Thread: The Iris - buyer beware

Originally Posted by derekcohen

I posted about this tool several weeks ago, having watched and been taken by a video by Adam Savage about The Iris, a circle-drawing tool, on YouTube: Adam Savage's Favorite Tools: Awesome Circle Drawing Tools! - YouTube



https://www.makerscabinet.com/products/iris

Since receiving it, I must update my earlier post with a review to warn others against purchasing this tool. Customer support appears to be absent. Should something be faulty, you will not receive any assistance.

My order was filled and the Iris arrived quickly .... but it was not working - stuck fast in the open position. I emailed the company on three occasions over a period of two weeks (once from their own website portal), and so far not received a reply. At this time I have an expensive paperweight.

This is not a tool one can take apart, and clean out oneself (something is catching inside, I expect). If I tried to do this (and I am handy), it would never go back together again. My recommendation at this time would be to give this company a wide berth. I shall update this review if-and-when they get back to me and deal with the problem.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Derek,

That is a shame,I would drop an email to Adam Savage, he may be able to “lean” on the supplier a bit.
I’m sure he wouldn’t want to hear a bad review on something he reckon amends.

cheers Matt.

Public queries of their failures would elicit a VERY fast response - instagram.com/makerscabinet


Last night, on Reddit, I saw an excellent box that used an iris, all made of wood

Aaaagh.......
I ordered2 of these a couple of days ago. I hadn't seen any bad reviews etc until this one.
Now I'm waiting in dread...
Lyle.

Lyle, they obviously work ... when they work. But QC is likely missing, and no customer support. Hopefully yours are okay.

Two bad reviews here: Tim West - I bought my girlfriend their golden circle as a... | Facebook

Regards from Perth

Derek

One has to wonder how these would survive in a typical workshop environment? Perhaps only suitable for use in an A/C's sterile office?

I’ve had one for about 4 or 6 months - the previous version, with the smooth top plate (later versions are knurled I believe). Had no problems with it, but I use it very occasionally for drawing inside the house, not near any dust in the shed. Given right tolerances I imagine any dust would kill the mechanism.

I bought 2, one for the missus and one for moi..
The missus is heavily into hand embroidery and mixed media .
I saw another on the banggood site, supposedly a stainless version. Round stainless compass circle drawing tool....
If the ones I bought fall through maybe these might be ok. I hope this is the link.

Round Stainless Steel Compas Circle Drawing Tool School Ruler Set Geometry Compass Professional Drawing Compas Adjustable Size Sale | Banggood Australia Mobile Mobile - Banggood Mobile

Originally Posted by Lyle

I bought 2, one for the missus and one for moi..
The missus is heavily into hand embroidery and mixed media .
I saw another on the banggood site, supposedly a stainless version. Round stainless compass circle drawing tool....
If the ones I bought fall through maybe these might be ok. I hope this is the link.

Round Stainless Steel Compas Circle Drawing Tool School Ruler Set Geometry Compass Professional Drawing Compas Adjustable Size Sale | Banggood Australia Mobile Mobile - Banggood Mobile

This might be a better link: Drillpro 12.5cm creative flexible circle drawing tool rotary adjustable round measuring painting math woodworking tool Sale - Banggood.com

I have one too. For $35 (including shipping), I really cannot fault it.

If I had paid the $160+ for the actual item under discussion, I would be rather annoyed too Derek.