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Post by tarheeltinkerer on Feb 14, 2009 10:48:49 GMT -5
I may have mentioned that I bought two Standard Model Ds. Both had intact lids. The other arrived today. These photos give you an idea of my anger right now:       <a href="http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g219/pastfinder/Smashed%20Phonograph/?action=view¤t=100_0993.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g219/pastfinder/Smashed%20Phonograph/100_0993.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>  I requested the seller mail me all the original receipts, insurance paperwork, etc. The box is even stamped "package services," so someone at the USPS either packed or signed off on the packing. I don't think the lid can be saved...it's pretty farked up. The bedframe I think is salvagable. If anyone can get me good prices on what a replacement Standard D lid and bedframe runs for, I'd greatly appreciate it. As for the box, it's dinged all over but I don't think I could collect anything on it. |
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Post by martin1 on Feb 14, 2009 12:25:31 GMT -5
Wow Frank,
I am so sorry to see that. As you're discovering, many people simply don't know how to package things well. The bedplate support was always the weak spot on the machines. For that reason, whenever I buy a machine on ebay, I ask them to separate the wood from the metal into two packages.
Even though it may be an insurance claim, it can be fixed. Save the wood chips! I'd even try to save the lid as well. Obviously, it will take some time, but it can be done. If you do go the route of replacement parts, then you'll most likely have to refinish to match the color. I think a so-so replacement lid ran me about $55 last year. But seriously, it all can be reglued, touched-up and even the original finish salvaged
Yes, you should be angry about this, but try to focus that anger into saving this poor old case. I'll be happy to lend a hand in whatever way possible. Anyway, I think you'll find it's not quite as hopeless as it seems. Good luck and keep us posted.
Martin
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Post by matty on Feb 14, 2009 13:28:58 GMT -5
I know exactly how you feel! This is how my Amberola 30 arrived from America-  It was a big job, but this is the same machine now.  As Martin said, you should be able to save both the lid & bedplate support. It may not be perfect, but at least it will be together with a lid until a perfect original comes along. It is upsetting though, when somethings survived in good condition for 100 yrs, only to be destroyed by some careless person. At least with the lid repaired, it should be safe to carry by the handle. I was with a fellow once, and he was carrying his Standard by the handle, when the old hide glue decided to let go, and his machine crashed to the floor. He even broke the endgate in the process. I guess yours could be worse, and have damage to the castings too. |
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Post by tarheeltinkerer on Feb 14, 2009 14:33:30 GMT -5
At least I don't see as many tiny pieces (kidding). Well, I have the contact info on the person I bought it from. I need the original receipt and insurance paperwork so I can file a claim with the USPS. The mandrel also has a gouge in it, but it should be removed with careful filing. The one gear had the teeth gently bent in on it...again, I may just have to get a replacement...sigh. USPS insurance claims I know are a bear. Hopefully I'll get an email from this person to mail me the paperwork. Otherwise, I guess I start carefully regluing and rebuilding...
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Post by maroongem on Feb 14, 2009 16:47:26 GMT -5
At least I don't see as many tiny pieces (kidding). Well, I have the contact info on the person I bought it from. I need the original receipt and insurance paperwork so I can file a claim with the USPS. The mandrel also has a gouge in it, but it should be removed with careful filing. The one gear had the teeth gently bent in on it...again, I may just have to get a replacement...sigh. USPS insurance claims I know are a bear. Hopefully I'll get an email from this person to mail me the paperwork. Otherwise, I guess I start carefully regluing and rebuilding... I've gone through a USPS claim once before and you're right, it is a bear. I had to show them a copy of the completed listing and then they asked my if that was the going price!!! This was on a Zonophone record that was shipped in a flat mailer. Needless to say, you can imagine how many pieces it was in. They kept the record and mailer and said they would investigate the claim. I even had the seller send me the insurance slip. Well, they "lost" the record and mailer when I called about two weeks later. Bottom line, I was out the money for the record. Apparently it's their policy to keep the item after paying out the claim, unless that has changed. I don't use USPS anymore for high value items, Fedex is the best that I've found here. I recently shipped an Amberola V that I repaired for a customer through them and it arrived in perfect condition. Bill |
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Post by martin1 on Feb 14, 2009 17:01:12 GMT -5
A USPS anecdote: I was mailing a wax cylinder to an ebay customer at the Hollywood post office several years ago. The clerk at the window asked me if it was fragile. I said "yes". She stamped it "Fragile" in several places and then, before I left the window, threw it overhand into a bin 15 feet away. From the look on her face, it obviously never registered with her that she did something odd. Fortunately, I had packed it anticipating that kind of treatment.
