Yes, I just experienced a delivery of a damaged sliding table saw package. (sorry- this machine came from Italy - forgive me now before continuing...)
Slider was okay, as it was in a solid wood coffin with ply tops and fastened to a special pallet for it. They did their darnedest to it, but that structure held up well.
However, entire 4'x7' cardboard enclosure over plastic wrap could be lifted off with one hand. Cones placed on top to prevent stacking were completely ripped off, and pallet had rubbed right down to the iron top. Fortunately, things turned out okay. I thought a corner was hit, as switch plate was bowed out ~5mm. Could not figure that out, until wiring time. A bundle of wires was pinched (unharmed) in between saw body and switch plate during factory assembly. In the end, the only real loss was a broken plastic splinter guard on the largest squaring bar.
More to the point: I called my salesman while on the truck inspecting, and he did everything he could to coerce me into accepting the machine, unless it was completely annihilated. I realize, it would save him the headaches and place duty of resolving all issues squarely on me. Not cool. I got lucky, but as I'm reading here, I think I'd reject it next time.
?
So- anyone else expecting machines, expect similar issues. It's just the way things are right now, regardless the shipping company or manufacturer involved.
Be ruthless, and shove the results of their carelessness right back on them. You will then get results. Just remember, whoever is stuck with the half-ton damaged machine is the one most motivated to remedy the situation. Sadly, in this instance, it is Shimmdog, our original poster.?
Good luck with your freight claim, but I will say, my Felder rep took the bull by the horns and rounded up all missing components from my shaper last spring, unlike my salesman for the machine I just received, who seems to not want to hear from me and is being as dismissive as he can be.
I trust your Felder rep will follow through and help you thoroughly.??
jeff
