New Jointer Arrived - Problem Resolved Update

[john whittaker]

Assembled the new Yorkcraft 8" jointer today. This is my 1st new major machine purchase. Up until now all machines have been used and most old vintage types. I'm concerned about several things and would appreciate some feedback before I call customer service on Monday.

I had some shipping and instruction manual issues but they were minor and not worth mentioning further. But I am a bit disappointed in the fit & finish, so my first question is...Is it normal to have paint chips and indentations in the castings? (I would post a pic but the pic file is too large & I don't know how to shrink it) But the castings have pits, dents and paint chippings. The table surface appears flat and smooth, so this is just cosmetic, but I expected a little better finish on a new machine.

The major issue I have now is...The first board I jointed was a 1 x 6 white pine. Very nice sharp edge. Then I turned it over and face jointed it. I saw several small streaks in the wood which must mean one or more of the blades have a nick. I also noticed that the main wheel (mobil base) was worn BEFORE being installed. This could only mean it had been used. I'm now wondering if I got a machine that has used parts on it.

Like I said, customer service will get a call on Monday morning and I'll be sure to post the results. Others on SMC have said good things about their service. Hope it holds true. There are some positive things about this jointer, but I'm not in the mood to be too positive right now. Looks like I'll be making the glass/magnet knife setting jig that Per posted sooner than I thought.

I'll post pics for the police as soon as I figure it out...thanks for any input.

And COREY...if you read this...Happy Birthday:p
- John Whittaker

[Corey Hallagan]

Thanks John! Congrats on the new machinery. That is the kind of thing that usually happens to me! I hope you get it all straightened out. For me, I don't buy new machinery very often and when I do buy, I expect a new machine to look like a new machine. Dings, scratches and other marks are your job to put on the equipment!

Corey

[Peter Stahl]

[QUOTE=john whittaker](I would post a pic but the pic file is too large & I don't know how to shrink it)

As far as the jointer goes I'd call them about your concerns. From what I hear they have good customer service.

For reducing the picture size, try this program : Digital Photo Resizer ( http://www.icegiant.com/dprz.shtml )

Pete

[Jim Hager]

John,

I wouldn't be too concerned about the minor imperfections in the castings where there are not meant to be machined surfaces. If some of the pits are in the machined surfaces you have need to be concerned. Now if the jointer shows wear as if it has been used or assembled and tested then you may have reason to be dissappointed. The knife thing would concern me. A new jointer should have good sharp un-nicked knives. I don't know anything about Yorkcraft machinery, never even laid eyes on one as far as I know. I know some "brands" are well known for their less than perfect castings. I've got a couple of machines that have poor castings but they are still very servicable machines.

[Richard Wolf]

I think your concerns about the castings is what seperates machines by hunderds and even thousands of dollars. Alot of manufactures use the same castings. High end makers pay more for the top of the stack casts, while other use the ones with blemishes. When you call on Monday ask for some touch-up paint, it's normally a free item.
At the level of Yorkcarft, you should expect a machine that works as properly under normal non heavy duty use.
Good luck with it.

Richard

[john whittaker]

Peter, Thanks for the link. If you see pics....it worked. Hope I didn't make them too small. Typical of me...Why do something a little when you can do it a LOT. I attached a pic of the assembled jointer and a sample of some of the pitting. But as you all said, it's only cosmetic. But I agree with Corey... scratches are my job.;) The knives are my main issue. Thanks for your input.

- John W

[Craig Zettle]

Boy am I glad you posted about the Yorkie. I have been looking at that machine vs the Bridgewood at 350 dollars more, and was wondering what some of the differences might be. I know the motor on the Bridgewood is American, and the table is 1" wider. But the fit and finish thing is interesting. Keep us posted on how Wilke treats you.

Buying tools sight unseen is tough. This is why we have to do this, tell each other the whole story about our tool purchases. It really helps.

[Curt Harms]

Hi John

I've had no experience with Yorkcraft, aside from stopping by York, PA. to look at them once. Wilke used to assemble, test and check the setup of Bridgewood machines before they shipped them. I don't know if they do that with Yorkcraft. Even if they do, I certainly wouldn't expect wear on wheels and chipped knives. I think Jim and Richard are right about the casting blemishes as long as they don't affect structural integrity. I wish I had one of those in MY shop.

Curt

[Craig Zettle]

While I was typing my last reply the pics were posted, and I think that is TERRIBLE! It looks like a bad attempt to hide some shipping damage. They didn't even feather the edges.

