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Item being reviewed: Round disc cutter
What's this all about anyway? This has 14 holes from 1/8" to 1",
punches to fit each hole, and an equal number of metal centering guides.
A tube of hard wax lubricant, small rubber base pad, and a storage tray were included
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Manufacturer: Generic/unknown
This is the same model offered by every manufacturer who has a similar
product. Some may be better than others since they need lots of finish work
to perform well.
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Retail price: $130 and up
This is the least expensive price I could find.
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Appearance: 7
Simply, how does it look. It is somewhat subjective but clean lines,
professional appearance, etc.
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Packaging: 6
Is it thrown into a box or packed like a new smartphone.
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Initial set-up time: Minutes
After removing contents from box, how long before the first use.
Theoretically, it could be as simple as removing the packaging. It nearly is. You
have to go through the same procedure to use it however you can cover it when not in use
for quick access so it's always ready.
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"Plug and play": Hammer or press required
Is everything included or do you need to purchase additional
equipment, supplies, or parts.
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Additional costs or equipment: Minimal
Not included with the purchase, what else will lighten your wallet
This requires a hammer but if you're looking for one of these, you'll likely have
several hammers.
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Set-up time for each use: Minutes
From being stored properly and completely, is it grab-and-go or
much more involved. This takes no time except removing the packaging
and wiping it down.
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Storage provisions: 7
Factory provisions to store equipment when not in use. This is better than
average but there is no place for the centering guides.
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Storage time: Minutes
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
Whatever comes into contact with the oils and waxes (jewelry parts) would have to be cleaned
anyway so keep the tool safe.
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Ongoing costs: Minimal
Replacement parts from wear-and-tear, expendables, supplies, etc.
This item will need, or should need, very little. The wax seems very robust and shows
few battle marks after several hunded applications.
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Maintenance: Low
What is expected to keep the tool working properly: periodic
maintenance, lubing, etc.
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Usability: Easy
Is it a pain in the ass or complicated to use.
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Functionality: Up to excellent
How well does it do its job. Some of these failed the first cut.
And second, third, etc. I spent many hours filing and polishing the punches.
They are doing much better.
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Robustness: 8
Durability, how well-constructed or flimsy it is
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Value: up to 9
Based on the price-vs-performance-vs-function, is it worth it.
What a time-saver, never mind how consistent it is once dialed in.
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Adjustability: Yes
Can it be easily modified to accommodate different situations.
These have a set screw to adjust the distance between the plates. This is
critical to achieving the best possible cut.
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Meeting expectations: Yes, after fixing
Does it work as well as others say or the manufacturer claims.
The first unit was defective so they sent a second, which was good enough to work with.
It took considerable sanding and filing to machine the punches.
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Innovation: None
The ingenuity of the design or concept. There is nothing
special about disc cutters.
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Results: 8
This may or may not replace a manual method or previous way of doing
something. In any case, what is the quality of the finished product or process.
Anything below 6 - realistically, an 8 - is not jewelry quality.
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Timeliness: Quick
How do the results compare to the amount of time it took.
If it replaces a manual method, what are the differences. It's sooo much faster than
cutting with shears!
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Skill level: Minimal
What mechanical aptitude or skills does one need to set it up and use
it. This item is a basic version of put the peg through the hole and smash it with a hammer.
While not as dangerous as running with scissors, tools can strike back when you least expect it.
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Documentation: None
Does it have detailed instructions, whether written (which it should
no matter what) or on-line. This had nothing but there are countless videos online.
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Customer service: Very good
How quickly they respond, can you speak with someone on the phone,
are their answers satisfactory. The first unit was defective so they sent a second
and said to keep the first! Quick, no hassles, this seller was great.
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Comparative: Yes
If other machines or tools are available within the general price
range that do the same thing, how does this compare. This is the same wherever you buy
it.
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Recommendation: 8
My personal assessment of the device - basically, would I buy it
again knowing what I learned about it? Yes, but it may need tidying up
with files and sandpaper for best performance.
Basically, one company makes them and everyone else resells or rebrands them.