I noticed this today. I was giving the OBS a quick cleaning to make it look almost sanitary prior to doing a small port loin. Then I saw the crack. I know it won't hurt smoking performance but it is kinda unsettling. The OBS isn't even two months old yet. Has anyone else seen anything like this? Pic below.
(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx21/ArnieMauer/CrackedOBS.jpg)
Here's a link to the FAQ's about it Arnie.
http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showpost.php?p=769&postcount=12
This is common. the fix for it in the link Hawkeye posted will solve it. But give brian a call on monday. That is should be still under warranty. He'll fix you up.
Thanks for the link Hawkeye and your reply CQ.
From the link:
One member believes that this is a design error, and the crack happens due to the stress cause by the weight of meat loaded in the cabinet.
About the most meat I've had in there was a 9 bound turkey breast on one shelf and a 9 pound brisket on two shelves. If I add the two bricks, that's probably about 16 pounds total. I would have hoped the cabinet could handle that kind of weight.
And, yeah, I'll give Brian a call on Monday.
Thanks for your help guys.
Yeah, I don't think it's the load as I put 30 lbs of salmon in mine often and it has not crack yet. But I am going to put the other feet on to help keep anything from running out into the temp controller. From others who have had the problem they have recieved a new part from "Bradley" with just a call, But get those rear legs and mod yours like the link.
You are still under warranty, so call Bradley Tech support.
Since I've done the modification I have not had any problems with the face plate.
Arnie, Happened to mine a couple of weeks ago. Contacted Bradley, and they sent a new face plate out with the switch. You'll need your serial number when you call.
I haven't installed it yet, as I am going to do the mod first so it doesn't happen again.
Thanks habs. I'll be calling tomorrow. If this seems to be a known problem, why can't we (I) get a 'fix' kit instead of just a replacement panel? I'll chat with Brian tomorrow.
Quote from: ArnieM on October 25, 2009, 10:16:05 AM
From the link:
One member believes that this is a design error, and the crack happens due to the stress cause by the weight of meat loaded in the cabinet.
Not all the time - Mine was cracked when i pulled it out of the box - my brothers was the same way.
Thanks for the info JGW. One would think, if it's a pretty well known problem, Bradley would come up with a proper fix rather than a DIY fix from savvy members. If this was happening to my electric range, I'd be getting pretty annoyed.
Apparantely the fix is to get a set of back feet and install them on the front. Not the best design.
Thanks Dr. E. I'll be speaking with Brian tomorrow.
I think I'm going to use a piece of wood across the front (behind the plastic feet)....getting ready to build a "home" for my OBS, so I'll incorporate the "fix" into the design.
Quick follow up. I spoke with Brian today. He had a U.S. dealer call me. The dealer is supposed to be shipping out a replacement panel and a couple of back feet so I can mod it. Looks like good service. Gee, too bad service people can't come out to the house. ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: ArnieM on October 26, 2009, 05:02:11 PM
Quick follow up. I spoke with Brian today. He had a U.S. dealer call me. The dealer is supposed to be shipping out a replacement panel and a couple of back feet so I can mod it. Looks like good service. Gee, too bad service people can't come out to the house. ;D ;D ;D
I think I'll call him as well... Mine cracked a few weeks ago. Didn't notice it until I was wiping up some drips.
Does this only happen on the OBS or do I need to modify my feet before it happens to mine??? DBS 6rk.
Quote from: LindaCC on October 26, 2009, 05:15:29 PM
Does this only happen on the OBS or do I need to modify my feet before it happens to mine??? DBS 6rk.
OBS only Linda. The DBS doesn't have that faceplate so you are good to go.
Not that it would have mattered while I was smoking up some Sheekin Rolls earlier today, this is very good info. I fired up the table saw while smoke was pouring out of the OBS to rip a piece of wood to prevent any possible cracks just the same. Oh by the way, I can't wait to have leftovers for lunch tomorrow ;D .....
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b212/outdoorsfellar/IMG00014-20091026-2038.jpg)
This is my best info from Brian.
Yes, it can happen with the OBS and they're looking at it (don't quote me). He doesn't believe it's caused by a load of good stuff in there. It can happen if you carry your OBS around and put it down front first. You can see from my original post that the crack runs up by a small Phillips head screw. Brian suggested drilling the hole for the screw out "just a bit" and then don't screw it down too tightly. He said the "fix" seemed to work for some but not others.
That's about all I can tell you. I had to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Now I duck. ;D
Quote from: ArnieM on October 26, 2009, 06:06:56 PM
It can happen if you carry your OBS around and put it down front first.
Guilty as charged. :( I manhandled that thing in and out of my little 'smoker shed' many times getting everything lined up and tucked away..
