Problem with King Architectual Metals.com

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 14:04:37 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for Problem with King Architectual Metals.com

Well I got this decorative handrail I'm building. The first one iv ever done. Its just a 6ft long simple rail and I wanted a volute at the bottom end and a lambs tongue at the top end. I order kings 1 15/16" forged top rail thats 8ft long with the volute included. I order a separate forged lambs tongue from them in the same size 1 15/16" and type. My plan was to but weld the lambs tongue to the top rail where I needed it and blend. Well, what king sends me for the lambs tongue looks like cast iron.  I call them and tell them I got the wrong part last thrusday. Lady says, she will look into it and call me right back.  Well no call back that afternoon, and no call back on Friday. Yesterday (monday) rolls around and I finally call them back again and ask them whats the deal. Well, the lady says she wants photos emailed to her (Gloria) so she can verify that it is indeed wrong before they will credit/resend a new part. ???!!!  WOW is what I'm thinking, but okay sure I'll take pics and send them over to you in a email, whatever.  I send them yesterday around 12pm. No response from her or anyone the rest of the day (even though I specifically over the phone and in my email ask her to contact me back by phone or email on what is going on/when I'll get my replacement). Can't believe the poor customer service I'm getting by King metals.  I send out another email this morn asking for a status update, and I get a call a couple hrs later by some other lady from King, saying that " YOu got the right part, its forged steel, but we sandblast them after so thats why it looks like it does".       The part looks like a sand mold/cast iron.  Even If their right about it not being cast, and just sandblasted, the customer service SUCKS at King metals. And since the rest of my handrail from them isn't sandblasted/whatever they wana call it, it sure wont blend well when I go to paint without lots of sanding or something. Anyone have this sort of problem with the forged steel 1 15/16" rail pieces from them? rail with volute: http://www.kingmetals.com/Catalog/It...ilId=509&NSM=YThe lambs tongue I ordered: http://www.kingmetals.com/Catalog/It...ilId=509&NSM=YThe lambs tongue I got in the mail (note that it doesn't look anything like the one on their website) ynasty 200DX   (2014)Millermatic 211 (2015)Optrel 864   (2014)Smith Medium duty MBA 30510 (Xmas 2014)Tennsmith 16ga 4ft finger brake (2015)Trailblazer 325 EFI and excel Thermal dynamics Cutmaster 82Miller maxtron 450
Reply:Here are the pics of the handrail I got from them (note the completely different finish)Dynasty 200DX   (2014)Millermatic 211 (2015)Optrel 864   (2014)Smith Medium duty MBA 30510 (Xmas 2014)Tennsmith 16ga 4ft finger brake (2015)Trailblazer 325 EFI and excel Thermal dynamics Cutmaster 82Miller maxtron 450
Reply:Not that it matters, but I kinda like what they sent you better. There is no doubt that it is not cast iron. There are zero molding marks.On the other hand, what you did get looks nothing like what is in the their image.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:I agree, not cast iron.  Looks like they actually sent you a more expensive model than you ordered.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Alright well I'm glad its not cast iron then. Need to start the job. I'm just worried about the finish blending with the other handrail pieces as this whole handrail won't be sandblasted before paint.Dynasty 200DX   (2014)Millermatic 211 (2015)Optrel 864   (2014)Smith Medium duty MBA 30510 (Xmas 2014)Tennsmith 16ga 4ft finger brake (2015)Trailblazer 325 EFI and excel Thermal dynamics Cutmaster 82Miller maxtron 450
Reply:I hate to say it but many US companies today have no idea of what they're actually selling!  They have stuff made in China and have it drop shipped to the customer without actually seeing it or taking possession of it.  The big problem is that the Chinese frequently change the design or the material without the knowledge of the company involved so when a problem arises the company is caught completely by surprise.  That said, once you notify the company and send them proof in the form of pictures, etc; they should correct the problem PDQ!
Reply:I deal with King as little as possible. Usually plates and bracket is what I order.  Seems like they are experiencing rapid growth and high turnover issues.  I have noticed over the last 3 yrs customer service issues. I have been dealing with them 16 yrs.  The thought of purchasing item then having to dress them to make them look correct or fit, makes me ill.  You can make your own lambs tongue and volutes. Makes blending easier, also similar looking cap is not always identical.  I have a thread on this forum making... lambs tongues with a HF bender.  I have been considering adding to that thread.Good luck with the handrail.
Reply:I just built a rail yesterday morning with that same rail cap and lamb's tongue, from King. It appears to be cast steel, it actually welded great with no cracking. The profile of the tongue and cap aren't quite right, I ended up blending about 3-4" on either side of the weld joint.
Reply:Originally Posted by Sharon NeedlesI just built a rail yesterday morning with that same rail cap and lamb's tongue, from King. It appears to be cast steel, it actually welded great with no cracking. The profile of the tongue and cap aren't quite right, I ended up blending about 3-4" on either side of the weld joint.
Reply:I bet it showed up at your door the day after ordering...wish all companies ran as efficiently as King.  Never had to deal with their customer service because they have always been on the ball with me.  Their website sucks, but other than that, I have no complaints.Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200Lincoln SP-175 PlusDynabrade 52636Grizzly Lathe + friendsAll in a barn too far awayCertifiably uncertified
Reply:Originally Posted by outdoortwow. What are the chances. Glad it welded good for you. Still ridiculous that its not what is represented online.  Anyone use Customironworks.com?   Or other options for next time? Would love to use a different company next time I need some of this type stuff.
Reply:Originally Posted by brianbelI bet it showed up at your door the day after ordering...wish all companies ran as efficiently as King.  Never had to deal with their customer service because they have always been on the ball with me.  Their website sucks, but other than that, I have no complaints.
Reply:I have had issues several times with King. Picture or decpscription not matching part happens often, they will take it back if you pay shipping, yes they want you to pay shipping to return the wrong parts they send out! I had a large shipment that we unloaded from truck with a forklift, the driver was in a hurry and left quickly. I discovered a shortage of items but because I did not report to driver they would not make good on order. Next order they shipped too many of an item, when I called to tell them the person I was speaking too wanted me to pay for stuff I did not order! I told them I wasn't paying for those items but I was willing to load them for return if they sent a truck. They abandoned parts because shipping was too high...ahhh the shoe was on the other foot. Only time I came out ahead on a King order.PeterEquipment:2  old paws2  eyes (that don't look so good)1  bad back
Reply:Sorry you had a problem with King. I've done business with them for over 30 years and have had almost no problems. Almost with out fail it is one day delivery. If it takes longer, then it had to come from the California or Baltimore ware houses.I've used those pieces many times and have had no problems blending but then, I usually have them powder coated.