Hello, gang,
I purchased my new jointer last week and lo and behold, the day after I set it up in my shop, I noticed that one of the infeed table’s trunnions was cracked. The crack runs from the junction of 2 of the gussets, upwards towards the table’s surface and is about 5/8″ long. Needless to say, I immediately contacted the dealer from whom I purchased it and they dispatched a repairman the following day. Upon inspection, he agreed that the casting was indeed cracked and that it had probably been like that at the factory, because the open fissure had paint in it. That got me thinking that quality control may not be as good as what it once was on such a high end unit.
In addition to the cracked table (they refer to them as wings), the knives were nicked in one spot and as well, the unit wasn’t planing perfectly flat. Now, I purchased this model specifically because of the relative ease with which the tables (wings…) could be independantly adjusted at 4 separate points per wing… however again, I wasn’t expecting to have to adjust it already. I expected more from Delta than that.
The last point I would like to raise relates to the recent purchase of Delta by Black & Decker, and how they will approach this problem. The technician who looked at my machine told me he felt they may offer me 3 options: a cash rebate, replace the wing, or replace the entire machine (not including the stand)… but he’d have to advise them and see what they’ll offer.
I’m not sure what they’ll say when they actually contact me, however I’m unwilling to settle for anything less than a new machine or them replacing the wing… and ensure that the wings are in allignment according to the specs. Further, I feel that they owe me a new set of knives, or at least to pay for having them resharpened and reinstalled.
Your thoughts?
Marty
Edited 2/14/2006 7:15 pm ET by Crocusboy
Replies
You bought a new jointer. You should expect to get one. I would also expect the dealer to take care of this. I'd politely but firmly ask for a replacement.
Pete
If you purchased the jointer with a credit card you have a lot of leverage with them. If that is the case I would talk to the owner or manager of the store and politley remind him that it would be a shame if you disputed the charge and still had the jointer :).
Good luck
Troy
I think you have a good case to ask for a new unit and knives ... nothing less. If Delta doesn't do that for you, I would be surprised. I wouldn't wait too long for a response from them.
And since you're posting on this forum, I don't think Delta would want know the rest of us will be aware of the outcome if it's negative. My experience with Delta products has been positive but haven't had a serious problem like this one.
Keep us up to date. Good luck (to Delta as well)
They, should have caught it, but some times a bad one gets through. Me personally, I would contact the seller, and request a new one. If delta will send someone to correct any issues you have, then that seems only reasonable. Talk to them. If you want a new one, get it. If the first line says no, climb the ladder. No vendor sets out to sell bad product. Sometime is takes perseverance, but you can get what you want. Hate you got a bum steer. Let us know how it goes! I would not let anyone get away with anything, but then, you have not been rejected yet (at least you did not indicate so) by the vendor.
Is delta made in the USA? Anymore!
-Lou
"Assembled in the USA of domestic and foreign components" was on the X5 Unisaw box I saw. Brazilian sourced motor (WEG) is one of those foreign components.
Ya know, I can tel ya. I look at features and cost. and stay away from where it's made or put together. I try to get the best tool I can get, thats in my budget. I have a lot of green machines (Grizz). I have yet to get a bad one, so I keep going back. Good luck, and I hope it all works out.
Marty,
In 2002, I bought a Delta 12" radial arm saw, through Woodworkers Supply. The second time I turned it on, the switch flashed fire and tripped the breakers.... It just about scared me to death, since it runs on 220v!!!! It seems that the toggle switch that has the two 110v poles less than 3/16" or less apart from each other... Neither of the slip-on connectors had a plastic covering.. Sloppy soldering allowed the poles to touch when the switch was flipped.... After calling Delta's repair staff,..... I had to repair/insulate the poles myself....
Six months ago, I had a Porter Cable 2-1/4 hp plunge router that had a bad speed control. It took 2 months to get the warranty repair to be fixed and returned. I was told that the long repair time was due to Black and Decker buying the company (DELTA/PORTER CABLE) and there were some "sparks" as to who was going to pay and uphold Porter Cable's older warranties....
Considering all the problems, if I was you, I would return the whole machine and get a full refund. You paid for a NEW jointer, anything less than that will always haunt you and your work.
Then, take a look at http://www.sunmachinery.com , and the 10" Oliver jointer... 84" long, 10" wide, 4-blade cutterhead, triple belt drive, elevated switch with a KEY lock, and a 3hp BALDOR motor. $1895
Bill
I agree, People tend to think delta is the only tool manufacture on the planet.
-Lou
Good news!
I have been informed that Delta is willing to replace the defective table and provide me a set of freshly-sharpened knives. Had that not been acceptable to me, I had the option of returning the machine to the dealer from whom I purchased it and they would replace the unit for a new one. Seeing as how it's a beast of a machine and I had gone so far as to hire a moving company to bring it down the narrow, winding staircase into my basement shop, I'm not interested in that option.
Based on my decision to have them swap out the defective table, they have now ordered a new table, which they tell me should be in by the end of next week at the latest. Once it's in, they'll schedule a date to come over to my shop to undertaken the work. They've promised me they'll do a complete tuneup to ensure it's going to meet my expectations.
I'll let everyone know if and when they follow through with their word... but so far things sound good.
Marty
Glad to hear you will get it worked out. It's not fun to have a new expensive broke toy!
Amen to that brother
Learning that Delta & Porter Cable are owned by B&D gives me a sick feeling. B&D is a brand I religiously avoid. Now my Delta & PC stuff wears the label! That is a different experience from having my Chrysler vehicle turn into a Mercedes-Benz. I just bought a PC 890 router to boot!I have a Yorkcraft 8" jointer. It resembles the Delta, but the infeed table moves by sliding in dovetail ways. It seems to work perfectly. Perhaps we should be wary of the latest technology.Cadiddlehopper
B&D is buying everyone out. What the heck PC, Delta, and Dewalt. Whats this world coming to?
Maybe we are witnessing a weakness of capitalism at work. It may come down to The Big Three purveyors of tools - B&D, WMH, & Grizzly? - as it was with the big 3 auto makers in times past. But maybe not. You get a lot more for your money in tools than in the past - mostly. For the most part, they are better made. On the other hand, some real classics have disappeared. It will be interesting to see what transpires.Cadiddlehopper
...relative ease with which the tables (wings...) could be independantly adjusted at 4 separate points per wing... however again, I wasn't expecting to have to adjust it already.
tho I see no excuse for broken parts and nicked knives, I would not expect a machine to come from the factory and not need tweaking - it's up to you to tune it, then most likely you'll never touch those adjustments again -
Send it back, get a refund and then buy a Grizzly G0490. Pretty much the same jointer with better quality control and more features for less money. Check owners comments in the link below.
http://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=31296
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
Here's an update to my jointer warranty problem.
The factory trained tech came over today and replaced the nicked knives and after looking at them, said he felt they were defective. He advised me they've ordered the new infeed wing and when it arrives in another week or so, will arrange with me to come over and replace it in my shop.
So far Delta's holding up to their end of the warranty!
Marty
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