Scream bloody murder.

I would.

[lou sansone]

Dear john
first of all congrats on your first major machine purchase. I don't want to sound like a cold harted guy but I personally do not think the little nicks and dents are a big deal. the nick in the blade is, ah... to bad, but not a show stopper. you will nick the blade in time anyway. As others have said, there is a direct connection with the cost of a machine, as opposed to others in that class, and the fit and finish. For a machine in the yorkcraft range you probably have what is considered an acceptable level of quality. If it was a martin then it would be a little different.

best wishes
lou

[Norman Hitt]

John, I can understand your disappointment, that being a New Machine. My thoughts are that you should CLOSELY inspect and find the nicks in the knife/knives and take a good closeup shot of each of those, also get a good shot of the worn wheel and this shot you posted here, and send them to Wilkie. I would then call them and complain about all three items, BUT considering the price point, (ie; $ savings over the next higher priced/quality unit), I would expect that they should replace the bad knives and wheel, but as long as the machined surfaces are all good, I think that a little work with an angle grinder and a little touchup paint, (that they should supply), would have that machine both looking and performing just like a new machine should. I know it looks bad, but as has already been mentioned, at that price point, performance is what you're buying, but for better quality fit and finish, it costs more.

Good luck with Customer service, and hopefully they will treat you well and make you a Happy Customer.

[Dan Owen]

John,

Like everyone else said, I wouldn't be to concerned about the casting blemishes, But if I thought for one minute that the machined had been a demoed, used or just plain shop worn, or contained previously used parts I would threaten to return the machine if I didn't receive some kind of compensation. In my opinion, the nick in the knives is unacceptable. I'll put my own nick in my own knives if you don't mind. Whether it is Yorkcraft, Delta or Festool, that product needs to be delivered as advertised. Don't let them get away with that BS. I don't think the jointer was advertised with casting blemishes, nicked knives and other previously used parts.

The End
Dan

[mike malone]

HI John
Get after customer service...that looks like a used unit...with poor retouching...get 25% off at least...with full warranty!! keep us posted
mike

[john whittaker]

Hey...Thanks for all the input. I have to admit that it was 190 degrees here today and between the temp in my garage and the jointer issues....I was a little HOT earlier. Before I jump to any conclusions I'll give Wilke a chance at customer service.

This machine comes with a built in three wheel mobile base that is very nice. The ~500 lb jointer turns on a dime and is easily moved which is very important in my small space. And while I'm a bit disappointed in the castings, they are cosmetic and should not affect performance. I have not checked the top with a gage yet but as long as it is level & plumb...and the blades are replaced I think I'll be satisfied. I'll be interested in the explanation for the wear marks on the wheel and the blade problem. But we all make mistakes & it is only fair to give them a chance. The true test will be in the performance. I bought this for a specific project which requires miles (slight exaggeration) of jointing on hard maple and walnut. I'll post results of my discussion with Wilke....and project pics when complete.

- John W

[Jeff A. Smith]

I've bought several items from Wilke Machinery, including a Bridgewood Jointer. Wilke is a pretty big outfit, and they have a good reputation for above-board business practices.

Unlike some here, I don't think for a minute that Wilke would risk their reputation by packaging a used machine to send to you. I doubt they have a shortage of Yorkcraft Jointers, and they have a "scratch and dent (or something similar)" area on their web site, so that would say to me that their normal way of disposing of demo machines is to put them up for sale at a discount.

What I think you're seeing is touchup that occurred at the factory. Who knows what your machine went through in the late stages of assembly -- that's the "pig in a poke" risk we take by ordering sight-unseen.

A few years back, when I bought my jointer, the guy I spoke with said that one difference between Yorkcraft and Bridgewood is that Bridgewood goes through the on-site Wilke pre-shipping inspection, and Yorkcraft doesn't. If that's still true, that could mean that Wilke doesn't even open Yorkcraft items, which lends even less viability to the idea that they touched-up paint on the machine.

Lots of crazy stuff goes on in the Chinese assembly plants... and I'm betting that's where your problem occurred.

Jeff Smith
Athens, AL

[Bart Leetch]

"For a machine in the yorkcraft range you probably have what is considered an acceptable level of quality."

