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Scarif: New expanded feedback section and other Forum archives => NON FX-Sabers approved entity feedback section => Topic started by: JANGO FETT on May 20, 2009, 05:33:45 AM

Title: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: JANGO FETT on May 20, 2009, 05:33:45 AM
I received my starkiller 3 months ago well past the promised delivery date.
My review
Machine FX Starkilller review HILT only - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjpgk4rblYk#)

3 out of 5

Lots of your peers did not receive their order starkiller lightsaber, do you have yours? (http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=15911.0)
   
tattoosby5 may possibly be MachineFX.
Judge for yourself
starkiller lightsaber, do you have yours? (http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=15911.msg276146#msg276146)
It has been stated on the forums that it is a friend that sells for him.
http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=tattoosby5&&ftab=FeedbackAsSeller&iid=270393270023&sspagename=VIP:feedback:2:us (http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=tattoosby5&&ftab=FeedbackAsSeller&iid=270393270023&sspagename=VIP:feedback:2:us)

Please remember the rules of the Feedback area
Buy & Sell: Feedback Rating 1-5 and Rules! (http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=5735.0)
addenum
**ALL MEMBERS READ! FEEDBACK RULES ADDENDUM!** (http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=10443.0)

Any violation of these rules and your post may be removed, and a "timeout" may be in order.
Keep it clean and factual folks.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Chowser on May 20, 2009, 06:22:45 AM
I received mine 4 months late and it was not what I had ordered.

2/5

Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Luke S. on May 24, 2009, 06:57:23 PM
It should be noted that we have spent several months trying to get a response from Steve of MachineFX regarding the status of outstanding orders of many of our members.

At the time of this post we have many members that have paid money many months ago and have not received the product nor can they get a response from the seller.

Although tattoosby5 has a feedback on Ebay of 100% he is currently selling sabers that he has acknowledged he is selling for Steve of MachineFX.  He has also stated in emails that he is MachineFX.

Please reference the following threads before purchasing.

http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=15911.0

http://threads.rebelscum.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=3661414&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=2&vc=1
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Morbid_Curiosity on May 25, 2009, 12:20:48 AM
Never Received mine...

I Cancelled my Order when I saw decent pics of one.  ::)
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Orakaa on May 25, 2009, 12:31:32 AM
I received mine 4 months late and it was not what I had ordered.

2/5



At least you received yours...
Never received mine, never had any piece of communication, e-mail or whatsoever AFTER I paid (strange that before I paid, he answered any of my questions)

0/5
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Rion Ozryel on May 26, 2009, 01:34:23 AM
I received mine nearly a year after ordering it. It was not what I ordered either. I asked for an empty hilt, LED and sound ready. Got a LUX I Red LED, plastic crystal with the accent LED taped to the inside, it was missing the brass accent rod and the crystal chamber was nothing but a hollow piece of aluminum, not even close to the pictures he posted on Rebel Scum. Unless you want to give this saber some TLC, it was not worth the wait. 2/5
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: OBI-WAN KENOBI on May 26, 2009, 08:58:43 AM
Machined-Defects never sent me what I paid for, and he absolutely never answered a single message or email.  He took my (and many other people's) money and ran.

He has all the hallmarks of an internet thief and fraud. 

And unless proven otherwise with some hard evidence, ebay seller tattoosby5 is in league with this criminal and is therefore a thief and a fraud as well.

0/5

BUYER BEWARE.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: QUI-GON JINN on May 26, 2009, 11:19:57 AM
Unless you have actually had dealings with this seller,  please do not post in the topic.  The feedback forums are not meant to be used for discussions,  but rather to relay your personal experience with the seller in question,  and to leave a feedback rating for your transaction.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: JudgeSabersmith on May 26, 2009, 11:34:02 AM
I bought a Machined_FX Starkiller saber.  I had to wait many months and had to send numerous emails to Steve before I finally received it.  Like others, what I received was not the same as what was pictured on Steve's blog.  I was disappointed, but the time spent trying to get the saber was long enough I was glad to get anything at all.

