Re: Vic thread
RonZ
>It's probably better to let sleeping threads lie but here is my addendum.
It's always easy to say one thing until you're on the other side of the coin. When I worked as a computer technician, I thought, boy am I getting ripped off. My employer takes $50 an hour and I only get paid $10. Well, after I quit and opened up my own company I saw things differently. Suddenly there was overhead to pay and I had to work long hours to even make that $10/hr.
Living in Israel, I have to do my part to buy the best possible product I can afford and assume that I will get no service. This is why I chose Vicmarc. While some might call it a lemon, I owned a Oneway 1018 and I had quite a few complaints about that machine. I have heard many Oneway nightmares and Canada is not just over the border here nor is there a CSUSA or Packard I can complain to. There are no Generals or Powermatics here but from what I have heard they have there share of problems. When I looked at the 1640, it was very pricy and in the price range of the VL300. When I started adding anything to the 1640 the price jumped again. I ended up with the VL300 short bed, full extension, outboard tool rest, 3hp motor and the external/movable switchbox. All this for under the price of a 2436. I also own the variable speed VL100 and I am extemely happy with both. I bought extra belts and switches should anything simple go wrong. I'd rather get a mercedes and risk service than get a Yugo and have to keep taking it into the shop once a week.
With that said, this in no way excuses the neglegance of the company. Vicmarc should give full crates and not skeltons with the lathes wrapped in plastic. Either they should absorb the cost [I assume wood isn't that expensive in Australia] or tack it on to the price of the lathes. It should not be an option, just a given. I.e. 'Excuse me sir would you like the full crate or the partial and risk damage?...Duh!
I sell Vicmarc here and there is room for improvement in their service. I give them my input and I immedeatly sent them the link below when it first started. I think they might have realized [or very soon will] as have many other companies that the internet is a small world. I have seen the internet make or break high end watch companies. They have made an increase in the woodturning industry as well. You don't promise someone a new lathe and then reneg, no matter what the cost. I think we should give them time to correct and prove themselves. There products are tops and now they have to bring their service up to speed.