TL;DR - Buy a Tormach. Don't buy from Taig-approved vendor Deepgroove1. Taig doesn't give a shit that he failed to deliver this accessory.

Near the end of May 2017 I ordered a decked out mill from Deepgroove1.com, I had been recommended there as the place to go for the best deal on a Taig CNC mill. Deepgroove1.com is listed as a distributor on Taig's website.

Most of the order was delivered in good condition in a timely manner. Everything except the $630 trunnion table and rotary axis accessory (wayback link).

Paid $630:


Received, after a year of pulling teeth:



As of April 9, 2018 - I have not received the final and most-expensive piece of this multi-component accessory, a $410 rotary table. I have received the stepper, however.

Chas of Deepgroove1.com has all but told me to get fucked.

Here follows the email conversation, decide for yourself if you want to spend your hard-earned money here.

First, I inquired about a decked out CNC mill:

Wondering about a CNC mill.
2 messages
Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com> Wed, May 24, 2017 at 7:35 AM
To: awdeo@optonline.net
Hi, the link to your ebay store seems broken here: http://deepgroove1.com/contact.htm

Anyway, I'm wondering if your mill would be good for a beginner-enthusiast?

I think I'd like to get it decked out from the get-go that makes sense. What are all the parts should be looking at for turn-key?

So far I think:
CNC mill, gecko drive 3 motors
mill options: 1/16-3/8" chuck with arbor
(2x) mill options: extra belt for mil
mill options: 1 1/4-2 1/2 fly cutter
mill options: indexable end mill
Boring Head
tool post holder with cutoff bit
collet-chuck adapter
trunion table with 3.25 chuck

What do I need to drive this thing, one of your control boxes? It wasn't completely clear which.

Any interest in Bitcoin?

Jeff
Deepgroove1.com (chas) <awdeo@optonline.net> Wed, May 24, 2017 at 3:43 PM
To: Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com>
greetings,
We use our own gecko drive based stepper box which is included in a milling machine purchase
This is a link to our drive
 
You have a complete list and I doubt you would need anything else
You also need mach 3 software to control the machine
Chas
 
Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 10:35 AM
Subject: Wondering about a CNC mill.
 
[Quoted text hidden]

I purchased the configuration discussed the same day:

  paypal   May 24, 2017 16:18:57 PDT 
Transaction ID: 1UCXXXXXXXXXXX74A 		  
 
Hello Jeff Rodriguez,

You sent a payment of $2,670.00 USD to Paul Herink
(awdeo@optonline.net)

It may take a few moments for this transaction to appear in your account.
Merchant 
Paul Herink 
awdeo@optonline.net 
 Instructions to merchant 
You haven't entered any instructions.

Shipping address - confirmed 
Jeff Rodriguez
XXXX XXXXXX Rd
XXX, WA XXXXX
United States
 Shipping details 
The seller hasn’t provided any shipping details yet.
Description Unit price Qty Amount

cnc mill options 
cnc mill options: CNC mill, gecko drive 3 motors		 $1,750.00 USD 1 $1,750.00 USD

cnc mill options 
mill options: 1/16-3/8" chuck with arbor		 $23.00 USD 1 $23.00 USD

cnc mill options 
mill options: extra belt for mill		 $9.00 USD 2 $18.00 USD

cnc mill options 
mill options: 1 1/4-2 1/2 fly cutter		 $20.00 USD 1 $20.00 USD

cnc mill options 
mill options: indexable end mill		 $35.00 USD 1 $35.00 USD

Boring Head 
 $46.00 USD 1 $46.00 USD

tool post holder with bit 
bit options: Cut off tool bit		 $10.00 USD 1 $10.00 USD

collet-chuck adapter 
 $15.00 USD 1 $15.00 USD

Trunion table with 280 oz stepper 
trunion table: trunion table with 3.25 chuck		 $630.00 USD 1 $630.00 USD

Subtotal $2,547.00 USD
Shipping and handling $123.00 USD
Total $2,670.00 USD

Payment $2,670.00 USD
Charge will appear on your credit card statement as "PAYPAL *AWDEO" 
Payment sent to awdeo@optonline.net

A few days later, I received notice my order had shipped:


paypal		   Transaction ID:  
  Details about your shipment  
  Dear Jeff Rodriguez, 

Paul Herink added shipping details. Please note that the tracking information and shipping status are shown exactly as the seller entered them.

