Most woodworkers prefer to buy machinery new instead of used. When the cost of a new CNC machine is unaffordable, buying it pre-owned is not a bad option. For decades, woodworking companies have known that industrial, pre-owned machines can perform like new for years to come—a fact that leads some companies to choose used machines over new ones—but only after careful inspection. If you are thinking of buying industrial machinery that contains CNC technology, but you have questions about how to evaluate it, the answers below can help:
Are there special areas of concern with used CNC machinery?
The most important parts of a CNC machine are its cutting mechanism, and the computer that controls it. In addition to defining a CNC machine’s performance, these components also cost the most to repair. Before you buy used CNC woodworking machinery, inspect these components closely. If you are not qualified to inspect them, hire an expert to perform the inspection for you.
Is it important to know the identity of a machine’s pervious owner?
Yes. Knowing the identity of a machine’s previous owner will help you assess its real age in terms of wear. If the seller is unaware of the original owner’s identity, you can discover it by presenting the machine’s serial number to the manufacturer.
How Should I Evaluate a Seller?
You can evaluate a seller in several ways. The three most common ways are: check the seller’s record at the better business bureau (BBB), ask the seller for six to eight customer references, and run a credit check on the seller. Doing this will inform you of a seller’s business reputation, customer service quality, and financial stability.
Should I request to test a machine before I buy it?
Yes. Requesting to test a machine before you buy it is a good idea. Although most sellers will not let you test a machine indefinitely (e.g. testing for the equivalent of a large production run), most sellers will allow you to operate it to observe its movements and assess the noises it makes.
Is buying a machine from an auction a good idea?
It depends on whether the machine has been thoroughly inspected prior to being auctioned. In many cases, bidders are expected to perform their own inspection before the auction begins. If you are not qualified to inspect used CNC woodworking machinery, buying a machine from a professional seller of used woodworking machinery is recommended.
When is a used machine too old to be worth buying?
The value of a machine, in terms of its age, depends on how you plan on using it. If you need a machine that will be used infrequently, buying one where the lifespan is almost complete may be the best idea, as it could still last for several years. On the other hand, if you need a machine you will use daily for the foreseeable future, buying one that has a minimum of five years left on its lifespan is recommended.
RT Machine has the CNC Machinery You Need
For over ten years, RT Machine has supplied quality new and used CNC woodworking machinery to woodworking professionals. Unlike sellers that specialize in selling new machinery, but also sell used machinery, we specialize in selling both. If you need help choosing the right CNC machinery, it is important to seek professional advice. At RT Machine, our woodworking experts can help you choose machinery that meets your woodworking needs without stretching your budget. Call us today.
