Most woodworkers start out using conventional machinery that is manually controlled, but as production demand increases, upgrading to Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machinery usually becomes a necessity. CNC woodworking machinery differs from conventional machinery in at least five areas: cost of purchase, cost of maintenance, production capacity, production quality, and operational requirements. Below is a review of how CNC hardware stacks up against conventional hardware in these areas.
Cost of Purchase
Due to its superior technology, computer-controlled equipment costs more than conventional equipment. A conventional, industrial grade router typically requires an average-sized investment, but an industrial grade computer-controlled router is a considerable investment. Purchasing it as used woodworking machinery reduces the expense of computer-controlled equipment.
Cost of Maintenance
The cost of maintaining computer-controlled hardware is roughly the same as the cost of maintaining conventional hardware. However, the former typically costs more to repair. This is because computer-controlled equipment contains high tech, precision parts that cost more to purchase than conventional parts, and sometimes require more labor to install. Performing scheduled maintenance is the best way to prevent repairs.
Production Capacity
Conventional machinery costs less than CNC woodworking machinery, but it has limited potential to increase revenue by increasing production capacity. In addition to producing work faster than conventional equipment, computer-controlled equipment also produces more types of work. A CNC router can produce refined, intricate designs that a conventional router cannot. When a person needs to increase production capacity while adhering to a limited equipment budget, buying computer-controlled equipment as used woodworking machinery is the optimal choice.
Production Quality
The computer-controlled operation of CNC equipment results in fewer errors, and thus results in fewer waste pieces. Conventional equipment can produce thousands of waste pieces each year. By virtually eliminating human error, computer-controlled equipment improves production quality and decreases operating costs by reducing waste pieces.
Operational Requirements
CNC equipment’s computer-controlled operation reduces the need for a work force. For companies, this allows the potential for reduced payroll. For solo woodworkers, it offers the potential to operate several computer-controlled units simultaneously. After the equipment is programmed, the operator monitors the production process without needing to control the equipment. Consequently, several computer-controlled machines can be operated and monitored simultaneously.
Choosing the Right Seller
CNC woodworking machinery offers more production capacity, greater production quality, and has fewer operational requirements than conventional machinery. However, its high purchase price deters many people from buying the contraption. If you need the benefits of computer-controlled equipment, but cannot afford its price, buying it in pre-owned condition on sale is the best solution.
At RT Machine, we sell reconditioned, pre-owned computer-controlled equipment that delivers the performance and reliability of new equipment, but at a reduced cost. In addition to having a broad inventory, we also have a locator service that finds equipment in the inventories of other sellers. To find the best used woodworking machinery, browse through our website, or contact us today.
