Woodturners Wonders

[Lou Currier]

As many may or may not know, Ken Rizza sold the Woodturners Wonders company, and I believe he is no longer involved with the business. I had Ken's personal contact, and he was always quick to respond and made sure his customers were happy with his products. Now I can't get them to contact me over a broken part that broke less than a week from setting it up.

To me, customer service is everything!!

If you go to the website right now, you can no longer see contact information.

 

[John K Jordan]

As many may or may not know, Ken Rizza sold the Woodturners Wonders company, and I believe he is no longer involved with the business. I had Ken's personal contact, and he was always quick to respond and made sure his customers were happy with his products. Now I can't get them to contact me over a broken part that broke less than a week from setting it up.

To me, customer service is everything!!

Some company owners don’t realize the wide impact customer “reviews” can have on their business as word gets around. I’ve purchased many things from Woodturners Wonders over the years and was always happy with the products and the service for even small problems. Several times Ken special-ordered things for me and always quickly replaced or refunded if needed.

Anyone else also have feedback to share about the new owner(s)?
If I need something now I’ll look elsewhere and quit recommending them unless I hear things have changed. There is little excuse of unresponsiveness but perhaps they are going through a temporary bad time, medical issues or something. When did this company transition occur?

Lou, what broke? Maybe someone has a spare part or can suggest a fix?

JKJ

 

[Kirk Amidon]

Also, there is a ton to do when changing ownership. If it has been a really short time, give it a bit of time, let them find their feet, so to speak. Sometimes the simple things (like a contact us link) are overlooked, or require outside help to get corrected.

 

[Ron Solfest]

Good timing for this thread for me. I purchased a mini PROS palm sander from Ken two years ago, it stopped working two days ago after maybe ~200hrs use (or less). I searched for contact info on the website and finally sent a question via FB messenger which I haven’t heard back on (not criticizing). I was going to try calling today, maybe I’ll ask my question here and someone might know.

I’ve been very happy with this small RO sander and it’s become an integral part of my process but is a hundred or two hours all that I should expect for the lifetime of this tool? If so, I’m not sure if I want to buy another $120 ‘disposable’ sander. Does anyone know of other, more reliable, RO sander options (need to fit quick locks and be able to modulate sanding speed down, thousands of rpm that most air RO sanders I’ve found are just too fast).

Sorry to see that Ken’s no longer involved at Woodturners Wonders but good for him!

 

[Brent@TurnRobust]

Hi, Brent from Robust here. They sell some of our products, so I checked their website. On my PC, there is a phone number at the very top of the page, BUT, the minute you scroll down, it disappears. Same thing on my IPhone. I've sent them an email in this regard.

 

[Lou Currier]

Some company owners don’t realize the wide impact customer “reviews” can have on their business as word gets around. I’ve purchased many things from Woodturners Wonders over the years and was always happy with the products and the service for even small problems. Several times Ken special-ordered things for me and always quickly replaced or refunded if needed.

Anyone else also have feedback to share about the new owner(s)?
If I need something now I’ll look elsewhere and quit recommending them unless I hear things have changed. There is little excuse of unresponsiveness but perhaps they are going through a temporary bad time, medical issues or something. When did this company transition occur?

Lou, what broke? Maybe someone has a spare part or can suggest a fix?

JKJ

The transition has been taking place for over 2 years. Ken had an agreement that he would stay on and advise as they learn to run the company and it's products. I am presuming that Ken is no longer serving in that roll as he won't respond to my texts.

The piece that broke was the knob used to tighten down the bar on the Kodiak sharpening system.

 

[Lou Currier]

Also, there is a ton to do when changing ownership. If it has been a really short time, give it a bit of time, let them find their feet, so to speak. Sometimes the simple things (like a contact us link) are overlooked, or require outside help to get corrected.

The site used to have a contact link but it's no longer there.

 

[Lou Currier]

Hi, Brent from Robust here. They sell some of our products, so I checked their website. On my PC, there is a phone number at the very top of the page, BUT, the minute you scroll down, it disappears. Same thing on my IPhone. I've sent them an email in this regard.

I had to find the phone number through a google search. Didn't see any at the top 🤔

 

[Larry Komroff]

I bought something about 4 months ago. I emailed them 6 times with a question and never any response . I had bought several items from the company when Ken owned it and he always promptly responded to email questions or problems. Haven't looked to purchase from them ever since as there are many other companies that want my business.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

I had to find the phone number through a google search. Didn't see any at the top 🤔

Let us know if that phone number "works".

 

[John K Jordan]

I purchased a mini PROS palm sander from Ken two years ago, it stopped working two days ago after maybe ~200hrs use (or less).... I was going to try calling today, maybe I’ll ask my question here and someone might know.

I’ve been very happy with this small RO sander and it’s become an integral part of my process but is a hundred or two hours all that I should expect for the lifetime of this tool? If so, I’m not sure if I want to buy another $120 ‘disposable’ sander. Does anyone know of other, more reliable, RO sander options (need to fit quick locks and be able to modulate sanding speed down, thousands of rpm that most air RO sanders I’ve found are just too fast).

Ron,

- What are the symptoms? Does air pass through but it fails to spin? Have you tried disassembling and see if it needs cleaning, adjustment, etc? They all, of course, need plenty of oil in the right place so I assume you've done that. Unless a unique part that can't be reproduced is broken, I've had good luck with some pneumatic tools.