The saber was ordered LED-ready so I could convert it myself.  The crystal chamber was fitted with a red acrylic crystal wedged in an aluminum ring with a flashlight bulb behind it.  The remaining electronics were a 2AAA battery holder and a Judco SPST switch.  All connections were twisted and electrical taped.  The pommel of the saber was nothing more than a painted sinktube cap - nothing like the machined pommel displayed on the Machined_FX website.  Holes were not drilled properly, parts were glued instead of screwed.  Overall, very sub-par construction.

After dozens of hours reworking the saber, it was successfully converted to LED with sound.  I gave the saber away as a gift, because I felt too embarrassed about the saber's base construction to charge money for it.  My conversion was nice, but it was still a sub-par saber to begin with.

Overall rating - 2/5  1 point for actually receiving a saber when so many others did not, 1 point for it somewhat (loosely) resembling what was pictured on Machined_FX website/blog.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Senti Xamas on May 26, 2009, 02:33:51 PM
After 6 months of waiting for mine it came back in march. Wrong color lux III led, it was busted on top of that, wrong crystal color, and I ordered clean/unweathered, got a weathered one. I was thoroughly disappointed in it. I only give him a whopping 1 of 5 just cause it came.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: morrisart85 on June 21, 2009, 03:40:25 PM
waited, waited, and got nothing. Bad dude. very bad. 0/5
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Darth Doodie on September 15, 2009, 11:00:30 AM
0/5


It's been so long I almost forgot about this... ::)

Yes I ordered a MachinedFX Starkiller back in oh let's see....November of 2008.

The last email I got from Steve was sometime in December 2008.

Never received the saber.  >:(

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi163.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft311%2Fdoodlewop%2Ffailed.jpg&hash=4111a07be5b8a78b5e7d4a5f845b91a7ce1f2c18)

...nuff said :D ::)
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Jaskari on June 14, 2010, 09:51:12 AM
Well, I seen him on eBay a lot. He is doing mostly the Starkiller TFU and TFU II and sells a lot of them. 100% good feedback.
Now, I see that he wrote that Sam Witwer officially has one of his sabers and did a photo in the auction... Do you think it's real?
And if this saber is a 'revised' version of those he was doing... I dunno, it still looks the same.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: OBI-WAN KENOBI on June 14, 2010, 10:09:04 AM
Unless you have actually had dealings with this seller,  please do not post in the topic.  The feedback forums are not meant to be used for discussions,  but rather to relay your personal experience with the seller in question,  and to leave a feedback rating for your transaction.


And btw, even if George Lucas himself has one of his sabers, it still doesn't change the fact that MFX/Tattoos is an internet thief and con artist. 
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: GreyJedi on July 21, 2010, 09:14:53 PM
Interesting feedback. Personally I own around 15 different sabers from tatoosby5 off of ebay and all of them are exacrly as pictured and delivered to my home within a reasonable time.  I even got a discount from him having purchased so much of his work. I wonder why you all have had such negative experiences?
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: DARTH MAUL on July 21, 2010, 09:30:37 PM
Interesting feedback. Personally I own around 15 different sabers from tatoosby5 off of ebay and all of them are exacrly as pictured and delivered to my home within a reasonable time.  I even got a discount from him having purchased so much of his work. I wonder why you all have had such negative experiences?

Probably the fact that he didn't deliver sabers that were paid to many people and started selling them on ebay instead. No matter what I hear after that could never convince me to purchase from a crook.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: OBI-WAN KENOBI on July 21, 2010, 09:33:53 PM
I wonder why you all have had such negative experiences?

Because none of the thefts (at least the later ones) occurred ON eBay.  People were robbed of their money on various forums (such as Rebelscum), as such, it was easier to scam people, take their hard-earned money, and not deliver what was promised.  Machined-Defects actually use to have his own eBay account, but it was shut down years ago due to excessive negative feedback from shafted buyers.  Tattoos is a proxy seller for Machined-Defects (as several feedbacks above have already indicated), since he can no longer sell himself, being an eBay deadbeat and all.  Also, Tattoos is VERY, VERY well-aware of the whole situation, yet continues to sell these sabers anyway.  Furthermore, although there's no concrete evidence of it, there was some talk at one point that they are actually the same person.  Either way, these people are internet thieves and con artists, despite what Tattoos' eBay feedback currently shows (and despite your pleasant experiences).
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Arizae on August 18, 2010, 09:45:15 PM
I'm pretty new to eBay and sabers. Not knowing much I started to bid on one of his (wish I had seen this thread first). After some conversation with him I received this message

"Well, how bout I make it easier on all of us and just sell you one outright through paypal? I will retract the bid on the Zayne. Then you send $149.99 as a gift to Monster_Ink_Tattoos@yahoo.com via paypal and we will get her out to you a.s.a.p. Whast do you think?"

