Factory-reconditioned welders?

[Menzenski]

I'm thinking about getting a welder, but I need to do it on a tight college-student budget. Most of you know more about welding than I do; what's everyone's opinions on factory-reconditioned welders? It seems like a good way for me to get a 220v welder for the price of a 110v unit.

Specifically, I'm looking at the Hobart Handler 500501 180 MIG welder. Factory-reconditioned, I can get it for $527.98 to my door, and it has a full manufacturer's warranty. Is there any reason to avoid reconditioned models?

[BrettM]

how long is the manufacturer's warranty? can you buy an additional warranty through the retailer?

[Menzenski]

how long is the manufacturer's warranty? can you buy an additional warranty through the retailer?
I don't know and I don't know. I just found the site today: http://www.toolking.com/productinfo.aspx?cid=323&productid=10929. I think I'll call them tomorrow and ask.

[Static-XJ]

I have a factory reconditioned Handler 135. I have no complaints about it. Saved a bunch, was $379 shipped if I remember correctly. Carries the same warranty. 1/3/5 year. The gun is 1 year, everything else is either 3 or 5, can't remember what falls in each category.

[ponyracer1]

Never had any problems with factory reconditioned tools, they come with the full factory warranty usually.

[EZridaz]

link to buying Reconditioned items:

http://www.toolking.com/ReconditionedParts.aspx


Visit the following link and select the manufacturer to view their warranty information:

http://www.toolking.com/WarrantyInfo.aspx