Just got my Chicago Electric rotary...

J

JaCkaL829

it was my first time...
Well I just got my Chicago Electric rotary today http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=92623

from UPS and it seems i'm missing the two hex screws to bolt the bail handle to the body :( . I'll probably have to give them a call tommorow and see what happens, but I guess I can always buy some screws at home depot. It sucks because they included everything else, backing plate, sanding pads, polishing pad, etc., all the stuff that I was going to disregard.

On a better note, I also received my Autogeek package today too. They definately rank high in customer satisfaction in my book. I got the 7.5" vc pad kit w/ 6" BP for my new rotary, and they let me customize my pad combination, since i'm not going to be using my rotary for finishing. I also took advantage of their MDW special so I got free shippping, 10% off and a free 32 oz bottle of their new DP waterless auto wash. As always :xyxthumbs for Autogeek.

Lets see how well Harbor Freight handles this situation :argue



Attached is a photo of these weird things HF sent me with the buffer. Anyone have any idea what they are, and what there used for???

lastscan.jpg
 
That really sucks. I hope you can get it all sorted out and fixed quickly. I'm sure people around here would appreciate a review of that rotary when you get around to it, I know I would!
 
Hey Jackal I too have the high speed polisher and while I am sure that it doesn't run as sweet as a Makita or Dewalt, it suits me fine.( Part time detailer)



The items in the bag are extra motor brushes. On your polisher you probably noticed what look like large slotted plastic screw heads on each side of the body. As you start to see declining performance, it may mean your brushes are worn. Unscrew the screws, toss out the old brushes, and put in the new ones and run on high for about 30 seconds to "seat" them.



Hope this is of some help to you. Lemme know what ya think of the backing plate from autogeek. Thinking bout getting one myself. Shoot me a PM once you test the items out! Be safe and have fun.
 
Well a little update...

Finally got through to a real person after 2 previous failed attempts. So the lady tells me they might have it in their parts department because its something small, and if they don't then they have to order it which takes 6-8 weeks. I was a little surprised but told them if I paid for it, I want it.

I'm not going to sweat it too much. My father might have something in the garage that will work and if not I'll just go to home depot one night this week and pick up something similiar.
 
I should be receiving my rotary tomorrow too. I received my Autogeek order including my backing plate yesterday. I bought the 4.75 inch flexible plate so I could use my PC pads with the rotary. I really hope they don't forget my screws though... that would kinda suck! I wlll post tomorrow when it arrives.



JJ
 
You will be happy w/the Chicago Electric buffer, I've had mine for 3 months now and it's all good! It does the job just like those costing many times more that what this one costed. I think their customer service sucks though, they should get that stuff sent out to you Next day air, even if they do have to order it. I was lucky, they have a store close to my house so I picked mine up from there.
 
I'm still waiting. I ordered my rotary 12 days ago and still have not received any notification indicating it's shipping. How long did it take you to receive the dern' thing?



JJ
 
JJ: When I called customer service I believe I got a recording telling me it takes 14 business days. I know I've read other members saying it took a couple weeks to get theirs too.



btw, how did the board exams go?
 
I think the boards went pretty well, thanks for asking! Like every other test in my life, there are some things I know and some things I don't. Fortunately for me, I feel there were more things I knew than didn't, so I am pleased. Unfortunately, it takes eight weeks to get the scores back! That's a real drag!



Have you used the rotary yet? I saw a post indicating it was the loudest machine they'd ever heard. I was able to hear a Makita the other day and it was nice and quite. I couldn't believe how quiet it was.



JJ
 
UPDATE:

Today I went to a small hardware store thinking finding these screws should be no problem. I get helped by a very attractive saleswomen :cool: , who really knew her nuts :p . She tried about a dozen different sizes but none where working. So I leave empty handed, but at least seeing that girl made the trip a little worthwhile ;)



So back to the batcave and time to call HF again.

I originally called 6/7 and they told me to call back to see about the "status" of my two screws :rolleyes: . So I figure today would have given them enough time. Call them and they say there still looking to see about the screws. So I start explaining to them the inconvenience of me not being able to use the tool and what not, so she tells me I can send the whole tool back and just get another one (I probably won't get it till mid July at their rate). So I was thinking they would e-mail me a pre-paid shipping label, but I was just checking my e-mail and no label. So I go onto their website just now and "chat" in their customer service. I ask the lady when the label was mailed to me. She tells me I wouldn't get it till 5-7 business days, in other words snail mail. I though it was done by e-mail. She asked if I wanted a refund, but I really don't want to, because I really wanted the machine and just got a bunch of pads. I'm now rethinking it and might just send it back and ask for a refund. Maybe AutoZone or another chain store has a smiliar "cheapo rotary" I can use.

Hope everyone else has a better experience with HF, I sure didn't :nono
 
Yes, two hex bolts were in the box with my rotary. They also included the allen wrench. Did you get the allen wrench? If so, take it to the hardware store and try to match it.



JJ
 
One last update :)



I was telling my best friend about it while cruising in the RSX, and he told me to bring it to his house. He has a dye set, that rethreads nuts and bolts. So we found two bolts that fit pretty good and re-threaded them. It is now pretty snuggly held together by our "custom fit" nuts. I'm pretty happy because now I don't have to wait forever to send it back nor do I have to find a replacement one. Hopefully next week, when my father is finished with school, I can give my rotary a try on his car :buffing:
 
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