I think we would need to see the pics you were sent - the one in the ad is so low-rez that you can't make anything out.

With private sells, it's really on the buyer to ask for as many pictures and as much information as it takes to be comfortable with the purchase. If you buy it, you bought it. You can ask for a refund swap or discount, but the seller is not compelled to accommodate.

IMO

Just curious, I've heard the term planking but what exactly is it?

Splitting of the upper most layer of the veneer.

I agree as a buyer you need to ask lots of specific questions and watch out for vague language (and ideally get lots of good pics). But the buyer should also be able to trust that the words used to describe the item aren't objectively incorrect. If the seller makes vague, subjective statements like "great condition" and the buyer disagrees once they see the item in person, that's not a strong case for a refund. On the other hand if the seller makes specific representations like "no planking" or "flawless playfield other than X, Y and Z" then the buyer may have a valid reason to complain.

$600 without both playfields? Ouch. Couple hundred more gets you a new micro set.

"Scammed" is a pretty weighty word. The pictures you provided make it look like a reasonably nice, used playfield to my inexpert eye. The insert and scoop wear certainly looks pretty good. You also got it pretty darn quickly. I'm not seeing any crazy planking in the images you posted. Is the playfield warped? what kind of repairs cost $600 or more that need to be done to make that functional?

Cracks in the artwork that run along the wood grain. They happen when a PF is exposed to moisture / humidity for a while, and the wood expands / contracts in between the grains.

For a closeup example:

http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/Retrophono/media/DSCF9445.jpg.html

Don't see any planking at all. You did not get scammed.

If you are that unhappy with it, Id ship it back on your own dime and get a full refund(minus shipping). Live and learn maybe?

I don't see anything wrong in the photos, other than some hole wear and very minor insert wear.

It looks like there are dark lines on the edges of mylar, but that can be cleaned with naptha, a paper towel, and using your fingernail to rub the paper towel on the edge of the mylar.

Would I have paid what you did for a used TZ playfield? Probably not, since Mirco's playfields are available at shows/expos for only a bit more, and those wouldn't need any restoration.

Scammed? Hmmmm.......
That points towards intent and unless you have proof that the seller purposely mislead you, you may want to think about not using that description. Maybe try out "unhappy with the condition of a used PF I purchased"

Your disappointment is valid for sure as the quality was not what you expected.
As much as I sympathize with you, caveat emptor. If you asked about potential planking or asked for more detailed pictures then you would have grounds for a valid complaint but to assume that the seller knew about the flaws and purposely mislead you, you really should have some concrete proof.

Sorry it worked out bad for you.
Woosaa, this too shall pass. Go play some pinball and reflect on the things in your life that are really important you.

Hmm must be light planking, usually you can see it in pics.
image.jpg

Wall art? And just buy a re-pro.

If you are going to all the trouble to swap play fields, it would be well worth it to get it corrected and cleared by one of the great guys on here like Kruzman, Kruger, or HEP. They will make it better than new and it will outlast you.

I'd be disappointed if an experienced hobbyist failed to point out planking to me. For the effort involved in swapping a playfield, you want to do it right the first time and you want maximum results for the effort. For another $350 to $400, I'd much rather go with a new playfield even if I had to wait a bit for it.

Have you contacted the seller asking for a small refund due to the misrepresentation or misinformation?

Looks good to me.

You probably should have just bought a brand new or restored playfield. Anybody who would call that a scam probably wouldn't be happy with any used playfield.

I see some planking in the slot machine and some insert wear in the lock insert.

Not the worst, but it would have been human if the seller called attention to the flaws.

It's all fixable.

I thought that looked like a patch of mylar, rather than planking, since there were other patches of mylar scattered about. But, hard to tell since the photo isn't fully in focus.

I dont see planking either. Stuff always looks better in pics , I find.

FACT !!

there is some insert edging wear, but overall the playfield actually doesn't look that bad for being used. The worst of it is the stuff that's hidden when the game it put back together anyway. For $500 , I would have expected both fields to be included. Not the end of the world. You could always try your hand at touch ups. since most of it is in the black and just send it out for clearcoating. Which would bury any minor planking/graining going on. For just clearcoating, costs $300 + shipping.

They are listed on his website.

http://www.highclasspinballs.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=85&osCsid=8ea0fb640dc00f94ce27e9c6c96e7227

Sometimes US parts distributors have them.

However--the best place to get them is at a pinball show. The price is a bit lower, and there's no shipping cost.

There's no planks, its ply board.

I looked at all the pics. I don't think you were scammed. If you are as picky about the condition as your last pictures indicate you are, you should not be buying items over the internet (to restore) where condition is critical. There is a difference between planking and ball swirl marks... I really had to strain to see the "minor planking" in the pics you have last posted. Minor planking is not hard to fix. You should be ok. How many coats of clear and what type are you going to apply?

The third picture is the ONLY pic where I see some minor planking (robot's feet).

If you knew that there is some insert damage and other parts that need touched up as well, and you were ok with that, a few raised/planked areas shouldn't discourage you from just fixing them. When restoring play fields (or swapping them) you will ALWAYS run into unexpected issues. Doesn't matter if it's CPR, a NOS, or the item that you bought.

I would be pretty bummed if I paid $500 for that.

I would too, but I never would have bought it for that price without seeing it in person.

I would never go to that much work and use that playfield. Sell it and take a little loss and get a Mirco play field while they are still available.

http://www.highclasspinballs.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=85&products_id=609&language=en

Maybe you shouldn't have trashed the guy on a public forum first? Just 1 day after you emailed him, too.

If I were the seller, I would be upset that you used the word "scam." I also don't think it's fair to expect a response within 24 hours. Some people here have busy lives.

I see planking in literally one place, maybe 1/4" long, a bit of insert wear, and minor ball swirling. Would be a good restoration candidate.
At worst, the playfield is incrementally less nice than the ad represented. When buying a used playfield, it's not reasonable to expect perfection unless the seller explicitly states it's perfect.

I love all the people saying that the seller doesn't have to provide accurate information on an item because it's not in a picture.

Pictures are bullshit, they can be taken 100 different ways to represent even the worst of items in a good light. Nothing beats an accurate and honest description.

I didn't look at your pics, but if you asked about other damage, and there is more than just a tinge of planking, you got ripped off.

People have tried to scam me here on Pinside, too.

People suck.

You learned a lesson.

Take a deep breath, let it go.

Play some pinball.

I'd offer $150 so I can hang it up on my wall. I'll throw In an extra 35 for shipping.