A bit disappointed

**Grumpy John** · 17th October 2010, 08:05 AM

One of my purchases at this years T&WWW Show was a Vicmarc 150mm Faceplate ring. When I got it home and removed it from the plastic and cleaned the anti-rust off it I was surprised to find several small dents on it. Not only was it slightly damaged but none of the screw holes had been de-burred and there was a razor sharp burr on the inside diameter. I can easily remove the burrs and the small dents are not an issue (I will probably put worse scratches in it in the years to come), but I hope that this is a one off and that Vicmarc's high standards are not falling.

P.S. I should add that I also purchased a Step Jaw Set and this was the usual high standard that I expect from Vicmarc products.

**Ed Reiss** · 17th October 2010, 12:14 PM

John...you should probably notify Vicmark about the ring issues.
Hopefully their not going down the same road as Teknatool

**rsser** · 17th October 2010, 04:07 PM

Disappointing yes, but just an oversight at a guess.

Humans have an error rate.

**Big Shed** · 17th October 2010, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by rsser

Disappointing yes, but just an oversight at a guess.

Humans have an error rate.

Yep, but that is what final QC is supposed to catch. Like GJ said, it is disappointing that this sort of thing gets past QC at a factory with the reputation of Vicmarc.

Perhaps these come out of China?

Vicmarc are starting to source some of their components from overseas (castings for the lathe beds from Thailand?), perhaps they are going the Teknatool route, heaven forbid.

**rsser** · 17th October 2010, 04:37 PM

No, Vic told me today that they continue to manufacture in Aus.

Yes, it is disappointing as I said.

By all means send them a rocket GJ; that said, if we don't continue to support local makers the only choice left will be very variable quality from China.

**Sturdee** · 17th October 2010, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by rsser

Disappointing yes, but just an oversight at a guess.

Humans have an error rate.

Probably an oversight as I bought two 90mm faceplate rings at the show and they are okay. Incidently I bought a 70mm on Friday which didn't fit and Carrolls exchanged the next day without any hassles.

Peter.

**Grumpy John** · 17th October 2010, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by Ed Reiss

John...you should probably notify Vicmark about the ring issues.
Hopefully their not going down the same road as Teknatool

Ed, if I had opened the packaging whilst at the show I would have shown the item to Vic as he was at the show.

Originally Posted by rsser

Disappointing yes, but just an oversight at a guess.

Humans have an error rate.

I'm sure you're right Ern, it is no bother to de-burr the screw holes and remove the sharp edge, but if my next Vicmarc purchase is not of the usual high standard I'll certainly be sending an email.

**Sawdust Maker** · 17th October 2010, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by Grumpy John

... but if my next Vicmarc purchase is not of the usual high standard I'll certainly be sending an email.

Actually, I'd suggest you tell them now. Ok it's not a big deal, but I'm sure they'd like to know of any dissatisfaction whenever it comes up.

**steck** · 17th October 2010, 07:56 PM

I agree! This is not the quality we expect from Vicmarc. I bought one some time ago and it was excellently finished.

**rsser** · 17th October 2010, 07:57 PM

Yeah, I agree with Nick.

They need to know if they want to remain competitive, and I'm sure you'll get a good response.

**joe greiner** · 17th October 2010, 09:12 PM

S*** happens. And they need to know.

Final inspection could be subject to lots of distractions. The fix might be as simple as providing an empty bottle at the inspection station; a variation of the "motorman's friend." BTDT.

Cheers,
Joe

**brendan stemp** · 18th October 2010, 09:03 AM

Vicmarc are very concerned about two things: quality and customer satisfaction. It is important they know of your concerns so they can rectify the situation and make sure the customer ( in this case you, GJ) is, ultimately, satisfied. You will find them very receptive to your problem and keen to fix it.

**rsser** · 18th October 2010, 10:42 AM

Yes, after my lathe damage during transit, I couldn't fault their responsiveness (or Brendan's).

The test of customer service is what a crowd does when there's a problem.

(PS, re the lathe damage, it was determined that the thing had been dropped somewhere in shipping and the carrier's insurance coughed up. I got a brand new lathe. Compared to the other brand, it has the novel feature of being able to drill a hole with Jacob's chuck in the tailstock and the hole is not oval or two sizes bigger than the bit!).

As an aside, some local makers and retailers have been doing it hard since the GFC. My EER (Ern's Economic Stimulus Plan) should be making a positive difference ;-}

**Sawdust Maker** · 18th October 2010, 07:55 PM

GJ
we would be all interested in their response

**FRB Design** · 18th October 2010, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

GJ
we would be all interested in their response

One would be, ( Wish you would have given us a call first before splashing it over the internet )

Regards,

Frank

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