlikely that either would cause a performance problem, but I would definitely bring it to their attention. If you keep it, use a sanding block with some 220 wet/dry emery paper to make sure that there aren't any edges above the surface that could scratch up your wood.
Grizzly called me today, to give me a RMA, and to tell me that FEDEX will pick up the jointer in 3-5 days. The Customer Service Representative also told me that this was a "one time exception" and that next time unless the damage was noted on teh shipping form, they would not replace the tool. I pointed out to her that this was not a shipping issue. It was manufacturing, and there was no visible external damage on the crate. I also told her that I didn't think the delivery company would let their driver stand around while I uncrated, de-greased and assembled the next machine., but that I would make sure and ask.
She then told me that they would release a replacement Jointer for shipping upon receiving confirmation that the original one had been picked up. I complained about this. It's not my fault the machine was defective, and it's not my fault that it took them a week to process the return. If Fedex doesn't schedule a pickup for 5 days, then 4 more for the new one to be shipped, that's another 9 days before I get a tool I paid for over a week and a half ago already. They have my money, and I have no machine.
She told me that she would make note of my position, and see if they could do anything. She called back an hour later and told me that they had released a machine for shipment tomorrow. I told her that she had turned a dissatisfied custome, into a satisfied one. Now I just hope this was a one time issue, and can get back to working wood.
When I signed for the receipt of a SawStop (not mine, unfortunately), there was a sign on the crate saying to write "Possible Internal Damage" or something like that on the waybill. Probably a good habit to get into if you don't know what it's like inside. I agree that this didn't happen in shipping unless something got jostled and struck the bed.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com(soon to be http://www.flairwoodworks.com)
- Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
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