HH187A Recon from Toolking...not right...

[Lodogg2221]

Ok, so I decided to replace my stolen 140 with a 187 recon from toolking based on everyone saying the A grade was like new apperance, and function.

It arrived Friday, plain box, no damage to box.
Got it home and hooked up Friday night, after having to modify the pigtail, since the one they sent with it was the screw on type for the HH210, not a big deal I suppose, but youd think they would make sure the right part was in there...dont they check these things out before shipping them?
Was gone yesterday, and went out today to weld a bit more.
This thing rattles like the cover is about to fall off, and its not the lid...so I decided to check it over a bit...
There is a large shallow dent with scrape markes on the side opposite the door, and the front cover on the same side is broken with a chunk missing at the top. The rattle is the cover being loose due to the 2 screw holes on the bottom edge toward the rear and the one just above the rear corner being stripped.
To me this sounds more like what I would expect from a B grade, not what I paid for...
I am VERY disappointed in Hobart so far...as the only way to fix it will be to replace everything but the guts. Not something I really want to do, and Ive been without a welder for 2 weeks, and had lots planned, so what to do, I really cant be without it, but again, I didnt plan to buy a broken welder either. If someone would have actually taken time to LOOK at it, and taken some care when assembling it, I wouldnt have any problems...

Any suggestions?

[smyrna5]

It sounds like they may have shipped you a B grade reconditioned one by mistake. I would call ToolKing and tell them of your dissatisfaction. They say they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, but I am not sure what that means exactly. I'm sorry your experience hasn't worked out the way you want so far.

[Lodogg2221]

I dont think it was their mistake, the box was marked A...

Either way, Im going to call Hobart first, to see what they say, since they reconditioned and packed it.
I may end up dealing with toolking, but I guess Ill see what Hobart says first...

The thing is, I could deal with fixing the whip, its an easy thing to do, I could even deal with the broken plastic, as its not noticable except from the side, but those two combined with the damage to the case, and the stripped screw threads is a bit much...
I just hate to be without it, and I know no matter what, Im going to be, unless I pay for another one, and they credit me, which I cant afford to do, not to mention return shipping, for that alone I could have bought a new one for not much more...

Id like to get ahold of the tool that took my welder and caused all this in the first place...

[1990notch]

Let us know how this pans out for you. There was another thread recently (and I think it was a recon 187 like yours) where Hobart got right on it and made good. I think once they get notice of this, you'll be taken care of. Sorry to hear of this though...

[Lodogg2221]

Spoke to Hobart, specifically Dan at Hobart who actually does the reconditioning, who informed me that it should look like a new one. And that most likely, since it was shipped UPS, it was damaged in shipping even though the box was undamaged, he had seen it before.
He said he would be more than happy to send me whatever parts I needed to make it right, or I could get Toolking to send me another, and if out of stock, have them (toolking) contact Hobart, and Hobart will direct ship me one.
I am waiting to talk to toolking, hopefully they are open today, but their phone system hangs up on me repeatedly, but I think it is too early my time for them to be open, Ill wait a few hours and try again...

I guess at the very least, I can get the parts and fix it myself...which I suppose would make me much more familiar with the insides of the welder.

Anyone think I chould just get the parts and do it myself? Or should I see if toolking will send me one? Im thinking for simplicity getting toolking to send me one is easier. On the other hand, if they send me the parts, I will not be without my welder... decisions decisions...

[Lodogg2221]

Ok, my bad, it was Bill, and Dave who does the reconditioning...
Anyway, those guys are awesome!

Toolking wanted me to send it back so they could look it over then they would send a replacement, turnaround time probably 2-3weeks they said, 1 week to get it back, 1 week to process it and inspect it, and another week to ship a new one back.
No thanks...OR I could buy another one, and get credited back after they do whatever they do when they get the old one back. No thanks, I dont have the money for that...

Anyway, Hobart is sending me a replacement wrapper (the steel cover) and front panel. They said they would send me a new gun too, but Id have to send the old one back (they pay shipping), but its cheaper to extend the wires than to drive across town to drop it at UPS, since I already have wire and connectors laying around.

Id say that any company that wants to see what truely outstanding customer service is should take a look at Hobart. They were both very friendly and seemed to actually care about the problem, and thats rare these days.

Toolking is willing, and seems to have good customer service too, but for me, its easier to go this route, besides, they are shipping with UPS, who causes a lot of these problems anyway, and whos to say the next one isnt the same way?

[Stanger]

After reading the first post I knew there would be no problems. Hobart's customer service is the best I have ever experienced. I am very surprised to hear the condition in which yours arrived though. Mine looked so new I was sure it was a mistake! I had some small issues that were worked out as soon as I contacted them. I love the welder and love the service!
Grant

[stronics]

That Hobart customer service is why I bought my welders from them.
Every time I use my 187 it takes me two days to wipe the smile off my face.
David