I think I have a problem with new jointer

I received my Grizzly 0490 today, but I'm afraid that's where the good news ends. The two packages arrived in good shape (I'll post photos later) and with the help of a couple of strong buddies got everything down into my basement shop-actually only the jointer beds are all that heavy. The problem is with the stand. As seen in the attached pictures, the green base piece is not even close to square. The upper white section is mainly square, but because it is welded onto a non square base exhibits a twist. The non square base/twisted side section poses at least three problems as I see it. The first is purely cosmetic--the stand has the wobbly twisted look that you might expect of a box made by a 5th grader. The second problem is more serious. It is virtually impossible to level the top of the stand to the floor. By welding a non-square base to a square side panel they have created a racking situation that throws the top surface out of level. The third problem is also serious; the drive belt of the motor (i've already mounted it to the brackets) is not parallel to the beds. The beds are not mounted yet, but you can see in the figure how the shaft is at an angle to the slit opening in the top of the stand. Assuming that the beds run parallel to the slit opening, the belt will be crooked (not parellel to) the drive shaft on the cutterhead. That would both be an inefficent way to rotate the cutterhead and might stress the cutterhead in a way that pulls it out of alignment . I will call Grizzly first thing in the morning, but was wondering if any of you have had a similar experience, or if you think I'm over-reacting. I hope this doesn't turn into a nightmare.

It looks like it was knocked around at somepoint in its life. It seems something that far out would be noticed in the construction of the unit.

That is a one piece base that is all of welded construction? Short of kicking it back square (or using some power assist) it would appear that a replacement is in order.

I accept some minor cosmetic issues with equipment as such but that is a functional problem with the pulley and does need to be corrected.

Joe

I don't think you are over reacting at all. Especially looking at the photo of the pully. That will cause some serious vibration. I have that jointer but did not have those problems.
I would give the beds a good look before I called. Make sure each bed is flat and not twisted or sagging.
I have heard good things about their customer service and bet they will take care of the problem but it will still be a pain because it will involve sending at least the base back.

good idea about looking at the beds. i'll do that now, but will have to wipe off all of the packing grease. Any chance grizzle will just send me a new base (sanand not make me return

good idea about looking at the beds. i'll do that in the morning, dont have the mental strength to wipe off all of the packing grease after what I've already been through.

Any chance grizzly will just send me a new base (sans motor and other parts) and not make me return the one I have--can't see how it would be much use to them. Should I press them on this issue?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bob cohen

Any chance grizzly will just send me a new base (sans motor and other parts)

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Yes, that would be the usualy response... saves them shipping money. They might also just let you keep the old base even after you get the new one so they don't have to pay to ship it back.

Bob, congratulations on your new G0490. Once you get the problem fixed you're going to like how it performs.:D

Grizzly should have a new base out to you quickly. That seems to be the way they operate. I've been pleased with their CS.

I sent grizzly customer service an email early this morning and followed it up with two phone calls, the last at 9AM (central time). I do not know why I did not get an "activity number" on the first call, but I have one now and someone is suppose to be calling me back shortly. They have also not yet received the email, so I resent the email with the activity number for better tracing.

I do not think Grizzly will hesitate in sending me a new base. I just hope I do not have to return the original as the box it came in is fairly well torn--not easy to get the base out (by yourself) without ripping open the package.

On a cheerier note, the bed tables are dead on flat. I have a 30 inch Veritas straight edge and I see no light under it anywhere along the bed. The fence is less perfect, but darn well close to perfect, and I have no problems with it.

Thanks for your support and I'll keep you posted.

Can't you adjust the angle of the motor to match the angle of the drive pulley. I know that the belt would not be straight up and down but the pulleys would be aligned.

You can also slightly adjust the jointer on the stand to slightly adjust the angle in the X-Y plane within the clearance between the holes and the mounting bolts.

Keep in mind that I really think Grizzly should send you a new base. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bob cohen

I sent grizzly customer service an email early this morning and followed it up with two phone calls, the last at 9AM (central time). I do not know why I did not get an "activity number" on the first call, but I have one now and someone is suppose to be calling me back shortly. They have also not yet received the email, so I resent the email with the activity number for better tracing.

I do not think Grizzly will hesitate in sending me a new base. I just hope I do not have to return the original as the box it came in is fairly well torn--not easy to get the base out (by yourself) without ripping open the package.

On a cheerier note, the bed tables are dead on flat. I have a 30 inch Veritas straight edge and I see no light under it anywhere along the bed. The fence is less perfect, but darn well close to perfect, and I have no problems with it.

Thanks for your support and I'll keep you posted.

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I'm sorry about your base but you are doing the right thing. I might be able to tweak that base back into square but I would question it forever after. A replacement is in order.

I doubt they'll want the old base back but even if they do, its their dime and you'll be getting a new box to use if required. If they don't want it maybe it can be salvaged (read un-bent) and become a stand for something less critical ;-)

Grizzly has finally responded--via email (3 and one-half hours after my first call). They promise to have someone call within 24 hr. I hope I hear from them sooner than that. I suppose in a week this will all be behind me, but I would sure appreciate prompt service now. I'm finding it hard to concentrate on work, as I want to get this mess resolved. I also have a lot of wood waiting to be surfaced.

Grizzly should deliver with no problems. The UPS guy dropped my grizzly planer. I called CS and they took my info. Later that day I had a specialist call me and ensure I would have a replacement mailed out next day. I had my replacement with in a few days.


I know how you feel... when I saw that UPS driver drop my planer my heart dropped. All that excitement and anticipation crushed. Don't worry. Grizzly will take care of you.

Grizzly is sending out a new stand via UPS, no charge of course. The best news is that I do not need to return the original stand. I will have to disconnect the wires from the current motor, but that (I hope) shouldn't be much of a problem. Thanks for all of your moral support. I have my fingers crossed that the replacement stand arrives in good condition. Grizzly has been very professional and courteous in dealing with this problem.

Reading this thread makes me chuckle, as I had the same problem three years ago with a G0586. When I called, they were very apologetic and explained to me that because the machine was on backorder (it had just been introduced), parts were very scarce and it might be awhile. I told them "No problem", as I could still use the machine. "Just send me one when it's available."

Over the next three weeks, I got about half a dozen emails and five phone calls apologizing for the delay. I kept telling them it was okay, as I had the use of the machine and wasn't being inconvenienced, but they kept calling. The phone would ring, my wife would answer, roll her eyes and say "It's Grizzly again!"

It did take about a month, but there was never any question that Griz CS was doing everything they could. It was the most aggressive customer service I have ever encountered and based on my experience of being "pestered" by Griz CS, would have no qualms about buying Grizzly again.

Feel free to check out my Grizzly Customer Service experience here:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=72962


I have nothing but GOOD things to say about them. :):):)