I might still end up with that Zayne saber, but there is no way I was up for this deal. Seemed a bit shifty to me. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I'm glad I found this feedback thread before considering this offer.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: hullbreach on August 18, 2010, 09:57:36 PM
I might still end up with that Zayne saber, but there is no way I was up for this deal. Seemed a bit shifty to me. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I'm glad I found this feedback thread before considering this offer.

So you haven't gone through with this deal yet? If that's the case ... DON'T !!! I say this as someone who's been ripped off by this loser. I'd even suggest you forget buying his wares through any venue, including ebay. His stuff looks nice in pics, but it's of sub-standard quality. Check out our resident sabersmiths. Whatever Steve, aka tattoosby5, aka, machinedFX, aka conceptpropsinc, aka aka aka ... our guys can do better  ;)
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Onli-Won Kanomi on August 18, 2010, 10:32:46 PM
WHOA...he asked you to complete the transaction 'outside' the usual EBay/PayPal system using GIFT??? :o

People here do sometimes use the PayPal 'gift' option for saber or parts 'runs' from reputable 'resident smiths' here because we know each others good reps on the forums and with the Guild/Mining Colony system rules so using the 'personal' and/or 'gift' options with PayPal can help good smiths bring good runs forward since we as multiple buyers can absorb the PayPal costs individually rather than having them all land on the smith where they can quickly add up over large 'runs'. Its part of our 'community spirit' here in this hobby and I feel 'safe' using it with sabersmiths here under the rules of the system here.

But I would STRONGLY suggest you avoid that with sellers on EBay...that any seller actually ASKED you to do that should have big RED ALERT klaxons ringing loudly in your mind and it sounds like maybe it did. "...easier on ALL of us..." for only YOU to give up your buyer protection under PayPal? Ummm riiiiight...it would certainly make 'something' "easier" all right but not something you'd want to happen to you.  >:(

Caveat Emptor and Cave Canem. Protect yourself.

Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: OBI-WAN KENOBI on August 18, 2010, 10:37:36 PM
Hullbreach and Onli-Won are right on target.  Avoid avoid avoid this seller.  In fact, I'm tempted to report him to eBay just for asking you to do that.  ::)  He's not worth the time, though.

You did the right thing by not biting on that so called offer, good for you!
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Chowser on August 19, 2010, 12:25:33 AM
I highly suggest you report him to ebay and send them a copy of the message he sent you asking you to circumvent ebay and paypal fees. that might be enough for them to do something to his account. or at least start a case file.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Arizae on August 19, 2010, 10:26:45 AM
Thanks for all the advice. Definitely won't be giving any of my money to this guy, was just able to get that bid taken away. That is the last time I do business with someone outside of this community. I reported the message to ebay and hopefully they can do something so others don't get taken advantage of.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Answer348 on August 19, 2010, 11:46:56 AM
There are a couple of issues here. First of all, it's relatively common for large forums like FX-Sabers to have buying and selling that involves gift payments to avoid Paypal fees. Frankly, I don't think it's fair or responsible no matter the context and no matter the reputation of the seller, but I have done it a few times because it's simply how certain people operate. That being said, when a seller operates through eBay, they should not ever deviate from that, and you should never agree to purchase something outside of eBay. It would be easy enough for him to create a listing specifically for you to sell you the item.

The other issue involves the history regarding tattoosby5. It sucks that so many people on this forum lost money to MachinedFX, but that happened before my time, so I can't comment on it. I've recently become interested in the Starkiller saber sold by tattoosby5, so I went about contacting about 15-20 recent customers. The overwhelming response among these customers was being impressed and happy with their purchases (this includes Starkiller himself, Sam Witwer). If you're really interested in what he's selling, simply buy it through eBay, which gives you all kinds of protections against fraud.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Onli-Won Kanomi on August 19, 2010, 12:57:20 PM
If folks in a hobby community use those PayPal "personal" tab options sending money for parts runs offered on forums EBay/PayPal still gets paid - it just gets paid fees by each of us individually instead of all landing on the back of the one person offering the run, which seems fair imho. That's quite a different thing from a EBay seller contacting an EBay bidder to offer cancelling the bid and to do a 'outside' transaction which actually does seek to "avoid" paying EBay/PayPal fees imo.

