Recon tool condition for 30% off tools

[maxtool]

I now have a 30% off kapex and I am of two minds on purchasing a reconditioned tool.

First, and most important, the tool works just fine. I had read a lot about this tool but couldn't justify the cost so the discount made the decision easier ( oh, and my intense dissatisfaction with a craftsman saw). When I first used it I was pretty impressed, I really didn't appreciate how we'll designed this tool is, from the lasers to the clamp to the angle adjustments to the dust collection. I was also more impressed than I expected to be at the smoothness of cuts. Despite my research, I really had no idea how wonderful this tool is. Pretty amazing!

Second, and as a counterbalance to my first point, I was a little surprised at the extent of finish chips, scuffs, abrasions, etc on the tool. I had purchased an MFT3 as a refurb a few years ago and was unable to discern it from my new one. With this purchase, although I didn't expect "perfect", I expected that they would have touched-up the chipped off finish.  Don't get me wrong, their description of a 30% off tool is accurate - but my previous experience was that it was better than described. This wasn't.

Now, I should mention that I'm a basement hobbyist so my tools tend to stay in pretty good condition - I don't have the demands on time and transport that a professional has. I am pretty spoiled and I like to keep my tools in order.

In conclusion, my decision is to keep the Kapex. Despite the cosmetic flaws, it works beautifully and I'm glad to have several extra dollars in my wallet because I'm now eyeing the CMS and need to save for that expense.

 

[duburban]

you should add some photos of these cosmetic flaws, that way at least next time people can reference it as a 30 percenter.

 

[csmithstack]

Hi all!  Long time visitor, first time poster.  I recently purchased a reconditioned Trion PSB 300 in a T-lock systainer for 20%-off and figured I should contribute my experience to the discussion--particularly since my decision to buy a reconditioned Festool was influenced by some of the early reports on the FOG of folks having received 20% and even 30%-off tools in excellent condition.

The systainer itself had some light scratches on the lid--nothing to be concerned about.  The Trion itself had what looked to me to be significant scuffs on all sides of the body, including a wear pattern that had developed along the path of the pendulum stroke selector.  (The little button that "clicks" the green selector switch into each detent along the stroke selector plate seems to be dragging, thus creating a shiny arc along its path--almost like it's pushing too hard and creating a groove as it travels.  But maybe that's normal on an older Trion?).  Nothing *too* disturbing here, though it seems to me that the wear on the tool--particularly the wear on the pendulum stroke selection plate--falls more within the "moderate" range (30%-off) as opposed to the "slight" (20%-off) range.  And, as a professional carpenter, I *do* have some experience with well-worn tools!  Then again, I realize that these things are subjective, and I was happy enough to let all that go.

What was more disturbing to me was the condition of the plug-it cord.  Apparently the previous owner had stored it by tying the pronged end tightly around the rest of the cord.  (It was wrapped like this when I first opened the systainer).  Of course, wrapping cords tightly like this--essentially tying a knot with them--stresses the cord jacket and causes the internal cords to kink such that the cord no longer lies flat on the ground, thus creating a trip hazard.  (As well as it's a personal pet peeve of mine!)  I've since laid-out the cord in a warm area in hopes of getting it to loosen up and unkink a bit, with moderate success, but... that was a disappointment.  I wouldn't consider a kinked cord to be merely a "cosmetic" issue.  Between the condition of the tool *and* the cord, I was definitely left wondering what sort of shape the *30%-off* Trions must be in! 

And yet, overall, the tool works and works well, just as I've come to expect from the quality tools that Festool makes.  That is above all what matters to me most, here. 

Altogether, I have no doubts that many folks have received 20- and 30%-off Festool tools that were in great shape.  And, personally, if I'd received something like $400 off a Kapex, it'd be a lot easier to overlook some serious cosmetic damage.  However, for the $50 savings I received--essentially the price of a replacement plug-it cord--I'd rather have just bought a new Trion right off the shelf.  If I could return it and spend the extra $50 for a brand new kit, I would.  As it is, I suppose I'll just be glad to have a jigsaw that cuts without blade deflection for a change!

I don't want to come off as too negative, here!  I'm the proud owner of a CT-26, an OF 1010, and an RO 90, and they've all performed exceptionally well.  The tools are rock solid, the vac, especially, is tremendous, and I really appreciate Festool's system approach.  I just wanted to offer a contrasting view to what seemed to me to be the mainly glowing reports from others who'd purchased reconditioned tools.  Not every tool is going to be in tremendous shape, and "slight" vs. "moderate" wear are most definitely subjective distinctions.  For those considering purchasing reconditioned, I'd simply advise you to weigh the cost savings with the possibility that you might get a tool that's seen heavier use than you might expect.

Thanks!

 

[mlfaber]

So far I have purchased an OF1010 and a Domino T Lock, both at 20% savings.  The OF1010 had some wear on the base and the columns had a bit of corrosion on them.  The plunge action was also pretty sticky.  Nothing that can't be cleaned up, especially considering the OF1010 was manufactured in 2004.  The Domino looked and smelled new with the exception of some light scratches on the base.  I was thinking about one of the older C12's at 20%, but now I am starting to re-think that.  I may have exceeded my luck during this sale!

 

[ccarrolladams]

Hi all!  Long time visitor, first time poster.   I recently purchased a reconditioned Trion PSB 300 in a T-lock systainer for 20%-off and figured I should contribute my experience to the discussion--particularly since my decision to buy a reconditioned Festool was influenced by some of the early reports on the FOG of folks having received 20% and even 30%-off tools in excellent condition. . . . .