Good luck, Frank!
Martin
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Post by bostonmike1 on Feb 14, 2009 17:26:33 GMT -5
what did you pay for it and what was it insured for? michael
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Post by klinkmi on Feb 14, 2009 17:42:13 GMT -5
I guess that I'm not the only one that has had an item damaged through shipping of the USPS. Several years ago I had purchased several 2m Black Wax Cylinders by a reputable seller off of E-Bay. The package was sent Insured Parcel Post. When the package arrived the bottom was completely crushed with even peanuts falling out. The box was marked fragile on every side but I guess this meant nothing to the USPS. If I can recall 6 out of the 15 were completely shattered and about 3 were completely cracked. I had to show the USPS the complete transaction with purchase price and that these were the exact items that were shipped. I didn't get the refund immediately as I was told it had to be investigated. Sorry to see the condition that yours arrived. With a little glue and some patients I think you should be able to repair. Just remember to remove all of the old hide glue from the joints so you get a good bond when you reassemble.
Mike
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Post by moooperator on Feb 14, 2009 22:46:32 GMT -5
And on top of that if you buy insurance they think that's a free pass to pack it any old way they want... If you wanted your money back then you'd kept it in the first place. Then they tell you you are out of luck when the courier does not honor the insurance because of their flimsy box and hand full of shredded paper. I feel your pain, bro.
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Post by tarheeltinkerer on Feb 14, 2009 23:23:17 GMT -5
I just started reassembling the bed frame. The lid I am going to give to a friend with years and years of wood working experience so he can get it functional again. The metal looks functional. The only issue (case aside) that I've found is that the reproducer locking screw has broken off in the carriage. I don't think a screw extractor is out there small enough to remove this, so it looks like I need a drill press. Anyone know a machine shop that could fix this?
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Post by klinkmi on Feb 14, 2009 23:51:44 GMT -5
I wouldn't use a drill press or even a drill there would be too much risk damaging the treads. Does the screw look clean, if so I would try mating it were it is broken , using a little force you might be able to get it out far enough to grab it. Also was the mandrel damaged in the first pic it seems angled
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Post by tarheeltinkerer on Feb 15, 2009 0:08:02 GMT -5
The mandrel doesn't appear to be damaged. As for the screw...there is a tiny bit of it sticking out the back (ie inside the carriage ring). the top broke off just inside the carriage, so I'm at a loss to try and remove it.
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Post by bostonmike1 on Feb 15, 2009 1:52:33 GMT -5
I wouldn't use a drill press or even a drill there would be too much risk damaging the treads. Does the screw look clean, if so I would try mating it were it is broken , using a little force you might be able to get it out far enough to grab it. Also was the mandrel damaged in the first pic it seems angled i have been reading this guys advice since he joined this forum-------he does not have a clue--- but thinks he does. it makes the truly knowlegable of us on this and other forums look bad. but you get what you pay for!you paid nothing and you got nothing---so you are even. i own a machine shop here in N.Y |
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Post by martin1 on Feb 15, 2009 2:33:06 GMT -5
Hey Frank,
Try sending it to George Vollema, he's extracted a screw or two for me and does good work. Good luck!
Martin
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Post by matty on Feb 15, 2009 6:53:28 GMT -5
I wouldn't use a drill press or even a drill there would be too much risk damaging the treads. Does the screw look clean, if so I would try mating it were it is broken , using a little force you might be able to get it out far enough to grab it. Also was the mandrel damaged in the first pic it seems angled i have been reading this guys advice since he joined this forum-------he does not have a clue--- but thinks he does. it makes the truly knowlegable of us on this and other forums look bad. but you get what you pay for!you paid nothing and you got nothing---so you are even. i own a machine shop here in N.Y What have they been putting in the Boston water supply lately? |
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