Quote from: squirtthecat on October 26, 2009, 06:25:55 PM
Quote from: ArnieM on October 26, 2009, 06:06:56 PM
It can happen if you carry your OBS around and put it down front first.
Guilty as charged. :( I manhandled that thing in and out of my little 'smoker shed' many times getting everything lined up and tucked away..
Squirt - give Brian a call. Mention my name and that with $5 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks. ;D You have to realize that this is not only plastic, but plastic made in China. But, so far, Bradley customer service is great.
We got a new Electrolux French door, bottom freezer fridge in July ($3500 worth). We had a problem and called for service. The service guy came out and said "Wow, I've never seen one of these before." Oh $hit.
Quote from: ArnieM on October 26, 2009, 06:38:41 PM
Quote from: squirtthecat on October 26, 2009, 06:25:55 PM
Quote from: ArnieM on October 26, 2009, 06:06:56 PM
It can happen if you carry your OBS around and put it down front first.
Guilty as charged. :( I manhandled that thing in and out of my little 'smoker shed' many times getting everything lined up and tucked away..
Squirt - give Brian a call. Mention my name and that with $5 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks. ;D You have to realize that this is not only plastic, but plastic made in China. But, so far, Bradley customer service is great.
We got a new Electrolux French door, bottom freezer fridge in July ($3500 worth). We had a problem and called for service. The service guy came out and said "Wow, I've never seen one of these before." Oh $hit.
Just an idea for any one that moves their smoker a lot. I bought a cheap 2 wheel dolly for mine. Every time I use the Bradley it needs to be moved and it makes life a lot easier and might help prevent the cracks from happening while moving.
Quote from: squirtthecat on October 26, 2009, 05:10:52 PM
Quote from: ArnieM on October 26, 2009, 05:02:11 PM
Quick follow up. I spoke with Brian today. He had a U.S. dealer call me. The dealer is supposed to be shipping out a replacement panel and a couple of back feet so I can mod it. Looks like good service. Gee, too bad service people can't come out to the house. ;D ;D ;D
I think I'll call him as well... Mine cracked a few weeks ago. Didn't notice it until I was wiping up some drips.
I go to a wedding over the weekend and come back and find Arnie and squirt tearing up their smokers. Geez
Glad Brian is fixing you guys up.
Quote from: HawkeyeSmokes on October 26, 2009, 06:53:48 PM
Just an idea for any one that moves their smoker a lot. I bought a cheap 2 wheel dolly for mine. Every time I use the Bradley it needs to be moved and it makes life a lot easier and might help prevent the cracks from happening while moving.
I only move mine around on my 16x16 foot deck with a patio table in the middle - not much maneuvering room. I treat it gently and pet it a lot. IMHO, either the design or material is flawed but Bradley is looking into it.
Quote from: ArnieM on October 26, 2009, 06:38:41 PM
But, so far, Bradley customer service is great.
X2
Thanks to the fine folks at Bradley.
If the crack happens occasionally when you lift the smoker up and place it done front feet first; for me that would indicate stress from weight or uneven load. Mine was on a chart I purchased from Sam's, it wasn't moved or lifted off the cart when the crack happened. What ever is causing it, I hope Bradley figures it out.
An (almost) final note. Summarizing, I spoke with Brian around noon Monday, his time. He had a U.S dealer call me a couple of hours later. They took the requisite shipping and S/N info. The replacement parts showed up today (Thursday). The parts included two rear feet so I could do the mod mentioned here http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showpost.php?p=769&postcount=12 if I wanted to. Short of having a service person show up, I'd say that's darn good service!
The note is almost final because I still have to figure out how to take the OBS apart and replace the part. :)
Quote from: ArnieM on October 29, 2009, 04:36:10 PM
An (almost) final note. Summarizing, I spoke with Brian around noon Monday, his time. He had a U.S dealer call me a couple of hours later. They took the requisite shipping and S/N info. The replacement parts showed up today (Thursday). The parts included two rear feet so I could do the mod mentioned here http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showpost.php?p=769&postcount=12 if I wanted to. Short of having a service person show up, I'd say that's darn good service!
The note is almost final because I still have to figure out how to take the OBS apart and replace the part. :)
Take some photos... Because I'll be doing the same thing soon! (once it ever stops raining, so I can go out and get the serial # off of my OBS)
Quote from: ArnieM on October 29, 2009, 04:36:10 PM
An (almost) final note. Summarizing, I spoke with Brian around noon Monday, his time. He had a U.S dealer call me a couple of hours later. They took the requisite shipping and S/N info. The replacement parts showed up today (Thursday). The parts included two rear feet so I could do the mod mentioned here http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showpost.php?p=769&postcount=12 if I wanted to. Short of having a service person show up, I'd say that's darn good service!
