docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 716
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Post by docharber on Apr 11, 2022 22:21:37 GMT -5
i posted a request for assistance on another part of the forum but wanted to address faceters directly. My mark IV hass faled to proceed. i went online and have left two messages with graves on the international line- the voice mail of the person i was connected to in customer service was full- and I wonder if they're still in business. I need help with my machine which after years in indoor closet storage has gone dead except the light. The machi9ne probably dates from the late 1980's and has a rotary switch and a vertically oriented motor without any markings on it. When I turn it on, nothing happens. the fuse appears OK and the resistor (the red wires run into it from the rotary switch and then to the motor) seems OK. i haven't tried to bypass ity nor have I continuity checked the fuse. and those are the next step. if I'm able to figure out the problem, and graves is still in business, i might be able to order a part but I would hate to order a $200 motor when it needs a $14 resistor(I think that's what the part is). Can anyone here help? i received a great response when i posted elsewhere but the responders didn't address whether Graves is still around. If not, i need to buy a new machine or a good used one, probably a facetron like they use at William GHolland. I have lots of accessories i should be ble to use with it . Anyone have a working machine out there?
Thanks,
Mark
PS- i tried again, full voice mail in customer service. I sent an email. hope I find intelligent life!
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Apr 12, 2022 11:24:44 GMT -5
As far as I know they are still in business. I sold an older Graves for a friend a few months ago and spoke to someone on the phone when I had a question.
Are you outside of the US? Just wondering since you called the international line. You could try emailing them at graves.lapidarygmail.com or call the customer service number at 800-327-9103.
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 716
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Post by docharber on Apr 14, 2022 18:22:49 GMT -5
I live in the Florida panhandle. i called the international line in hope of finding a human at the other end. When I call customer service I get a messgae that the person at another extension has a full voice mail box. i'll try the email address; I don't have any other options. Thanks for the help!
mark H.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Apr 14, 2022 20:43:55 GMT -5
Good luck!
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 716
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Post by docharber on May 18, 2022 21:40:36 GMT -5
Since last posting on this thread I have attended a week long faceting class at William Holland in Georgia. It was really enlightening. Our instructor referred me to a gentleman her in Florida who had my machine (Graves Mark IV) going again within 24 hours. it was totally dead. SO, if the resistor has continuity nor the fuse - easy to determine with a common voltmeter with a continuity setting- and the light works but the motor doesn't get warm or hum, then the controlled 9switch assembly) is probably the problem as it was on mine. easy peasy but it cost me $310 with one-way shipping to fix. But, it's good to go again. I also learned a lot about the companies making faceting mqachines and had a chance to use a Facetron and an older Ultra-Tec V2. I much preferred the latter for reasons I discuss in another post. The the school had Raytech-Shaw machines and a nonfunctioning Jersey instruments Patriot Their entry level Tom Thumb is showwn discontinued on Kingsley North's site but my instructor preferred it over the patriot. A couple of classmates used and really liked the Raytech Shaw machine but I didn't get a chance to try them. I thought the ergonomics of the UT were well- thought out. i just ordered lightning lap toppers like we used at the school and I'm anxious to get cutting!
As for Graves, the current owner who inherited the business has no interest in it and is trying to sell it, apparently for more than anyone wants to pay. With their customer service nonexistant, I expect to upgrade to an UT in a few years as the Graves won't be maintainable. Pity. they were reasonably priced, no frills machines that I understand many faceters learned on.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on May 18, 2022 21:54:26 GMT -5
Sorry to hear about the problems with the Graves.
Every once in a while a used UT comes up for sale somewhere. They're nice machines.
Glad to hear you connected with some folks who were able to help you out! Looking forward to seeing some of your sparklies!
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