I know this isn't so in todays market of lousy of attitudes. Well you only paid me $X amount for the product so what do you expect? It used to be that no matter what level the product was valued at the craftsman still took pride in his work. So if you purchased a $600 machine the quality was good, and a $1200 machine was also good the $600 machine was just a smaller machine as compared the the $1200 machine. The castings & machine work & paint were comparable in quality. I still don't believe the less in size should mean less in quality. Unfortunately there is a wide range of quality in machines of the same size now days & manufactures that you use to count on receiving a good machine from every time you placed an order don't exist anymore. Its all about the buck & not pride in craftsmanship anymore.

[Chris Lee]

I can understand about chips in the knives, that is not acceptable and I imagine Wilke will replace those no problem. To buy a jointer of this size for $599 you have to understand they are going to cut costs somewhere. Does it affect the output of the machine, no. I have this jointer and there was a little overspray, maybe a run in the paint, but it still makes wood flat. All of the machines surfaces were dead flat and that is what matters. I actually really like this machine and you will find that probably everyone that has one is very satisfied.

Godd Luck,

Chris

[Steve Rowe]

I've bought several items from Wilke Machinery, including a Bridgewood Jointer. Wilke is a pretty big outfit, and they have a good reputation for above-board business practices.

Unlike some here, I don't think for a minute that Wilke would risk their reputation by packaging a used machine to send to you. I doubt they have a shortage of Yorkcraft Jointers, and they have a "scratch and dent (or something similar)" area on their web site, so that would say to me that their normal way of disposing of demo machines is to put them up for sale at a discount.

What I think you're seeing is touchup that occurred at the factory. Who knows what your machine went through in the late stages of assembly -- that's the "pig in a poke" risk we take by ordering sight-unseen.

A few years back, when I bought my jointer, the guy I spoke with said that one difference between Yorkcraft and Bridgewood is that Bridgewood goes through the on-site Wilke pre-shipping inspection, and Yorkcraft doesn't. If that's still true, that could mean that Wilke doesn't even open Yorkcraft items, which lends even less viability to the idea that they touched-up paint on the machine.

Lots of crazy stuff goes on in the Chinese assembly plants... and I'm betting that's where your problem occurred.

Jeff Smith
Athens, AL
I agree with Jeff on this one. If have seen a whole lot worse on another "green" brand of machinery and it doesn't matter what you see on the showroom floor. What matters is what comes out of the shipping crate into your shop.
Steve

[john whittaker]

To follow-up on this thread....

I sent an e-mail to Wilke this weekend and attached a few pics. I was going to call them on Monday morning, but they called me first. (impressive) They agreed that the blemishes were excessive and offered to send a new fence. (most of the blemishes were on the fence) They also are sending new blades and offered to "talk me through" the blade installation process.

They explained that the wheel marks and blades probably were the result of a spot check. Apparently, not every Yorkcraft gets Q/C checked but are randomly picked. (kinda like backpacks on the NY subways)

Lastly, they apologized...which in my book is important. So while I was a bit disappointed with the nicked blades & fence casting, they came through on customer service. I'll be using the jointer extensivly over the next few weekends and will report on its performance, but as far as Wilke customer service, I was impressed.

Thanks for all the input - John W

[Jim Hinze]

Great news John. Customer service seems to be a lost art these days. It's nice to see that Wilkie still practices.

Enjoy the new jointer.

[Corey Hallagan]

Good for you and good for Yorkcraft. Glad it worked out!

Corey

[Rick Schubert]

John, Thanks for posting your Yorkie jointer issues and your experience with customer service at Wilke. I'm glad you got it resolved and hope you can look forward to many years of flat boards.

I was ready the end of last week to order the same 8" jointer, but waited when I saw your message. I now feel confident once more in the machine and the company behind it. I wil place my order tomorrow.

Rick

[Dan Forman]

Very cool customer service.

Dan

[Alden Miller]

I have a couple Bridgewood products (Dust Collector and Bandsaw). I have been to there showroom a couple of times and am very impressed with them.

I went with a friend of mine when he was looking at Jointers. The salesman said that the difference in the Yorkcraft and the Bridgewood was the finish of the castings.

I called them after purchasing my bandsaw because I was concerned I had the wrong motor. I expected a 2hp motor and saw on the plate that it said 1.5. They reacted quite quickly and with some short research they found that the plate that was on my motor was a european rating (I forget the scale) but the equivalency was 1.5 european was 2.0 hp. I double checked the plate on the motor and found out they were correct. Double checked the rating on the net and found again that they were correct. All in all it just showed me that they have top notch customer service.

-Alden