The note is almost final because I still have to figure out how to take the OBS apart and replace the part. :)
Arnie, I bet if you asked real nice there are some very capable women on this forum that could walk you through it! ;D You will need to supply your own screwdriver.
Sorry to ask but i have to ??? i just ordered a new face plate and rear feet OK but do i have to order a switch with it? Can i remove the old face plate without any problem i mean is there any wire to disconnect or something? THX Frank
If you just ordered the face plate, you will need to use the indicator light, and the temperature controller from the old face plate and install them on the new one. Wiring is as simple as unplugging and plugging.
The first photo in the following link shows the wiring (note the wiring).
Face Plate (http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?t=578)
The controller is attached with 4 screws, which you will need a small Phillips screw driver. Detaching the wires will make uninstalling and installing that part easier. Also don't forget to remove the knob before you detach the controller board. The pilot light is easily removed by unplugging the wires and pushing it out from back to front.
Good to know, 'cause I just went out and checked and my OBS has a crack running down from all of the faceplate screws, not just the one. Also, the plastic molding along the base of the door (probably just cosmetic) is cracked in a couple of spots, too. Dunno if this is due to a design flaw or if the UPS dude had a bad day when he delivered it 3 weeks ago. I hadn't checked for cracks until I read this post.
I haven't moved my OBS since I uncrated it and put it on its table, so this has nothing to do with manhandling the unit or anything. I'll give Bradley customer service a holler and try to get replacement parts in before my circuit boards drown in meat fat.
Thanks for reminding me Sarge. The plastic on the bottom of my door is cracked too. When I last spoke with Brian at Bradley, he was going to send me a new door. But he said they were out of stock (hot item?) and it would take about 2 1/2 weeks before they got doors in. That was in October. Guess I'll have to give Brian another call.
Hi Arnie
Quote from: ArnieM on December 19, 2009, 06:26:09 AM
Thanks for reminding me Sarge. The plastic on the bottom of my door is cracked too. When I last spoke with Brian at Bradley, he was going to send me a new door. But he said they were out of stock (hot item?) and it would take about 2 1/2 weeks before they got doors in. That was in October. Guess I'll have to give Brian another call.
Hi Arnie the doors are in stock now please give us a call on Monday and they can arrange to send you a new door.
Thanks
Brian
Thanks Brian. Will do.
Quote from: Bradley (Head Office) on December 19, 2009, 06:54:15 AM
Hi Arnie
Quote from: ArnieM on December 19, 2009, 06:26:09 AM
Thanks for reminding me Sarge. The plastic on the bottom of my door is cracked too. When I last spoke with Brian at Bradley, he was going to send me a new door. But he said they were out of stock (hot item?) and it would take about 2 1/2 weeks before they got doors in. That was in October. Guess I'll have to give Brian another call.
Hi Arnie the doors are in stock now please give us a call on Monday and they can arrange to send you a new door.
Thanks
Brian
Brian,
I will be contacting you shortly as well concerning replacement of the faceplate. However, I don't need an entire new door nor am I interested in causing your company to incur the additional cost when all I need is the plastic molding that caps the bottom edge of the door. Is there any way you can simply ship the molding strip without replacing the otherwise perfectly good door? If not, I'm not going to bother because the cracked molding in no way impedes the function of the smoker.
I am far too pleased with your product to unnecessarily cut into your profits by asking you to replace an item that is perfectly functional, just for cosmetic reasons.
Sarge,
Talk with Brian as you indicated. Nice guy and always willing to help out.
I don't know if the cracked plastic on the bottom of the door is "just cosmetic" or not. If Brian wants to ship you a door, take the door. It certainly can't hurt and he knows more about these things than you or I.
Bradley is a top notch company when it comes to customer service. Listen to Brian. :D
QuoteBrian,
I will be contacting you shortly as well concerning replacement of the faceplate. However, I don't need an entire new door nor am I interested in causing your company to incur the additional cost when all I need is the plastic molding that caps the bottom edge of the door. Is there any way you can simply ship the molding strip without replacing the otherwise perfectly good door? If not, I'm not going to bother because the cracked molding in no way impedes the function of the smoker.
I am far too pleased with your product to unnecessarily cut into your profits by asking you to replace an item that is perfectly functional, just for cosmetic reasons.
Hi Sarge
Looking forward to the call.
We do not have just the bottom plastic moulding on the door it is glued on and would be a real pain in the arse to change anyway
It is not a problem we will send you a new door as well thats what the warranty is for.
Give me a call when you have time, if you cant get a hold of me one of our customer service reps will take care of you
I can some times be a little hard to get a hold of.
Brian