Smithy, Never !!!!

[wilkrod]

Just received my Midas 1230 XL.
What a joke!!!!!
Stand is missing parts, no assembly instructions.
Mill/lathe was never bolted down, **** all over the place.
Missing knobs, controls, boxs just thrown in the crate split open.
This is the most disappointing purchase I think I have ever made.
And of course Smithy doesn't respond to e-mail, and there phone goes to voice mail.
Anyone want to buy a boat anchor cheap.
Jeff

 

[Sevenhills1952]

How did you pay? Hopefully by credit card...immediately reverse charges if so.
What a shame. I checked...$2600, but + shipping I'm sure.
Take lots of pictures, especially put it back as it was received all in pieces.


Sent from my SM-S320VL using Tapatalk

 

[1982fxr]

Wonder if it was a previous return?

 

[txvwnut]

I’ve bought two machines from them and both purchases went smooth as silk.

 

[Sevenhills1952]

What's the status of this, any reply from Smithy?

Sent from my SM-S320VL using Tapatalk

 

[shanny19]

Yes please keep us updated.
Not that a BlowEmUp thread with no follow up is suspicious or anything , but I've actually considered Smithy and would appreciate updates.

 

[wilkrod]

OK,
To be fair Smithy did get in contact with me.
They provided the instructions for the assembly of the stand, unfortunately they were out of date, had to have another conversation regarding two brackets, that were not mentioned in the instructions. The rep. explained where they were to be attached. The mounting hardware was incorrect/missing, so had to use my own hardware. Got that squared away and mounted the lathe/mill. So I am down to one missing knob that I am waiting for a reply on.
Next is cleaning it up/setting up and see if it works.
I apologize for being so bitter initially, but after spending $3K on this I was quite disappointed in the initial delivery.
I will keep updating
Regards
Jeff

 

[wilkrod]

Hi all,
In fairness to Smithy another update.
The customer service rep. has been very responsive. She agreed to ship out a replacement knob for the mill vertical feed. In addition while cleaning the machine today, I discovered the power control panel was broken along with the stop switch. I e-mailed a picture to the rep and she agreed to send a replacement. Both items have been shipped.
The only other issue I have is probably one of communication. The machine owners manual has a check list of items that should have been included in the shipment, this is well out of date. Basically items that the manual calls for as deliverable s are no longer included, having other items substituted in their place. So end game is I have no accessories for the tail stock, e.g., drill chuck, center, etc. This will require me to purchase an additional tooling package for about $150. To be fair they did include a rotary milling table.
I will continue updates
Regards
Jeff

 

[ChrisLS8]

For a 3k purchase and the amount of issues you had that is unacceptable. That is just plain sloppy work

 

[wilkrod]

HI,
Agree, that is why I was so upset at the beginning of this purchase. I give Smithy credit for trying to resolve my issues, but I still believe they have gotten out of touch with their customers. I am recently retired, and $3K is no drop in the bucket for me. If I was working in their customer service I would have a tech rep knocking on my door to see what I could do to make a satisfied customer.
This whole transaction still leaves a bad taste for me. I don't believe I could recommend a purchase from Smithy at this time.
Regards
Jeff

 

[IndyGarage]

Smithy is somewhat overpriced China machines. They sell them in packages - build quality is marginally better than the cheap stuff. You still have to tune them in and fix a few things to get them to work perfect. Interestingly they are easy to sell when it comes time to do that.

I had one for many years, almost wish I wouldn't have sold it. It covered 90% of the work I do today on my separate lathe and mill. I fixed the problem areas, and I could get real nice work out of it. They are definitely not an industrial tool, but they work for hobby stuff.

 

[MShaw]

I have read reviews on other sites of the Smithy and the general opinion is that it is a DIY kit requiring considerable attention to make it a viable machine.

 

[matt_i]

Man that thing is looking to take a flip...being so top heavy like that relative to the pickup bars.....you'd think they'd give you some kind of tube/round/flat-bar that connected the top of the column to the end of the bedway with a lifting point at the C.G...

 

[vpd66]

I had about the same results in the early 90s when I bought a Shoptask machine. If I remember right nothing had any shipping damage but anything plastic (knobs/switches) would almost fall apart in your hands. Like said it was kind of a kit and even when you iron out all the little bugs it still was an awkward machine to work with. I worked with it for about 4 years at my home/hobby shop then sold it and bought an old US made lathe and mill and have never been happier.

 

[wilkrod]

Hi all,
Another update.
I received my missing knob. Done.
Also received the replacement power switch for the lathe. More frustration!!!!
It is wired differently than the original, and the directions are a joke!!!! Just some line drawings to square blocks. There is no wiring diagram in the manual, and the colors of the individual wires are different between the original, and replacement. To top it off the individual switches are wired differently between the original, and replacement.
I am going to demand Smithy send someone out here to make this right. If they don't I am going to reverse the charges on my Visa, and tell them to come pick it up.
Sorry for venting this is the worst experience I have ever had.
Regards
Jeff

 

[1982fxr]

That's probably what I'd do too.

 

[wilkrod]

Hi all,
Another update, good news!
Smithy customer service (Ellie) provided a wiring diagram with which I was able to install the new power control panel, and it works. So I now have power to the lathe, and mill.
I am going to finish setting it up, and hopefully everything will go smoothly.
Smithy did also have their tech. (Dave), volunteering to walk me thru the wiring if needed, fortunately it was not necessary.
So I will have to give Smithy good marks for helping to make this right, just should not have been needed in the first place.
With that said, I am going to go have a beer and watch F1 qualifying.
Regards
Jeff

 

[wilkrod]

Hi all,
Just wanted to give a final update.
Machine is all cleaned up, adjusted, and made some parts on the lathe.
Did some test pass's on the mill, and it seems to be working fine.
Be advised if you get one of these, you must strip it down to the bare bed, and clean everything!!! Lubricate, put back together, adjust gibs, backlash, etc.
No unexpected though, just saying.
I do love being able to make parts instead of searching thru endless catalogs.
Overall, I am now a happy camper.
Regards
Jeff

 

[zmotorsports]

Glad to hear that you were able to get your issues resolved.

I had one of the earlier Smithy 1239XL models that I purchased new in 1997. I did the same as you, tore it all the way down, adjusted and lubed as I assembled and for the most part it worked great for the 17 years that I owned it. I made a LOT of one-off parts for our motorsports toys and race cars then began doing a bit more machining for people in which I outgrew the capabilities of the machine and in 2014 sold it and purchased separate mill and lathe. I discovered that it was much better as a lathe than as a milling machine so I focused on its strengths rather than its weaknesses until I could upgrade. The guy I sold my Smithy to loves it and uses if for things around the home/shop which is where I started out using it.

Good luck with your machining.