Gyrogami Blog - Precious Metals, Jewelry, Artwork

The shattered jaw
Model number is clearly seen

• Item being reviewed: Tronex carbide cutters What's this all about anyway?
• Manufacturer: Tronex
• Retail price: $200+ Supplied by the manufacturer, discounts are likely to be found with some searching.
• Appearance: 9 Simply, how does it look. It is somewhat subjective but clean lines, professional appearance, etc. These look like the real deal.
• Packaging: 5 Is it thrown into a box or packed like a new smartphone? Just a cheap, branded cardboard box.
• Initial set-up time: N/A After removing contents from box, how long before the first use? These take no time to be ready.
• "Plug and play": N/A Is everything included or do you need to purchase additional equipment, supplies, or parts? Nothing else needed unless the limit screw needs adjusting.
• Additional costs or equipment: N/A Not included with the purchase, what else will lighten your wallet. This requires nothing.
• Set-up time for each use: N/A From being stored properly and completely, is it grab-and-go or much more involved. This takes no time except removing the packaging, tip protector, and maybe wiping the oil from it.
• Storage provisions: 3 Factory provisions to store equipment when not in use. For something this expensive, the flimsy cardboard box is unacceptable.
• Storage time: N/A Time it takes to store it safely and completely, cleaned and lubed, liquids drained, and ready to go. It's best to wipe clean and apply oil to prevent rusting.
• Ongoing costs: low Replacement parts from wear-and-tear, expendables, supplies, etc. This item will need, or should need, nothing. Eventually they might need servicing under heavy use.
• Maintenance: 9 What is expected to keep the tool working properly: periodic maintenance, lubing, etc.? Wipe them down with and oil-soaked rag, perhaps a drop of lube on the pivot, and keep an eye on the tightness.
• Usability: 10 Is it a pain in the ass or complicated to use? These are cutters and require no skill or special knowledge.
• Functionality: 0 How well does it do its job? These failed the first cut.
• Robustness: 0 Durability, how well-constructed or flimsy it is. These should been a 10.
• Value: 0 Based on the price-vs-performance-vs-function, is it worth it? These are $200+ cutters that didn't work at all!
• Adjustability: 10 Can it be easily modified to accommodate different situations? These have a set screw to adjust the jaw closing distance which is as much as can be expected on this type of design.
• Meeting expectations: 0 Does it work as well as others say or the manufacturer claims? I have many Tronex pliers and cutters that have worked well so I really wanted these to perform like they should. If ever there was an epic fail, here it is.
• Innovation: 9 The ingenuity of the design or concept. I have numerous carbide cutters of all sizes and they are normally the bomb.
• Results: 0 What is the quality of the finished product or process? Anything below 6 - realistically, an 8 - is not jewelry quality. It did cut the plastic but failed on the first cut.
• Timeliness: N/A How do the results compare to the amount of time it took?
• Skill level: N/A What mechanical aptitude or skills does one need to set it up and use it. This item is as simple to use as a fork or spoon.
• Documentation: 2 Does it have detailed instructions, whether written (which it should no matter what) or on-line? These had only the cursory catalog on-line. At least give something with a set this expensive for cryin' out loud!
• Customer service: -1 How quickly they respond, can you speak with someone on the phone, are their answers satisfactory? Yes, a negative one for their arrogant, dismissive, and patronizing attitude. Instead of being met with an apology, it was accusations and insinuations. They can go fuck themselves.
• Comparative: 3 If other machines or tools are available within the general price range that do the same thing, how does this compare? Way too much money compared to similar types of cutters.
• Recommendation: 0 My personal assessment of the device - basically, would I buy it again knowing what I learned about it? There are less expensive carbide cutters out there and they have performed flawlessly.

Previous Entry  . . . .  Next Entry

Comment Section

NOTE: Your comments will be included in this section as long as they aren't illegal. This section is censor-free so show me your intelligence or ignorance and everything in between!