Gyrogami Blog - Precious Metals, Jewelry, Artwork

• 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.

Previous Entry  . . . .  Next Entry

Comment Section

NOTE: Your comments will be included in this section as long as they aren't illegal. This section is censor-free so show me your intelligence or ignorance and everything in between!