My brother's Baratza Encore seized up after maybe two years of light use, no cleaning. Cost almost as much to fix as a new one. Old gear was built different, plastic parts wear out now. Calling it just bad luck lets companies sell stuff that barely lasts.

My cousin in Denver had that happen last month.

Wait, tile spacers don't leave a tiny gap for wood movement, right? I've always used a couple of finish nails as a spacer, then pull them out after nailing. Ever try that?