[Jewelry making - Article 00180] - Re: [Orchid] Good ultrasonic for home

[Ken Kotoski]

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Hi Mike,

    It's been a long time. Didn't know if you were still around. You
    probably wondered the same about me! 

    You are right I don't care for the Elmas as much as the Healthsonics
    but the Elmas are much better than the Sonix IV/Gem Oro units. We
    also do warranty work for Healthsonics so we see these units in and
    out of warranty and dealing with the company is the best. Never have
    I had a problem in any way with Healthsonics. They always get me what
    I need when I need it. Great company, Great people, Great machines. 

    One problem with the Elmas that I don't like is the fact that the
    parts have to come from Germany. So shipping and duties make a $5
    part cost $20. Also the time it takes to get the parts is bad (weeks
    rather than days). Then when they use a poor quality part in their
    machines they won't upgrade the problem part for years (decades). And
    under warranty parts are replaced with the same crappy part every
    month or two. What a waste of money and time for all involved. But
    Elma doesn't seem to care. 

    For instance the poor quality heater switch. They have been using
    the same switch for over 20 years and have the same problem with the
    thing disintegrating in a short period of time. When I replace these
    switches I let the customer know I can replace them with the same
    crappy switch at no charge and they will need to replace it every few
    months or I can replace it for a few dollars with a quality switch
    made in the US and they won't have to replace it for years. 

    This switch is a simple and inexpensive thing they could upgrade but
    refuse to. They do know about it and have known about the poor
    quality of it for at least 2 decades because I brought it to their
    attention that long ago. Don't get me started on the heaters and
    thermostats. 

    Sure the company has no problem replacing it under warranty but how
    much does the shipping cost the customer every couple of months not
    to mention the down time? Then when it no longer is under warranty
    the switch will cost them $30-$40 every couple of months. 

    This lack of caring about the customer by providing quality from the
    begining is why I don't care for Elmas. When they work they do clean
    well. Just expect to spend hundreds of dollars in upkeep (shipping,
    parts, labor, downtime). 

    My job as a repair tech is to provide high quality service and parts
    so the customer doesn't have to return the unit every few months for
    repairs with the same problem. Dealing with companies like Sonix IV
    and Elma doesn't make this possible for their equipment unless I
    provide non-original equipment parts. In some cases this is
    impossible. 

    I know you'll agree with what I have said, and although you still
    think the Elmas are worth owning I can't recommend them myself. 

Anyway Mike have a good one.
Ken


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