Advocates for Reconditioned Tools! Voice Your Opinion - Woodworking Talk

Evil Scotsman · 07-10-2008, 08:52 AM

OK, I "THINK" I have seen the light! I went to Wallyworld last night, luckily the didn't have squat, HD right next store, too high. On the way home I remember "SOMEONE" I can't remember who, (sorry!) and now I can't find the post, about they use to work for a company that reconditioned tools and said they were even BETTER than NEW, because of the reconditioning process. While rereading some of my post questions I came across a link from Joe about his Hitachi daul base router for $102.00. So my thought "The very second is to return unopened B&D Firestorm 1200 and shop strictly on www.reconditionedsales.com . Means I will have to delay starting projects another week but I want the most bang for my buck! A way to get better tools for less money, I AM THERE!

Thoughts, Comments, Opinions?! All are welcome and appreciated both positive and negative.

Evil Scotsman · 07-10-2008, 09:06 AM

Sorry the link above appears to be strictly for hitachi, anybody have suggestions for websites that they have a good experience with? (not that that one isn't good)

Big Dave · 07-10-2008, 09:14 AM

When I was just getting into buying some of the more high dollar tools to start off I bought some reconditioned from a sale. You know, one of those truckload things where they come to your town for 3 days only and set up in a high school gym or your local Lions club. Anyway I'm still using those tools. Bought name brand Dewalt stuff. Only problem I had was the miter saw was throwing some good sparks from one of the brushes. After checking it out the brush guide was slightly bent, not letting the brush slide freely. Once I adjusted that it's been running fine and it's been about 5 years now.

knotscott · 07-10-2008, 09:18 AM

I think you did the right thing by returning the B&D....it probably would have been fine, but offered few advantages over some very stout competition from other brands.

I've had two good transactions with Reconditioned Sales. Both were for Hitachi refurbs but they also have some Freud and other products AFAIK. I snagged a $40 12v cordless drill and a $60 M12VC router. Both were like new, but the battery charger for the drill came damaged...they replaced it promptly without issue.

RCS is recognized by Hitachi as their only refurb outlet.

BTW - The M12VC is one of several routers I've owned over the years (Bosch 1617, Freud FT1700, Freud FT2000E, Milwaukee 5615, Milwaukee 5625). I'm quite pleased with the Hitachi for the price...it's quiet, strong, well balanced, feels good in my hands for detail work, has softstart and variable speed, and accepts the standard Porter Cable style guide bushings. It's worth noting that the M12VC accepts 1/2" bits, but only comes with a 1/4" collet with the single router refurbed unit...the duall base kit for $102 has both collets. My solution was to complain to Hitachi that my 1/4" collet wouldn't hold my 1/2" bits properly...they sent my a 1/2" collet free!

I've also bought some refurbs from Amazon...PC175 roofing nailer...looked used, worked great. Milwaukee 5615 router...looked new, worked great.

Refurbs are a valid money saver IMO...just be sure it comes from a reputable company who will stand with you in case of problems...Amazon and RCS both will.

Edit: I just checked the RCS website. The M12VC kit does include both size collets. I couldn't find what I thought was a better deal on a combo kit on Ebay or Amazon, but Amazon does offer a enw kit for $129 shipped and offers $30 back if you apply for a new Amazon credit card. $99 to your door...just remember to pay the balance and cancel the card! RCS also has the Freud kit for $150 and the Freud FT1700 fixed base refurb for $127.

Hitachi KM12VC 11 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets

Features

11 Amp motor (2-1/4 Peak Horsepower), for precise, controlled cuts
2-stage motor release clamp, for quick and accurate depth adjustments and base changes
Nickel plated motor housing, for smooth depth adjustments
Electronic speed control, maintains constant RPMs even as load varies
Class leading noise level, only 79.5dB for a quieter workshop
Fine depth adjustment (plunge base) for precise depth control

Includes

1/2" Collet Chuck
1/4" Collet Chuck
Seven Template Guides (worth ~ $20!)
Lock Nut
Centering Gauge
16mm Wrench
23mm Wrench
10mm Wrench
4mm Hex Bar Wrench
Sub Base (B)
Ten Hex Socket HD Bolt M5x10
Case

Specifications

16ga · 07-10-2008, 10:12 AM

Scotsman I’ve got a reconditioned belt sander and it works just fine. I’ve also got a buddy with a whole wet of reconditioned battery powered tools that work great.

If you get that set let me know how it works. I’ve been looking at that one for awhile now.

WDChew · 07-10-2008, 10:51 AM

I have a reconditioned P-C circular saw that I bought at their service depot in St. Louis 9 years ago, and you can't tell it wasn't new except for the "R" stamped on the nameplate.

mdlbldrmatt135 · 07-10-2008, 03:08 PM

I've got a refurb. Milwaukee Hammer Drill and love it.........

Mike · 07-10-2008, 03:45 PM

Let me just tell you wait out Amazon on the router i bought it brand new for 110

Terry Beeson · 07-10-2008, 05:40 PM

I have worked for two different companies that remanufactured automotive parts (starters, alternators, water pumps, etc.) and depending on the company, they CAN be "better than new" in many cases.

But you have to be a bit careful when purchasing items like this in that there is some difference in refurbished, remanufactured, and reconditioned. Refurbished usually means they just cleaned it up and made sure it came on when they flipped the switch. Remanufactured means they took a bunch of old ones, took them apart, cleaned up and checked the parts, put them back together, and tested. Reconditioned usually means they took one apart, checked out everything, replaced parts as needed, and tested. Then again, there is no set "rule" that says if you use any of these terms that it means anything other than they are not "new"... But most are on the up and up.

I own a compressor and finishing sander reconditioned by a local shop. I've watched them work and know they are doing it right. And I know I'm saving a lot of bucks on tools. I also own a reconditioned bandsaw that so far has been great. I'm prone to look at and buy reconditioned/remanned tools prior to buying new.

mmwood_1 · 07-14-2008, 09:33 AM

Me too! I got a recon Makita saber saw from the Makita dealer. I've always had a hard time justifying $130+ price tag on those, but I got this one for $50. Works great.