Off to a bad start!!!!!

Steel city I don’t know them they seem to be a cheap alternative to other cheapies out there probably good enough value for money but they as far as I am aware quite new.Perhaps yopou should have gone for a better known company only time will tell I hope you get it sorted out ok.Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease

based on recent experience of other’s I’m not sure other brands would put you in a better spot. I had done my research like you, and eventually chose a different brand over Steel City (which was my first choice). other LJ on this site seem to have gotten great customer service from Steel City, and I believe you’ll receive the same positive attitude from them, just have to deal with them and get your saw in order.

should have would have, does it make any difference now? you obviously made your decision based on features, costs, etc. why the change of mind?

my suggestion – you already have the saw! keep your cool , make the most of it. just like any other large machinery, sometimes it takes a bit of tweaking and going back and forth with the manufacturer to get it to perfect condition. no biggy.

is it just the wing that’s missing? can you do without it for the time being while waiting for the missing parts?

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

As much as you need a saw, I would not use it. Pack it back up in the original boxes and call for a return authorization and full refund. In my experience, trying to make a wrong like this, ......right again…...will consume a lot of time and frustration on the telephone and computer. There’s no guarantee that you will be successful.

-- "Heaven is North of the Bridge"

Steel City was started several years ago by a few EX-Porter-Cable/Delta long time employees who were thrown to the curb when Black & Decker bought out Pentair, previous owners of the PC/Delta line. When I say “long time employees” i mean between 3 of them I think they told me had a combined 100+ years with PC and, they were well respected employees! Had one of them at my desk making a sales call a few week after an IWF Woodworking show. Listened to the pitch, chose not to take on the line. I have no idea as to its quality vs anything else but at the time (I think 4-5 years ago) when they 1st started, I would have had to have an in house tech/repair guy to deal with warranty issues, then bill Steel City for reimbursement.

Ahh, I don’t think so.

-- http://www.federalsaw.com

Wait to see how customer service is… I’ve bought, and had problems with Jet, Grizzly, and Delta and they’ve all taken care of the problem in a timely fashion, much quicker than non-woodworking companies. Dealings with mail order companies, will always have more problems than dealing with a brick and mortar store because of logistics. Take a deep breath and it should work it’s way out. Just please don’t start a rant that lasts for days, we’ve had too much of that lately :>).

Good Luck.

-- -JimmyC...Clayton,NC- "Just smile and wave boys, smile and wave"

These problems sound like minor inconveniences if are you in the wood cutting business with it.

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.

While those 3 issues can be frustrating, they are easily overcome…not a show stopper on the list! You did your homework and got the saw that made the most sense to you, don’t second guess yourself now….stay the course. You could easily end up with another brand that has major issues next time. Give Steel City the chance to correct the issues. I’ve heard great things about their service.

Ditto what knotscott said.

-- http://www.north40custom.com -- http://north40studios.etsy.com --

I’m with knotscott on this one. Just get the company to ship out the parts, and fix it, or suck it up and ship it back. When dealing with Chinese made tools, this is sadly one of the problems you face. Poor packaging/shipping! I say count yourself lucky that you didn’t buy Laguna. Laguna platinum tools, are also Chinese made and from what I have seen around the web, they have the worst customer service out of the bunch.

-- Julian, Park Forest, IL

If I were in that situation, I would take knotscortt’s advice. If I choose to change it with other brands, I never know what will be the outcome. I read many tools reviews on the internet and ww magazines. If I have the chance to own TS manufactured for US market, I certainly love to have PM, Steel City, Grizzly or General in that order.
Good luck!

-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.

Hey thanks for all the input, the saw looks great, and I am sure it will all work out. Im sure I made the correct purchase, Its just one of those things that can get to ya pretty easy. As soon as I rip a couple I will update you all on her performance and the Steel City customer service.Thanks

I’ve noticed that the Delta Unisaws are comeing down in price to make room for the new model. With the economy the way it is, and Steel City being so new, I wonder if they can survive, parts could be an issue someday. The company makes a 17” drill press that is rated pretty highly, so that may be a good sign for the rest of their products. But, I don’t care much for the sales pitch on some of their other table saws though, it’s deceptive. I wonder how much of the uneducated public bought a Cabinet saw from them, and in reality ended up with a Hybrid and don’t know it. I use to think that they were a good company, but that really tarnished my opinion of them. I guess if there was a way to swap it out for one of the discounted Unisaws without too much hassle and price thats the way I’d go, otherwise I guess I’d just go with the flow and wait for parts. It’s your call.

The new Delta Unisaw is listed at $2700, so I think cabinet saws that are $1500 or less will doing fine. I’m not sure about Delta though, I think they shot themselves in the foot this time.

-- -JimmyC...Clayton,NC- "Just smile and wave boys, smile and wave"

Wave, I have the SC “hybrid saw. I was impressed the way it came and the ease of assembly. I think you just got a bum shipment. I don’t think it’s indicative of what SC sells. Mine is the 1.75 hp with left tilt. Love it!!! I bought this brand of saw because they mount the trunnions on the sides not to the top and got rid of their lower end fence and put their higher end fence on all their saws now. Price was a factor also. I’ll ditto what knotscott said. Give’m a chance. Maybe you could find a local SC dealer to help you out. Just my 2 cents.

-- Rick