When you pursue woodworking as an occupation, you eventually need to upgrade your machines to meet higher production demand. For many woodworkers, this upgrade involves buying CNC machinery. Unlike manual woodworking machines, CNC machines are controlled by a computer, hence their accuracy and fast production. Another difference between CNC woodworking machines and manual machines is price. Depending on its size and capacity, an industrial grade CNC machine could cost anywhere from $20,000 to $1 million. Consequently, it is important to consider whether you truly need a CNC machine, and on what terms you should buy one if you do. Below are three considerations that woodworkers should make before buying an industrial CNC machine.
Machine Price versus Production Demand
As their business grows, some woodworkers find themselves needing new machinery to meet increased production demand, but are unable to afford it without relying on the income from the increased demand. In this situation, investing a significant amount in CNC machinery is advisable if:
• The increased demand is real and not anticipated
• The demand will be continuous and not temporary
• The increase in profits will easily pay for the machinery
• The machinery in question would actually meet the demand
To save money, some woodworkers buy a machine whose capacity does not meet their production demand, which is as bad financially as buying one that offers too much capacity. This leads to the second consideration.
Machine Capacity versus Production Demand
Because they work quickly and efficiently, CNC machines are frequently misused in terms of output capacity. Some woodworkers use a midgrade CNC router that prematurely dies, because they use it for commercial grade production. By the same token, other woodworkers use a machine whose true capacity is never tapped, which amounts to wasting one’s equipment budget.
Buying CNC woodworking machines that meet production demand requires determining your present demand, and where it will reasonably be in the near future. A seller of professional woodworking machines can help you with this determination.
Buying a New Machine versus Buying a Used One
Buying a CNC machine used is a viable way to get the capacity you need—or the capacity you may soon need—at a price you can afford. Although the thought of buying used naturally brings up concerns about wear and reliability, buying from a professional seller of used woodworking machines can alleviate these concerns.
To buy used CNC machines that work like new, many woodworkers turn to RT Machine—a national leader in the acquisition and sale of used woodworking machinery. In addition to offering thoroughly inspected, quality CNC machines, we also perform machine location. If we do not have the machine you need in stock, we can locate it in the stock of another seller and have it shipped to your location.
For over ten years, RT Machine has met the needs of woodworkers and woodworking companies by providing machinery in a variety of capacities and price ranges. If you need help finding the right CNC machine, call us today.