Shipper UPS
Tracking number 1ZYXXXXXXXXXXXX892
Shipping status Shipped

If you have questions about the shipment, please contact awdeo@optonline.net

Seller
Paul Herink
awdeo@optonline.net


Jeff Rodriguez
XXXX XXXXXX Rd
XXX, WA XXXXX
United States
Description Unit price Qty Amount

cnc mill options
Item# 
 $1,750.00 USD 1 $1,750.00 USD

cnc mill options
Item# 
 $23.00 USD 1 $23.00 USD

cnc mill options
Item# 
 $9.00 USD 2 $18.00 USD

cnc mill options
Item# 
 $20.00 USD 1 $20.00 USD

cnc mill options
Item# 
 $35.00 USD 1 $35.00 USD

Boring Head
Item# 
 $46.00 USD 1 $46.00 USD

tool post holder with bit
Item# 
 $10.00 USD 1 $10.00 USD

collet-chuck adapter
Item# 
 $15.00 USD 1 $15.00 USD

Trunion table with 280 oz stepper
Item# 
 $630.00 USD 1 $630.00 USD
Subtotal $2,547.00 USD
Shipping and handling $123.00 USD

Insurance $0.00 USD
Tax $0.00 USD
Total $2,670.00 USD
Payment $2,670.00 USD
Payment sent to awdeo@optonline.net  

Sincerely,
PayPal 

After I received the two boxes, I inquired about the missing accessory, and it was downhill from there:

ETA on the trunion table?
23 messages
Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com> Wed, Jun 7, 2017 at 9:38 PM
To: awdeo@optonline.net
Hi Chas,

The mill and electronics have arrived, did you have tracking info, or ETA for the trunnion table?

PP Txn: 1UCXXXXXXXXXXX74A

Thanks!

Jeff
www.deepgroove1.com <awdeo@optonline.net> Thu, Jun 8, 2017 at 6:10 AM
To: Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com>

My vendor is in the process of moving

Of course he never gave me a heads up

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

From: Jeff Rodriguez
Sent: Thursday, June 8, 2017 12:38 AM
To: awdeo@optonline.net
Subject: ETA on the trunion table?

[Quoted text hidden]
Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com> Sat, Jul 8, 2017 at 8:50 AM
To: "www.deepgroove1.com" <awdeo@optonline.net>
Hey, any word on when your vendor will be back up and going?

Thanks!
[Quoted text hidden]
www.deepgroove1.com <awdeo@optonline.net> Sun, Jul 9, 2017 at 5:23 AM
To: Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com>

His machine is mill is installed and I think he is working on his lathe

ARGH

Sorry for the delay

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

From: Jeff Rodriguez
Sent: Saturday, July 8, 2017 11:50 AM
To: www.deepgroove1.com
Subject: Re: ETA on the trunion table?

[Quoted text hidden]
Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com> Tue, Aug 29, 2017 at 10:44 PM
To: "www.deepgroove1.com" <awdeo@optonline.net>
Ping?
[Quoted text hidden]
Deepgroove1.com (chas) <awdeo@optonline.net> Wed, Aug 30, 2017 at 8:07 AM
To: Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com>
 
I think your trunion was shipped last month
 
I just got back from being away a month
 
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2017 1:44 AM
[Quoted text hidden]
 
[Quoted text hidden]
Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com> Tue, Sep 19, 2017 at 7:57 PM
To: "Deepgroove1.com (chas)" <awdeo@optonline.net>
Hey, just wondering when the trunnion and rotary will be shipping.

Thanks, have a good one!
[Quoted text hidden]
Chas <awdeo@optonline.net> Wed, Sep 20, 2017 at 9:54 AM
To: Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com>
The trunion was suppose to be shipped by hightechsystems
 
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2017 10:57 PM
[Quoted text hidden]
 
[Quoted text hidden]
Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com> Wed, Sep 20, 2017 at 9:55 AM
To: Chas <awdeo@optonline.net>
Were they shipping it here, or to you?

Do you have some tracking info? I'd like to wrap up our transaction, it's been a while.
[Quoted text hidden]
Chas <awdeo@optonline.net> Wed, Sep 20, 2017 at 10:22 AM
To: Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com>
The trunion was supposed to be shipped via priority mail
The rotary table via ups
 
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2017 12:55 PM
To: Chas
[Quoted text hidden]
 
[Quoted text hidden]
Chas <awdeo@optonline.net> Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 8:22 AM
To: Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com>
Derek at hightechsystems LLC said he shipped a trunion kit
I shipped a rotary table via ups
 
My main computer is at dell so I can’t bring up my tracking info
 
Derek is away
 
Chas 
 
 
 
 
Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com> Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 9:30 AM
To: "www.deepgroove1.com" <awdeo@optonline.net>
Ok, thanks for the update. 
[Quoted text hidden]
Deepgroove1.com (chas) <awdeo@optonline.net> Wed, Oct 11, 2017 at 4:30 PM
To: Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com>
Derek still on the road
 
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2017 1:44 AM
[Quoted text hidden]
 
[Quoted text hidden]
Chas <awdeo@optonline.net> Tue, Oct 17, 2017 at 1:00 PM
To: Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com>
he is sending you another trunion
9405xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx736
 
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2017 12:30 PM
Subject: Re: ETA on the trunion table?
 
