I just sent this to the guy at Redmond. I can't even get the jointer to run reliably without vibrating all over the place. After 3 hours down there, I've hit my limit. They can replace it or come get it. Here's the latest in this farce:
XXXX, I spent 3 hours downstairs working on that jointer tonight.
The motor housing the motor rests on appears to be bent. I cannot get the pulleys to align and be parallel, so the jointer vibrates terribly or won't start depending on how I adjust the pulleys or the motor mount. One of the large eye bolts used to secure and balance the motor to the cabinet is missing. Several nuts and washers for other parts were also missing.
This jointer is severely damaged and dangerous. I will not have it in my shop. Once again, I am requesting a replacement General 480 jointer.
I contacted General and the way this jointer was shipped to me is not the way jointers are shipped from the factory. General (as well as Powermatic the maker of my first jointer) ships jointers in two separate crates - the cabinet and motor are separated from the tables to avoid damage and breakage.
After ordering the jointer from you, I also ordered an HTC mobile base which is now used and unreturnable. I also ordered a shelix cutterhead for the jointer which I hope I can still return. I paid $150 to have movers carry the jointer down to the basement for me. I paid $25 for a 220v plug and power cord.
I have invested a substantial amount of my money over and above what I paid for this damaged jointer that was not disassembled and crated per General's own shipping policy. Floor model or not, it was damaged due to the fact it wasn't packaged correctly in the first place.
Rich, I just want what I paid for. A high quality jointer. Yes I got it on sale, but Redmond set the price, not me. I was told that I bought a new, undamaged jointer. The jointer in my shop is unusable. I am requesting a replacement for the third time.
To remove this jointer from my shop will require another $150 charge for the movers. I have a bad back. There is no way I am carrying that thing up the stairs. I do not have the crate any longer. If Redmond wants the jointer, I will need funds for crating it. I will not pay for shipping this jointer. I purchased it in good faith and with a timely payment and what I got is a damaged, dangerous tool.
I have taken the following steps:
I have contacted General to get their recommendations for repair/replacement.
I have contacted my credit card company to create a dispute.
I have contacted the BBB.
I am not trying to be a jerk or unduly harsh. I think I have been very patient, but after tonight, my patience has run out. Redmond has the opportunity to do the right thing and provide me what I was told I purchased.
If you won't replace it, please work something out with Old Dominion to come to my house and get it out of my basement. I have had my credit card company establish a dispute against Redmond Machinery. Payment has been stopped, or at least my account has been credited. Either way, I am not losing any more money or time on this jointer.
Regards,
Gary Herrmann