Chester Hobby Store Reviews 3

I attended an Open Day yesterday, as I usually do each year. It was very well organised with helpful staff, many machines and accessories on display, free coffee and biscuits, and I was lucky enough to get a free peaked hat. I am impressed with the 85M bandsaw I bought (portable, adjustable angle, 1kW motor). Unfortunately China is having current economic difficulties but that means it is a great time to buy Chinese sourced machines from this supplier, some remarkably a bit cheaper than a year or two ago.

Tried firstly to order a motor for my db7 lathe by telephone on friday 8th November 2024 and told "Just order on line mate" and phone went dead!
proceeded to order on line and read the chester hoby store shipping policy which states "We offer free shipping on all tooling orders over £30 within mainland UK – this includes all items under our Tooling & Accessories category."
came to check out a motor which is found under Tooling and accessories - spare parts -motors. shipping added to order!!!! telephoned Chester hobby store and asked about it and told it does not include motors. Pointed out in that case your shipping policy is wrong and false. The reply was you have to pay the shipping. Ok are you going to reword your shipping policy to reflect your actual policy.Phone went dead Again!
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One star because I can't give less. Four years or so ago I sent my lathe back to them to get a new control box fitted. It came back with bird poo on and the sensor incorrectly fitted. Lately I asked for help wiring the drum switch to the control board, after I replaced the motor controller. I should have known better. Two months later, no calls or quote. I ring periodically to be told I'll 'be called back' but this never happens. Finally, I get through to someone who says 'oh, we lost your number' and said re-wiring the barrel switch will cost £200 - more than the cost of an entire control box! I told them they could keep it and will never, ever go anywhere near this company again.