Disappointed with Shopsmith

dgreen810 · Post by **dgreen810** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 11:37 am

I purchased a 510 upgrade 11/19/98 for my Mark V "Goldie" and in the package received a 514403 sanding disc hub to upgrade the sanding disc.

Problem!, the sanding disc supplied with the "Goldie" is a one piece aluminum. I called SS today to buy a sanding disc less the hub. They will not sell me a disc only a complete unit. They will sell me another hub but will not sell the disc. I know it's been a long time since I bought the upgrade, but I don't think it is right not to sell a disc. I don't understand why they assumed I had a steel disc at the time when I specifically told them the upgrade was for a 1963 Mark V that had an aluminum sanding disc.

The point is I am not asking for something for Free and am perfectly willing to pay. In any case, I for one think their service needs some attention.

Don G

heathicus · Post by **heathicus** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 1:03 pm

Wow, I think that's a pretty minor issue.

The disc hub is just part of the pre-packaged "kit" you purchased. It's a standard kit, not personalized to each person. You ordered the kit, you get a hub whether you can use it or not.

I only have a 500 (and only have the one-piece aluminum sanding discs). But I think your old sanding disc should still work. You'll just extend the quill to make up that length of the new hub. But maybe I'm wrong. I always use the sanding disc on the left side of the table on both my 500 and 10ERs and it doesn't matter how long or short the hub is.

While it's unfortunate for you that they won't sell just the disc sans hub, I don't think that quite raises to the level of customer service that "sucks."

reible · Post by **reible** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 2:32 pm

When I upgraded my 500 to a 520 I got the one hub as well. By then I had sanding disks, not one sanding disk but more like 6. When I upgraded the other 5 disks I believe it cost me near $100 with parts/shipping/tax.

I didn't like it but had to bite the bullet.

I like to have a sanding disk for each of the grits (3), (1) for sharpening, (1) with Velcro and I have (1) that resides with an offsite shopsmith. I believe having at least 3 or 4 makes since, well, at least for me.

Try calling back to see if shopsmith might be able to exchange the hub for complete disk and you pay the difference between??? That would seem fair.

OR

It might be wise to visit ebay.

Ed

dgreen810 · Post by **dgreen810** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 4:18 pm

I tried that. I know it's a small issue but it seems to me a company that is totally customer oriented with no stores where you have face to face contact would make some effort to work something out. In this case I was told to basically "Take it or leave it" and they would be happy to sell me a new sanding disc complete with hub. One has to wonder what the reaction would be if it was a major problem?

It just hit a nerve and I know it will pass.

Don G

rcplaneguy · Post by **rcplaneguy** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 6:13 pm

dgreen810 wrote:I tried that. I know it's a small issue but it seems to me a company that is totally customer oriented with no stores where you have face to face contact would make some effort to work something out. In this case I was told to basically "Take it or leave it" and they would be happy to sell me a new sanding disc complete with hub. One has to wonder what the reaction would be if it was a major problem?

It just hit a nerve and I know it will pass.

Don G

I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum; extremely thankful Shopsmith is still in business, as it is.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 7:07 pm

dgreen810 I think you talked to the wrong person on the phone. Try again and ask for Linda or Jan. I suspect you may have better luck!:eek:

dgreen810 · Post by **dgreen810** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 7:39 pm

RCplaneguy

I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum; extremely thankful Shopsmith is still in business, as it is.

I didn't say not being thankful they are still in business. Just a little unhappy when a company with a captive audience takes the position of "That's my problem, I should have called 20 years ago" doesn't seem fair. Subject dropped as far as I am concerned.

Don G

greitz · Post by **greitz** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 8:51 pm

It might be a safety issue. From the description of the steel sanding disk:

"Heavy, 12" diameter steel sanding disc features a precision steel arbor that is carefully attached to eliminate bothersome run-out and wobble."

If Shopsmith sold the disk separate from the arbor, the user might have to try several different orientations of the disk and arbor to minimize runout. (And we could have yet another discussion on the forum about whether a dial indicator is necessary.... Sorry!!!)

Anyway, the average user may not have the equipment or patience or knowledge to optimize the arbor/disk combo.

Gary

algale · Post by **algale** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 9:22 pm

So I went and looked at the mothership service part list for the sanding disc:
[ATTACH]24389[/ATTACH]
So, they officially do sell the "hub" p/n 514493 separately from the "plate" but not the "plate" separately from the "hub." So officially you do have to buy the whole assembly, p/n 555143, if you want the "plate." I'm not sure if there's a good business reason (other than profit motive) for it. Off the top of my head, I can't think of one. If you damage a plate, say by dropping the sanding disc, but the hub is ok, why not be able to buy the plate alone rather than whole assembly?

I hope Shopsmith will reconsider its position. It has happened in the past.....

Al

dgreen810 · Post by **dgreen810** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 9:42 pm

algale

Thanks for agreeing with my trivial reasoning!! Sometimes little things really tic me off. I can' think of a reason in the world when someone would want to buy a hub?? Maybe to upgrade an old disc.

I will say the person I talked to was the same person who handled my Power Pro cancellation, maybe she had an axe to grind.

Don G