I think you should post close photos of your sink so we can see what the problem is.

I would also put some water in it (obviously you can't fill it since you probably can't plug it, and make sure the seams don't leak. The thing about sinks is, once they are installed as an undermount, they are in there for a long time.

take some pics and post 'em.

That's kind of weird that the ebay link only had a computer model of the sink, and not an actual photo.

Is this a double post? I think I replied...

(Not the best software running this forum, is it?)

"1) The corner seams are a little gritty. Is this normal? I hadn't expected noticeable seams. I thought it would look more like a fold. "

'Zero radius' requires welding.

Normally stainless sinks are formed by deep drawing, but this requires a radius on every change in plane.

To make a zero radius a flat sheet is cut and each side bent up, but then each corner requires a weld.

In the auction in small print it says "Franke OEM" Franke is a high end product, and as far as I know there is no such thing as a FRANKE OEM. My guess is that you may of gotten a sink that is not 15 gauge. Does it have the heavy undercoating and sound dampening pads? If not, you have been lied to as all Franke sinks have this installed. At best, it may be a second that did not pass FRANKE's quality control.
Send it back, its no bargain.

Is this normal?

For $294.95 delivered, Yes.

beekeepers wife -- I took some pictures, will figure out how to post them shortly.

pricepal - hmm. maybe. I'll take a look at Franke at Lowe's, and see what the pads and dampening material look like. My photos may help clarify too.

fori - I did need to post twice. I didn't see your first response.

brickeye - I see what you're talking about -- each side folded up, and then the vertical corners fused. If welded, would there be some sanding/grinding in the corner to smooth out the weld seam?

deeageaux - I saw $370-ish for other brands (e.g., Kraus 30" with .75" radius). Reasonable, trustworthy? (I'd chosen ElKay Avado at first, till I realized it was $1000+ -- out of the question!)

THANK YOU ALL for the feedback. I have time before installation, so also have time to get the sink right.

"OEM" = "Original equipment manufacturer".
I believe if it says "Franke OEM" it means that the sink is made by the same company that makes the sinks with the Franke brand name on them...

If that's the case, they should not be dropping the "Franke" name as it is deceptive. This is a generic sink then period, and has nothing to do with "Franke", and I will bet my bottom dollar the quality is no were near the same.

Hmm, I'm not sure that's the right reading of OEM.

Here are some web definitions:
OEMs are manufacturers who resell another company's product under their own name and branding.
-and-
An original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, manufactures products or components that are purchased by a company and retailed under the purchasing company's brand name. OEM refers to the company that originally manufactured the product.

So, I think they are saying that the sink "is" a Franke, just not branded as such. Sort of like when Ikea puts their badge on a Whirlpool (I think it is) range or fridge.

But that's my interpretation based on my understanding of the term... I'm not saying this is for sure a Franke sink!!! :)

OK, I went and read the actual auction ad. it's much clearer now! What it says is, "Manufactured by a FRANKE's OEM factory." So that really means it was made in a factory that makes Franke sinks, that's all... not that it's a Franke design or rebranded or anything.

Exactly. The factory could make light bulbs also. So it misleads the consumer to think they are getting a high end product, when its not really true.

here are some photos.

fori - i found your first response. i'll try that too.

I think those weld marks are unevitable unless the manufacturer has a high-end machine that can weld the sink from the outside (for instance, Julien sinks can have a totally smooth weld on the inside).

lynn

Hi,
Honestly it looks like a second, looks like one of the sound dampening pads is missing, then coated over, BUT considering the price you paid for it, it looks like a pretty good deal. I just had a problem with the way the seller advertised it.