Altogether, I have no doubts that many folks have received 20- and 30%-off Festool tools that were in great shape.  And, personally, if I'd received something like $400 off a Kapex, it'd be a lot easier to overlook some serious cosmetic damage.  However, for the $50 savings I received--essentially the price of a replacement plug-it cord--I'd rather have just bought a new Trion right off the shelf.  If I could return it and spend the extra $50 for a brand new kit, I would.  As it is, I suppose I'll just be glad to have a jigsaw that cuts without blade deflection for a change!

I don't want to come off as too negative, here!  I'm the proud owner of a CT-26, an OF 1010, and an RO 90, and they've all performed exceptionally well.  The tools are rock solid, the vac, especially, is tremendous, and I really appreciate Festool's system approach.  I just wanted to offer a contrasting view to what seemed to me to be the mainly glowing reports from others who'd purchased reconditioned tools.  Not every tool is going to be in tremendous shape, and "slight" vs. "moderate" wear are most definitely subjective distinctions.  For those considering purchasing reconditioned, I'd simply advise you to weigh the cost savings with the possibility that you might get a tool that's been heavier use than you might expect.

Thanks!

[welcome] to The FOG! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with 20% off re-conditioned Festools.

I do not think you came across as overly negative. My own Trion PS300 dates to late 2006. It does not happen to show any of the wear you found, but I have never used my Trion to cut material thicker than 19mm. Also I treat all cable with respect, coiling it so as to make use of a given cables existing coiling tendencies.

There are several reasons I have never asked to buy from the Festool recondition program. First of all, a need to replace a Plug-It abused beyond acceptable to me would wipe out the savings on a less expensive Festool, such as the Trions. Second, I earn a lot of money using my Festools. All of them will be capitalized and depreciated as fast as the IRS will permit, so a minor savings buying a reconditioned tool is not so important to me. Third, I know there are many Festool owners not as fortunate, to whom the savings is very important. I believe they should have a fair chance to save, so they have more Festools.

A really good friend of mine bought his Trion long before I bought mine. He uses it far more often and he cuts thicker material. For sure his Trion looks well used. However, it still earns money for my friend. He does work on sites, where his customers can see his tools. Clearly they judge his end results and not the pristine condition of his tools. I have not personally worked on a site since long before I bought my first Festools. Retail customers are not permitted in the production areas of my shop, so they have no way of knowing which Festools look brand new and which show wear. They can see the production area through a picture window from the office, but between them and the hand tools are several large fixed machines.

 

[semenza]

Hi csmithstack,

Welcome to the FOG!

I do not speak for  Festool on this.

Interesting about the cord. I suggest that it won't hurt  to contact Festool, either through your dealer or directly about it. But it does seem that the functionality of the saw is very good. I realise that the recon tools do not have the same "gaurantees" as new tools, but you never know. Wether a kinked cord is cosmetic, or function,  is certainly  debateable.

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A general note in my thinking on the recon tool conditions. There are a wide variety of possible flaws, condition is going to be somewhat subjective especially with regards to cosmetic flaws. In the valuation of the tool condition the function is going to weigh heavily over the cosmetics.  From  the postings about the recons that I have read  it seems that the function of the recon tools has been first rate.

Seth

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I've already reached out to our new member, csmithstack, privately regarding this recon Trion. This is an exception because of a concern about safety with the cord. So, I will be working with him privately to remedy the issue.

With several posts in the past couple of days about reconditioned tools, I'd like to make a few comments about the program. There are advantages and uncertainties that come with the purchase of a reconditioned tool. The tools have all been previously owned and returned under our 30-day return guarantee. We do our best to be conservative in classifying the condition of the tool and putting it into the appropriate discount level based on its condition. There are no guarantees made about the age of the tool or its cosmetic condition, although there are general guidelines about appearance based on discount. We state that the tool will be in good working condition and include all of its original accessories. It will have a one year warranty and no returns are accepted. Each person needs to weigh whether the discount is worth the unknown of scratches, dings, chips, dirt, sawdust, etc.

I think we've done rather well, based on most of the testimonials, about providing an exceptional value. But, when you order a reconditioned tool, please do not expect a the tool and systainer to be brand new or you will be disappointed and we don't want that to happen. There will be minor imperfections that do not affect the tools' performance.

If you are missing something that should have come with your tool, the tool does not operate properly, or there is something that leads you to believe the tool is unsafe, please feel free to contact me directly - sho@festoolusa.com

Thanks,
Shane

 

[maxtool]

I posted my experience above.  If I were in a store and they had a kapex in the same condition as the recon I just purchased, I would consider it a great deal at 30% off. In other words, I'd do it again without hesitation.
The people at festool are straight shooters and stand behind what they say. I'm delighted with my kapex.

 

[csmithstack]

Thank you for the responses! 

I'd also like to take a moment to thank Shane for taking the time to reach out to me personally.  However things work out in this instance, Festool's stellar reputation for customer care and service--from designing safe, dust free tools, to continuing to support tools after they've been discontinued, to their great warranty--played a large part in my deciding to invest in their system in the first place.  This is just one more example of that, and I do appreciate it.  I will, of course, continue to invest in Festool products (including reconditioned ones) in the future, with confidence. 

(@Wood Pulp -- I wouldn't be too worried.  The savings during this sale are potentially significant, and surely outweigh the potential for receiving a tool with purely cosmetic flaws.  Altogether, it seems like most folks have been more than satisfied with the condition of the tools they've received.)

Thanks again.