- Is it the 3" palm sander? Mine, from WTW (shown below) has a a valve built in to control the airflow and the speed. However, for others you can often put a small air valve inline to reduce the speed - if you get it to spin again, this may work. BTW, we smooth most face work with NRS and hand scrapers and only use the ROS for final smoothing, usually with 600 grit or finer. (And only at very low speed, not much more aggressive than hand sanding.)



- I also have two of the Grex pneumatic ROSs, pistol type, high quality. I keep one for 2" disks and the other for 1". These seem to be well made and can recommend them. I suspect they will work with 3" but having the other, I haven't tried.


- I'm not familiar with the quick locks, just use velcro pads and disks here.

I'd be glad to take a look at your sander if you want. I have a small machine shop and can sometimes make replacement parts. Are you still in the Crossville club? If so, you could send it with Jake, or if you get over this way stop in and visit and try out the Grex if you haven't. Warning, all visitors go home with turning wood whether they need it or not.

JKJ

 

[Lance Mirrer]

This contact info is on their FaceBook page is:

• 
  
  (678) 400-8181
  
  
  
  kjrdistributing@gmail.com

 

[John Walls]

New Customer Service Hours: 10am-5pm Central Time. Reach us at 678-400-8181.

Says that on very top of their page. Nope, I did not try it so don't know if valid or not. YMMV

 

[Lance Mirrer]

New Customer Service Hours: 10am-5pm Central Time. Reach us at 678-400-8181.

I looked at several pages of their Website and didn't notice that until John mentioned it.

But yes, it's at the top of every page - white letters in the black background, 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Thanks John!!

 

[Lance Mirrer]

Hi, Brent from Robust here. They sell some of our products, so I checked their website. On my PC, there is a phone number at the very top of the page, BUT, the minute you scroll down, it disappears. Same thing on my IPhone. I've sent them an email in this regard.

The "disappear" is from scrolling down. Scroll back up and it's there. Some sites anchor info to the top of the page, similar to a header on a document, this one doesn't.

Under Ken's leadership they were a great company to do business with. Hope they can work out the kinks and get back to there.

 

[Ron Solfest]

JKJ -

John,
Thanks for your comments. Yes, I’m still a member of Cumberland Woodturners; but with traveling tend to make it to less than half the meetings. I miss seeing you there and have enjoyed reading your posts lately.

Regarding the sander, disassembly is my next step. Haven’t gotten around to that with Christmas gifts etc, maybe in the next week or so. I also usually only use this for finer grits (~320+) and found that I it allowed me to finish quicker and typically stop a grit sooner that I would have without the RO.

I’ve looked at that Grex sander but believed it spun too fast, maybe I’ll try one of those if I can’t fix my current one.

Thanks again!

 

[John K Jordan]

I’ve looked at that Grex sander but believed it spun too fast, maybe I’ll try one of those if I can’t fix my current one.

It will spin slowly if I press the trigger just a little, or limit the air with an inline valve.

 

[Lou Currier]

Let us know if that phone number "works".

(678) 400-8181 it works but only goes to voicemail that is never returned.

 

[Jay Peterson]

The mailbox is now full and you can’t leave a message.
Jay

 

[Bob Slocum]

I ordered CBN wheel on 11/15 using their website. Order processed and received no issues.

 

[Jim Holcombe]

Ordered an Axminster SK114 chuck and 2 sets of jaws in August. Chuck at that time was expected in “first of October”. Jaws were received in a timely manner. Called November 12 and was told that they didn’t know when they would be getting a shipment but to call in a couple of weeks. Called yesterday and left a message to call me. No call yet. Called 3-4 times today and voicemail full. Sent an email this afternoon to cancel and return funds to my PayPal account. No reply as of yet. I’ll wait until tomorrow then I’ll have no choice but to open a case with PayPal.

 

[Lou Currier]

Spoke with Ken yesterday and he said he would look into it. We'll see if anything happens 🤔 I trust Ken but not the new owners.

 

[Lou Currier]

As always, Ken can be counted on to get things done! He is working the issue and will have a replacement sent out. He is still in an advisory role and does the trade shows for them. Thanks Ken!!!

 

[Scott Horton]

FWIW, their website links Info, Help, had the contact information with email and phone (which matches top of page).

 

[Jim Holcombe]

Received my refund this morning. All is good on my end and hope things go well for them.

 

[Lou Currier]

I am pleased to say that after a few phone conversations with Ken and the new owner, they are addressing the issues like the help page no longer goes to a "404" error page and the phone number will stay at the top. They are also working on the phone issues and hope to have it resolved quickly. They have also addressed my issues, and I am pleased with the way it was handled.

Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[Scott Horton]

Good to hear. I’ll relax now and put in my Christmas order.

 

[Jay Peterson]

Thanks Lou and Ken. I too have a warranty issue that needs some telephone consult to clarify. I’ll wait a week to see if the phone issue is resolved.
Jay

 

[Wally Crawford]

This is so sad to see. Ken was awesome and ran a good ship when he was at the helm, but this all sounds very disappointing. Let hope these are just teething problems and that the new owners get it sorted out.