As for the recent satisfied customers I am happy for them. When this seller was just starting out I was one of them and even gave his original Revan saber [the one in the pic on thelightsaber.com] a generally positive review and him good feedback because at that time it was accurate to do so. I have since come to suspect based on others observations that I 'got lucky' buying the first type-example of that model; I give him due credit that he can make a good saber and that the first one of any model which he uses for pics in ALL subsequent sales is like a 'hero' prop but the subsequent production examples may well not be up to the same standard. I am hardly surprised that at least one Starkiller hilt he made for a 'star' like Sam Witwer was one of the 'good ones'...he'd want to make sure that one was eh? But was it typical? On the basis of my own early positive experience with another "good one" I recommended him and later felt almost as if I'd been 'made a liar' when other members here reported being 'ripped off' in the various ways reported herein. "fool me once..." etc etc eh? *cues The Who music* "We don't get fooled AGAIN..."

One thing I'd therefore hasten to point out to any prospective bidder is that the saber YOU receive [if you do] will most likely NOT be the nice-looking one in the EBay pics, unless perhaps it just might happen to be the first of a brand new model. So please take that into consideration.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Plane Crazy on August 19, 2010, 01:08:02 PM

The other issue involves the history regarding tattoosby5. It sucks that so many people on this forum lost money to MachinedFX, but that happened before my time, so I can't comment on it. I've recently become interested in the Starkiller saber sold by tattoosby5, so I went about contacting about 15-20 recent customers. The overwhelming response among these customers was being impressed and happy with their purchases (this includes Starkiller himself, Sam Witwer). If you're really interested in what he's selling, simply buy it through eBay, which gives you all kinds of protections against fraud.

I'm curious about the Sam Witwer part. IIRC that particular saber was one made by Machined Defects, was it not? Or did he buy another from tattoosby5? I seem to recall reading about that On the Rebelscum forum when this all started...
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: JANGO FETT on August 19, 2010, 01:30:17 PM
There are a couple of issues here. First of all, it's relatively common for large forums like FX-Sabers to have buying and selling that involves gift payments to avoid Paypal fees. Frankly, I don't think it's fair or responsible no matter the context and no matter the reputation of the seller, but I have done it a few times because it's simply how certain people operate. That being said, when a seller operates through eBay, they should not ever deviate from that, and you should never agree to purchase something outside of eBay. It would be easy enough for him to create a listing specifically for you to sell you the item.


Actually the unofficial rule of thumb is that it is up to the buyer to determine their level of protection.

Here are the payment terms most use on this site.
Money orders and paypal are preferred methods of payment.

    * Money orders must clear the banking system and authenticity checks before your item is shipped
    * Paypal
          o Personal payment type, payment owed. no fees or buyer protection from paypal.
          o Purchase payment type. You will have buyer protection, but a 4% surcharge will be added to your total.

It's like buying insurance when you ship an item. It's not required to get the item where it's going, but there are safeguards in case it does not get there.

If you want to have paypal buyer protection, due to being new or the seller is inexperienced add the 4%.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Onli-Won Kanomi on August 19, 2010, 01:31:48 PM
These same sabers have been made by one maker and sold under several names over the years. MachinedFX is one name, tattoosby5 was another name used for those same sabers...it is not entirely clear to me if they are all one and the same person or if the actual maker whoever he/she/they may be is using another person(s) as an 'agent'(s) to sell his sabers on EBay. So the one Witwer got is from the same ultimate source as the ones people here have complaints about.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Answer348 on August 19, 2010, 01:43:52 PM
These same sabers have been made by one maker and sold under several names over the years. MachinedFX is one name, tattoosby5 was another name used for those same sabers...it is not entirely clear to me if they are all one and the same person or if the actual maker whoever he/she/they may be is using another person(s) as an 'agent'(s) to sell his sabers on EBay. So the one Witwer got is from the same ultimate source as the ones people here have complaints about.

