I recently had a warranty repair on a KBAC drive. Here is my experience.
Filled out service request on website -- no response.
Called and left a message. They responded quickly and verified through the serial number that the drive was less then a year old and was under warranty. They provided return shipping info and said they would replace burned out parts for about $15, but if the board had scorch marks it would be $90. I would have to pay shipping both ways.
I ordered a brand new drive because I didn't want the down time and I hope to build another grinder this year.
Sent my drive in ($38 shipping). They emailed a week later to say it needed a new board. I was expecting that. They said the return shipping would be about $50, plus $90 for repair. I authorized the repair and a few weeks later the drive was delivered -COD.
Total price -- nearly $200 and about 6 weeks.
So what caused the problem. I had the drive mounted horizontally and allowed water to pool on the surface. I believe water entered through a poorly sealed switch -- it had a rubber gasket, but not a booty. The condensation dripped on the board right on the output to the motor. Popped the breaker and fried the output MOV on the board.
If I would have mounted the drive vertically or spent $20 on their switch I wouldn't be out $200.
Photos showing the condensation on inside lid and charred board. I probably could have repaired the board, but I couldn't read the part number and I want to make knives.
https://flic.kr/p/2kTSozD
https://flic.kr/p/2kTS2kL
Filled out service request on website -- no response.
Called and left a message. They responded quickly and verified through the serial number that the drive was less then a year old and was under warranty. They provided return shipping info and said they would replace burned out parts for about $15, but if the board had scorch marks it would be $90. I would have to pay shipping both ways.
I ordered a brand new drive because I didn't want the down time and I hope to build another grinder this year.
Sent my drive in ($38 shipping). They emailed a week later to say it needed a new board. I was expecting that. They said the return shipping would be about $50, plus $90 for repair. I authorized the repair and a few weeks later the drive was delivered -COD.
Total price -- nearly $200 and about 6 weeks.
So what caused the problem. I had the drive mounted horizontally and allowed water to pool on the surface. I believe water entered through a poorly sealed switch -- it had a rubber gasket, but not a booty. The condensation dripped on the board right on the output to the motor. Popped the breaker and fried the output MOV on the board.
If I would have mounted the drive vertically or spent $20 on their switch I wouldn't be out $200.
Photos showing the condensation on inside lid and charred board. I probably could have repaired the board, but I couldn't read the part number and I want to make knives.
https://flic.kr/p/2kTSozD
https://flic.kr/p/2kTS2kL