[Quoted text hidden]
Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com> Wed, Feb 14, 2018 at 8:42 PM
To: Chas <awdeo@optonline.net>
So - I take it I'm not actually going to ever see a rotary table and trunnion? I only ever received the end support for the far side of the trunnion.

Seriously, what gives over there?
[Quoted text hidden]
deepgroove1.com <awdeo@optonline.net> Wed, Feb 14, 2018 at 10:16 PM
To: Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com>
I shipped the rotary table to you via ups
 
YOU NEED TO CONTACT HIGHYECHSYSTEMS LLC 

I AM DONE here
 
Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2018 11:42 PM
To: Chas
Subject: Re: ETA on the trunion table?
 
So - I take it I'm not actually going to ever see a rotary table and trunnion? I only ever received the end support for the far side of the trunnion.
 
Seriously, what gives over there?
 
On Tue, Oct 17, 2017 at 1:00 PM, Chas <awdeo@optonline.net> wrote:
he is sending you another trunion
9405XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX736
 
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2017 12:30 PM
Subject: Re: ETA on the trunion table?
 
Ok, thanks for the update.
 
On Sep 26, 2017 8:22 AM, "Chas" <awdeo@optonline.net> wrote:
Derek at hightechsystems LLC said he shipped a trunion kit
I shipped a rotary table via ups
 
My main computer is at dell so I can’t bring up my tracking info
 
Derek is away
 
Chas 
 
 
 
 
 
Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com> Mon, Mar 5, 2018 at 9:26 PM
To: "deepgroove1.com" <awdeo@optonline.net>
In May 2017, I gave you $630 for this:

Since then, I have received a motor and this:

https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction.action?tLabels=9405xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx736

You said you sent the rotary table via UPS. I never got a rotary table, a tracking code for a rotary table, or fixture plate.

I don't know or care which parts come from who; dealing with your suppliers is your responsibility. I didn't give Derek $630; I gave you $630.  I've been ridiculously patient, but I'm not about to let this slide.

You are not done until I receive all of my merchandise or a refund.
[Quoted text hidden]
deepgroove1.com <awdeo@optonline.net> Mon, Mar 5, 2018 at 9:33 PM
To: Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com>
I will email derek
 
I can not go back that far for tracking numbers
 
Sent: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 12:26 AM
[Quoted text hidden]
 
[Quoted text hidden]
Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com> Sun, Mar 25, 2018 at 11:05 AM
To: "deepgroove1.com" <awdeo@optonline.net>
Hi Chas, I've received the trunnion from Derek.

I'll give you the benefit of doubt, that you've sent the rotary table; if you can do the same when I say I haven't received it.

I think we'd both like to wrap this up, so do you have any ideas for how we can track it down?

Jeff
[Quoted text hidden]
deepgroove1.com <awdeo@optonline.net> Sun, Mar 25, 2018 at 5:14 PM
To: Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com>
I am sorry I had researched the tracking number several months ago and it is no longer active
 
I honestly think there is an major issue,
 
Derek resent the trunion several times and it was lost
 
Sorry
 
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2018 2:05 PM
[Quoted text hidden]
 
[Quoted text hidden]
deepgroove1.com <awdeo@optonline.net> Sun, Mar 25, 2018 at 5:18 PM
To: Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com>
I am not responsible for your stolen packages
 
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2018 2:05 PM
[Quoted text hidden]
 
[Quoted text hidden]
Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com> Sun, Mar 25, 2018 at 5:32 PM
To: "deepgroove1.com" <awdeo@optonline.net>
Now that I have the trunnion table, I'm not going to worry about the tracking information for the other shipments you say were lost. It would be interesting to see what USPS has to say about those tracking numbers.

Since I have no rotary table, I need the tracking number, even if it's inactive online. I will do the research with USPS, and if there was indeed a shipment from you to me, with the expected weight, around the expected time - that pretty unambiguously put you in the clear.