When I was going through tattoosby5's recent feedback, one of the members I contacted had the eBay name of "switwer". It took me a little time to figure out that switwer was likely Sam Witwer.

Also, I e-mailed tattoosby5 about getting some more pictures of the Starkiller, and it appeared as though he forwarded along pictures from another e-mail. I would wager that he's not the producer, but simply the seller. Also, he tended to use the pronoun "we" a lot, suggesting a partnership of some kind.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: JANGO FETT on August 19, 2010, 02:30:32 PM
In luke's post there is a link to rebel scum, that has Tattosby5 admitting he is MachineFX.

http://threads.rebelscum.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=3661414&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=2&vc=1 (http://threads.rebelscum.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=3661414&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=2&vc=1)

Quote
ateck wrote:
ok i did find it i saved it

Dear ateckimateck,

I am machinedfx...This is the new starkiller that we are making. the old one that was undersold for $140.00 is no longer available. this is the only way you can get one now...period...fighting over it on Ebay and you just shot down you chance to own your own on an outside auction that will never be offered again...Good day.
- tattoosby5

I have copies of this email, if you need further proof.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: CybKnight on August 20, 2010, 11:37:23 AM
Being one of the people that never got his goods, even after serveral promises, I say, stay away from this seller.

No matter if tattoosby is machine-fx, or cooperate with him, the whole operation is dodgy.
Who in his right mind goes into partnership with a thief and/or swindler? Because that is what I believe machine-fx to be.  >:(
No excuse like overbooking or whatever holds water, as he should have simply refunded us, if he felt he could not deliver.
He even seemed to relocate shortly after the rebelscum starkiller affair.

Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Darth Wraith on October 14, 2010, 11:08:14 PM
I ordered a Bane from him, and was elated at the thought of owning a Bane saber, but when I got it, it was Karking SMALL!!!!!  In addition, the activation switch was VERY out of place, and looked very VERY ODD.  Over all, I would advise all here to stay away from this guy.  Not sure if he's just a bad machinist, or if he is trying to scam people on purpose, but I wouldn't chance it.  

I'd say after everything, I'd have to give tattoosby5 1 star out of 5
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Lord Bane on December 02, 2010, 07:40:27 PM
Oh great!!!! I just ordered a Starkiller 2 from him two weeks ago. I hope I get it?!
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: BOBA FETT on December 11, 2010, 09:02:22 AM
I ordered a Tattoosby5 saber (Sharad Hett model) from him last month via Ebay. It arrived today. Very decent craftsmanship and the electronics are OK (only light)
I had to wait for the saber like 1 month to arrive, but I'm very happy with it.

I give the man a 4/5

He was a bit short in his messages via Ebay, but he delivered what was promised in his auction.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Lord Bane on December 11, 2010, 05:49:40 PM
I got my Starkiller 2 today and I have to say that I'm impressed. Nice work, saber looks presentable and the led is nice and bright. He got it to my doorstep in 3 weeks. He's had good communication with me and I would buy from him again.
5/5 Stars :D
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Darth Kevin .T on December 11, 2010, 05:57:48 PM
I bought a Darth Malak saber made from him and man it was so little and small theres no way to fit and sound board in it

plus the whole set up wasnt very good the main switch/button to turn the saber on was in the middle of a fake covertech knob at the very bottom of the hilt so when I try to take the batteries out its a real pain.

I wont be buying any sabers from him again.  :-\
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: harcopolo2 on February 04, 2011, 02:47:27 PM
I received his steampunk 5.0 Locatus saber around new years and I was pretty happy with it, although the build quality is really low ad the materials are very fragile and cheap.  Aslo the paint job is sub par, and the electronics are messy.  but its a cool design, and I am happy enough to just have it as a display piece.

However shortly after I received the steampunk saber (it was a gift), I purchased his sith stalker saber myself.  I waited a month and he still hadn't shipped it or contacted me once.  I sent him many messages and he finally replied when I threatened to go to ebay to get my money back.  he tried to wiggle out of it, but I didn't go along with any of his lies or stalling tactics because I didn't want to to go past the 45 day mark for ebay claims.  Eventually he got caught in his own web of lies and he agreed to refund me.  Although he stalled again and I had to open a claim to get him to refund me.  Long story short, I got my money back, but it was a major headache and incredible exhausting to deal with someone who has a complete lack of moral business standards, and who is a chronic lier.

