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Tool Review: Ringinator

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Category: Tool Review

I am a demanding user who values quality items that are backed with good customer service. I make my own tools so I have a different perspective than the average consumer. Designs are called out for what they are whether good, bad, or indifferent. Trademarks and copyrights are the intellectual property of their respective owners and used herein for reference, educational, and informational purposes.

SUMMARY - How disappointing. In one sentence, here is the good thing about it: It is major letdown. Once you get over that hurdle, cut away.

The first eight or ten times I used this I've had to either replace, change, or modify something. It continues years later, as if the company was trying to frustrate their buyers. Could I have made my own by now?

The design isn't forward-thinking and the company has shown few signs of improving it. With all the modifications, I have cut some quality rings...finally.

FINAL RATINGS (0=bad to 10=good, YES/NO, N/A, or text; hover over topic for specific information)

Item being reviewed: Ringinator ▼
Q: What's this all about anyway?

A: This cuts wire coils into jump rings.
Manufacturer: MTL Studios, Inc. ▼
Who makes this and what is their history?

A: This appears to be the only product they make.
Retail price: $750 ▼
What is the manufacturer's suggested retail price? Supplied by the manufacturer, discounts are unlikely to be found.
Appearance: 7 ▼
Q: Simply, how does it look? While subjective, does it have clean lines, professional appearance, etc.?

A: It looks pretty good when set up. Some cheesiness but OK overall.
Packaging: 5 ▼
Q: Is it thrown into a box or packed like a new smartphone?

A: Average packaging gets it to its destination safely.
Initial set-up time: 2 ▼
Q: After removing contents from box, how long before it can be used?

A: Expect to spend up to several hours or days before it can be used. I've had mine for a while, about 30 hours of modifications and counting.
"Plug and play": No ▼
Q: Is everything included or do you need to purchase additional equipment, supplies, or parts?

A: Nothing right away but blades won't be too far away.
Additional costs or equipment: 4 ▼
Q: Not included with the purchase, what else is required and how much does it cost?

A: This requires a drill, cutting fluid, attachment parts (zip ties, hose clamps, or something similar), and some extra cutting blades. It's another $100-$200.
Set-up time for each use: Varies ▼
Q: From being stored properly and completely, is it grab-and-go or much more involved?

A: This takes about 10-15 minutes if stored dry, definitely much less if kept at the ready.
Storage provisions: None ▼
Q: What or how is the equipment stored when not in use as provided by the manufacturer?

A: You're on your own here. I found a large plastic tote and stored all parts and supplies in here.
Storage time: Varies ▼
Q: How long soea it take to store it safely and completely, cleaned and lubed, liquids drained, etc.?

A: Teardown takes a little longer than setting it up.
Ongoing costs: 6 ▼
Q: What is the cost of using the equipment: replacement parts from wear-and-tear, expendables, supplies, etc.?

A: This item will need blades and cutting fluid. New blades are $15-$20, cutting fluid can be bought in bulk and diluted for minimal cost.
Maintenance: 7 ▼
Q: What is expected to keep the tool working properly: periodic maintenance, lubing, etc.?

A: Lots of adjustements, though easy, are necessary for each size and material.
Usability: 8 ▼
Q: Is it complicated to use?

A: Once it gets going, it is relatively easy.
Functionality: 4 ▼
Q: How well does it do its job?

A: This had many problems so this rating only applied after fixing numerous issues.
Robustness: 4 ▼
Q: How well-constructed or flimsy is it?

A: The general construction does not give me faith.
Value: 3 ▼
Q: Based on price, performance, and function, is it worth it?

A: Definitely not the best value for the money. A few modifications that the manufacturer should add it would be exceptional.
Adjustability: 1 ▼
Q: Can it be easily modified to accommodate different situations?

A: For the manufacturer to spend so much time designing it without "real" adjustability is a big problem.
Meeting expectations: 3 ▼
Q: Does it work as well as others say or the manufacturer claims?

A: I understand why some like this machine. It's not the best but it works to a degree. The modifications I made were kinder to the coils, aligned smaller wires better, and stabilized the machine.
Innovation: 8 ▼
Q: How ingenious or clever is the design or concept?

A: This is, at least in concept, briliant. Not so great in execution, but brilliant nonetheless.
Results: 4 ▼
Q: What is the quality of the finished product or process? Anything below 6 - realistically, an 8 - is not decent quality.

A: This rating is as it comes out of the box. After significant modifications, I think it approaches a 7.
Timeliness: 8 ▼
Q: How do the results compare to the amount of time it took?

A: This fiend pumps out rings at a prodigious rate.
Skill level: At least 5 ▼
Q: What mechanical aptitudes or skills does one need to use it?

A: This item can be a cluster&%$#@. It depends on the drill as the wrong size drill will be a big problem.
Documentation: 7 ▼
Q: Does it have detailed instructions, whether written (which it should no matter what) or on-line?

A: There is enough to get everything done.
Customer service: -3 (yes, NEGATIVE 3) ▼
Q: How quickly do they respond, can you speak with someone on the phone, are their answers satisfactory?

A: I needed assistance even before I bought one and was left hanging repeatedly.
Comparative: 5 ▼
Q: How does this compare to similar machines within its price range?

A: There's not much to compare so it is an average rating.
Recommendation: 1 ▼
Q: My personal assessment of the device - basically, would I buy it knowing what I learned about it?

A: I would not buy the whole machine again. At best, buy the junior kit or make your own.

Final thoughts: Lots of thought went into the original design but key elements like adjustability are missing. With a few simple manufacturing changes this would have been awesome! The time wasted getting it to work properly (based on the inflated, fake, or otherwise misleading reviews) was criminal.

No one I know who owns one has spoken highly of the equipment or the customer service including people who have had custom commercial versions made for them. In time I will completely rework it leaving little more than a shell. It is barely what I would consider a prototype.

Posted by M: September 19, 2019

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