Without a tracking number, even an expired one, I have no proof anything was ever sent.
[Quoted text hidden]
Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com> Mon, Apr 9, 2018 at 2:17 PM
To: "deepgroove1.com" <awdeo@optonline.net>
Here's where I'm at today, as I write up the history of how we got here, for the public to read. All of our emails will be published on my website.

On 5/24/2017 I paid you $630 for this:

After a year of pulling teeth, I have this:


The only tracking information I received was for:

 - The original shipment containing the mill and other accessories in two boxes, including the pictured extra stepper.

 - A small flat-rate mailer from High Tech Systems containing the table-idler support and pictured bags.

The trunnion table itself was delivered un-announced on Mar 25th, 2018 from High Tech Systems, with no tracking information sent to me prior.

No rotary axis has been delivered. No additional tracking information has been provided. If you're being truthful, I bet this could have all been avoided by you sending tracking info when you mail a package. Especially one that's late.

I live on acreage, on a well-to-do island, work from home, have motion sensors, cameras, and see most of the delivery guys every day... so your stolen package theory is laughably implausible.

I think it will be clear to anyone reading our exchange that I've been patient to a fault. I should have immediately requested a refund of the undelivered accessory and/or reported your failure to deliver to PayPal.

I've been occupied and I just got the mill running, which is why I haven't been calling you every day for the past year about delivery.

So I'm out a rotary axis, I might file a claim to recover the money from you, I'm not sure. But I will be publishing our entire email history, and sharing it with my audience.

I won't lie about your kit.  Everything else in that regard seems fine. But you have completely fucked up the delivery of this one accessory, with the worst customer service experience in my 35 years on this planet.

Should anyone reading this still choose to purchase from you, I will be satisfied knowing you're on a short leash.

There is no 'unfucking' this. This exchange will be online forever.

I'll update the story if/when you deliver a rotary axis or I recover the the money via claim.

Send it, insure it, require a signature, and send me the tracking info this time, for fuck's sake.



[Quoted text hidden]

Additional Actions

Taig lists deepgroove1 as a distributor on their website, so I emailed them as well. As far as I'm concerned, this is also a "get fucked" response.
Distributor report - Deepgroove1.com
3 messages
Jeff Rodriguez <jeff@jeffrodriguez.com> Sat, Apr 14, 2018 at 9:12 AM
To: sales@taigtools.com
Hello,

I purchased a Taig 2019 CNC conversion from deepgroove1.com (Chas/Paul Henrik) last May, and he's failed to deliver the rotary table I paid for. I'm bringing this up to you because DG1 is listed as a distributor on your site, and he's stiffed me on a $400 accessory.

The full email exchange is posted here (I'll be adding this email to that page):

I don't know if other buyers have reported anything similar. My understanding is that DG1 has been around a while and sells a lot of your mills... the only complains I've seen online is that he occasionally plays fast and loose with accessory inventory.

Curious to hear your position on it, or at least make you aware of one customer's experience with your distributor.

Thanks!

Jeff Rodriguez
taigtools@aol.com <taigtools@aol.com> Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 10:22 AM
To: jeff@jeffrodriguez.com
Hi Jeff,

I am sorry to hear about all the trouble you have had.  Deepgroove buys CNC ready machines from us and then converts them to CNC and sells them.  I can try and contact him and see what has happened. The only contact we have with Deepgroove is when they purchase our machines.
When I find out what is going on I will contact you.

Thanks,
Craig
TAIG Tools
480-895-6978
480-895-9648   fax
[Quoted text hidden]
taigtools@aol.com <taigtools@aol.com> Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 11:00 AM
To: jeff@jeffrodriguez.com
Hi,

We have never had any complaints from customers about Deep Groove.  He is a good distributor and sells only our 2019CR mill.  The other accessories he sends to his customers come directly from him.  We have no knowledge of what he sends his customers.  He only purchases the mill from us.  Sorry about the mix up on your accessories from him.  Please contact Deep Groove about them.

In a message dated 4/14/2018 9:13:17 AM US Mountain Standard Time, jeff@jeffrodriguez.com writes:

[Quoted text hidden]

In October I gave up and bought the Sherline rotary table, which still needs to be adapted to fit the Taig:


Let this strengthen the case that I did not receive what I paid for and DG1 is a liar.

BEWARE: Taig's distributor page has vendors who might stiff you. And that's your problem, according to Taig.

Listing from Taig's distributor page
Deep Groove CNC
74 Calumet Ave 
Oakland, NJ 07436 
awdeo@optonline.net
www.deepgroove1.com
(Bergen County, NJ)

ebay page

The only only negative review in the past year is related to failure to ship back-ordered parts.

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