This guy is crooked, if you are considering purchasing a saber from him, I highly recommend that you don't.  You wont be happy with the build quality and its not worth the hassle of dealing with him.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Darth Wraith on May 03, 2011, 09:34:00 AM
I got my Starkiller 2 today and I have to say that I'm impressed. Nice work, saber looks presentable and the led is nice and bright. He got it to my doorstep in 3 weeks. He's had good communication with me and I would buy from him again.
5/5 Stars :D

This is good to hear, I have contemplated ordering a Starkiller II from him (if he puts another one up on ebay) , but I wasn't sure about the quality.  It's good to know that it is a decent saber to put into my personal collection.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: TheDrunkenJedi on June 10, 2011, 12:00:47 PM
I ordered a Quinlan Vos from him off of eBay, got it today....it's made entirely of PVC :o! The listing clearly described it as aircaft aluminium >:(.

Hoping the resolution center can fix this and get my oney back.
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: OBI-WAN KENOBI on June 10, 2011, 04:46:12 PM
I ordered a Quinlan Vos from him off of eBay, got it today....it's made entirely of PVC :o! The listing clearly described it as aircaft aluminium >:(.

Hoping the resolution center can fix this and get my oney back.

I hope you left him a negative feedback. 
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Broto-Kropot on June 25, 2011, 03:01:29 PM
im glad i read this thread before i went and got these

http://cgi.ebay.com/Custom-STARKILLER-Lightsaber-Prop-Replica-/270772201271?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f0b47e737

http://cgi.ebay.com/Custom-Starkiller-II-Concept-Lightsaber-Prop-Replica-/270772047491?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f0b458e83

you guys just saved me some money
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Revan Reborn on June 25, 2011, 03:11:28 PM
I bought the 2 concept starkillers from him and 2 in game starkiller sabers from him and I give them 5/5!!! I think it was awesome for the price I paid for them.  ;D
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: GreyJedi on June 25, 2011, 04:35:24 PM
I ordered a Quinlan Vos from him off of eBay, got it today....it's made entirely of PVC :o! The listing clearly described it as aircaft aluminium >:(.

Hoping the resolution center can fix this and get my oney back.

I hope you left him a negative feedback. 

No idea how he has 100 percent on the Ebay...
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Wariwen on July 22, 2011, 05:15:27 AM
well I messaged him on ebay saying I like his designs but had seen poor reviews and although rude this was his reply.

Let me start by saying I am not the same person that your forums are speaking of. The horrable things metioned in these forums were done by MachinedFX. I am not MachinedFX! The sad thing is that these things happened in 2006/2007 and these people are still talking about the same stuff! I worked with Steve/MachinedFX in 2004/2005 for about a year and made the mistake of saying so on your (move out of your parents basement and get a life!) forums.
Our Ebay feedback says it all! Hundreds of happy customers that appreciate our work. Let us make you happy...


- tattoosby5
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Lord Bane on July 22, 2011, 07:55:53 AM
Well then... I guess that says it all.  :o
I've got two of his sabers and I honestly think they are well built. He's a tad short and slow on his messaging but no one is perfect. That said, I can't really say anything bad cause I never got burned. I think it's good he cleared things up though. 

LB
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: LUMINARA UNDULI on August 02, 2011, 02:34:59 PM
He has admitted to several well respected people here that HE is Steve from MachinedFX.  He has a history of not being truthful in emails ;).
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: Luke S. on August 04, 2011, 03:16:34 AM
He has admitted to several well respected people here that HE is Steve from MachinedFX.  He has a history of not being truthful in emails ;).

He admitted to me in email that he was. ;)
Title: Re: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: QUI-GON JINN on February 07, 2013, 09:12:38 PM
Just want to add that this person may be selling on ETSY as "Holocron." Buyer beware.
Title: Re: Feedback for Machine FX / tattoosby5 cookiemonster8777/MachinedFX/Holocron
Post by: dr.djcolegrove on February 10, 2017, 07:02:13 PM
Just an FYI, looks like he is on eBay as cookiemonster8777 - just bought a Darth Nihilus from him.  (Fingers crossed it will look like the pics)  Will update this post to review my purchase at a later date.