For many woodworkers, the thought of buying used machinery inspires fear of unexpected repairs. And when the machinery is CNC machinery, whose cutter heads and computer are extremely sensitive, those fears intensify. Nevertheless, there are situations where it is wise to buy woodworking machines—even CNC models—secondhand. Below are five situations for which buying used CNC machines could be better than buying new ones.
You Find a Reputable Seller
Every seller claims to be reputable, but certain indicators could suggest otherwise, particularly:
- An unwillingness to let you inspect a machine before buying it
- Selling through Craigslist or eBay instead of through a business website
- A willingness to keep dropping the price until you accept
- An unwillingness to provide extensive references
- A poor rating at the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
A reputable seller will let you inspect a machine, sell it through a professional website, require a certain price, provide references and have a good rating with the BBB. If you are looking for a reputable seller of used CNC machines, you can find one at RT Machine.
A Machine has Most of its Lifespan Remaining
Buying a ten year old industrial woodworking machine is not like buying a ten year old car. Unlike hobby grade and mid grade machinery, industrial grade machinery can perform like new for decades—a fact that justifies its price. When you buy an industrial machine that is moderately used, you receive new machine quality for a used machine price.
You Need to Stretch Your Equipment Budget
If you need new machinery due to increased production demand, but your budget will not accommodate all new machines, buying the machines you need used—especially higher quality ones—can help you get the machines you need. If you know your income will increase based on new contracts, but you need new equipment to start fulfilling them, used machinery can be of help.
You Need a Machine for Infrequent Woodwork
If you need an industrial CNC router or milling machine for occasional project tasks, buying it new could be a bad investment. Buying it used, on the other hand, could be a good one. In fact, when you consider cost in terms of frequency of use, and consider frequency of use in terms of wear, buying a machine that is used could be advantageous.
You are Upgrading to a Larger Workspace
If you are upgrading to a larger workplace, most of your budget might go toward its purchase or redesign. If you also need new CNC machines, buying them used can create extra money when you need it most. Once your production line starts and your income stabilizes, you can sell your used machines and buy new ones.
RT Machine has the New and Used CNC Machines You Need
At RT Machine, we sell and locate new and used CNC equipment for various types of woodworkers, from large-scale cabinetmakers to small-scale fine furniture producers. To buy or locate the CNC machine you need, browse through our product pages or call us today.
