Thread: True Line 8 disappointment

Last July, I posted off some retirement funds to purchase a True Line 8 attachment for my column mill, then a few days later, the amount required for postage, yup, seen the youtube vid on this great piece of local engineering. I am a patient person, having lived in the Pilbara for over 20 years, understand that you can not walk into a store, see what you want and buy it, you had to wait, sometimes a month at the max, usually a few weeks.

I sent this chap who advertised his product, a few emails asking about when I would receive my attachment, no reply. My thinking, he runs a business, busy, that's all it is, nothing to worry about. 2018 came and went, late February 2019, I sent another email, asking, only this time, my patience had been exhausted, with a small amount of sarcasm, I received a prompt reply with a photo of said attachment wrapped up and ready for posting, yay.

Ok, what I received, is not what was advertised on said youtube video, clearly this fellow has given the maching job to a junior apprentice.

I received a piece of aluminimum bar stock with vice marks crunched into it, the end that is supposed to slide through the fixed block of some kind of dense plastic, which I might add, has been roughly hewn and machined incorrectly, the groove that the column mount is affixed to has been machined undersize to the actual mount that is supposed to fit, also measured that, fat at one end, thin at the other.

Even the long piece of aluminium flat bar that is supposed to slide easily through the fixed block is to large to do that width wise.

No use complaining, took 7 months just to get a reply. Mmmmmmmm, maybe I could buy a block of this stuff, and cut it out with a hacksaw, probably do better then the original piece, after all, all the fancy 3phrase tools in one's workshop and this is the end product, maybe even use some fencing wire to tie it all together, hey PDW.

I once saw a movie, the Fastest Indian, where on a mantle piece in his workshop (no sure about that), the rider had a pile of failed pistons offered to the gods of speed. I have something similar, naming mine (stupidity in trust).

I do have pics, 21 of them in all, measuring the grooves that are critical to keeping the column straight when moving it up and down.

DD

Sorry to hear that. I probably have a lump of plastic here if you want to try and remachine it. If you can post pics of what you have and the problems with it, there may be things that can be done to improve it.

Michael

Originally Posted by Dingo Dog

No use complaining, took 7 months just to get a reply. Mmmmmmmm, maybe I could buy a block of this stuff, and cut it out with a hacksaw, probably do better then the original piece, after all, all the fancy 3phrase tools in one's workshop and this is the end product, maybe even use some fencing wire to tie it all together, hey PDW.

Not sure why I get a mention, I don't even know what sort of device you're talking about.

I've got a lot of 3 phase tools, sure. So what? Spent a lot of time over the last couple days using my baby Emco FB2 to machine white HDPE. It was the appropriate machine for the job. Not much of a mill but you don't need much to machine plastic. Nice change from machining 316 I must say. Horses for courses.

PDW

Sorry to hear of your problems with the "kit". After seeing the instalation video, I would have thought that anyone with a mill would be able to make the pieces.
I did notice that there still was a bit of movement in the head after things were tightened.
What size is the block, as I may be able to get something for you if needed?
If you're wanting to make a new block, you could use a block the same width or less than the Aluninium bar and bolt a block either side, no machining then either.
Kryn

I can well and truly understand that you are peeved at the lack of professionalism, poor communication and extended time frame before delivery, only to receive a product that doesn't work. I think though that it is only fair to contact the manufacturer and explain the issues and to give him the chance to rectify the issue, or refund the dollars spent. Maybe the apprentice did muck yours up (although quality control should have picked it up), unless the manufacturer is made aware, he cannot fix it.
Having watched the video on Youtube, I get an uneasy feeling about the bloke and he reminds me of a field day snake oil salesman, however he presents a product that works to a degree and your product as supplied did not. If you get no satisfaction, then I would be contacting consumer protection firstly and secondly I would be leaving a quite descriptive comment on the Youtube video outlining all the faults in your item in detail. Ultimately, he has $400 odd dollars of your retirement money and you have a pile of useless scrap.

It has been mentioned twice in this thread that the Apprentice may have made this overpriced piece of junk but I highly doubt that this guy would employ anyone, it looks like a one man show in a home shop to me.

If it is not suitable for use as described by the seller, then you are covered under consumer laws for a full refund.

I have the same attachment as has been described , I totally agree it is not the best , I have only attached it to the machine ,have not checked any measurements yet, I had the same troubles with paying up front,and then having to chase by email to find out what was going on. Having lost my Wife 14- 11-2018 It made me a bit uptight with the messing around with this Guy and I don't know really the best thing to do, it is a lot of money for such a poor finish ,will have to do further checks and then go from there,
Eddie

The guy has YouTube site, may be it is time to ask the question publicly

( although I have not purchased from him I have viewed some of his videos and in my opinion I am not surprised, some of his
work leaves a lot to be desired )

Originally Posted by China

The guy has YouTube site, may be it is time to ask the question publicly

Probably want to wear a flame proof suit if one were to do that. I think he has a fan club.

Just take the philosophy "sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me"

Originally Posted by .RC.

Probably want to wear a flame proof suit if one were to do that. I think he has a fan club.

Really? I haven't been able to get a good shyte-fight going for quite a while...... but OTOH my boat is in the water, I've been out sailing all day, got a good feed of fish for dinner. Care factor is pretty minimal.

PDW

Originally Posted by .RC.

If it is not suitable for use as described by the seller, then you are covered under consumer laws for a full refund.

yep..as RC says

The man took you your money and you are legally entitled to a product that is fit for purpose. Clearly the ( eventually )item he sent was not.

Irrespective of how long he took to deliver in the first instance, I still would pursue it.

I suggest a a registered letter requesting the replacement of the item warning that the any delay will prompt you to make a claim in the small claims court.

In the letter I would include photos and details of this shoddy and sloppy work.

Here in our Forum just be aware of not putting yourself in any disadvantageous legal position by writing any thing that the lawyers could seize on and negate your case.

Best of luck in sorting out this unscrupulous individual.

We are behind you.

Grahame