Sanding is an essential woodworking practice. Without it, woodwork would appear rough-hewn and, in many cases, downright unappealing. There are several types of sanders that prevent furniture and other products from looking this way, from small table sanders to industrial grade belt sanders. This entry focuses on helping first-time buyers decide whether a used wide belt sander is the best option for their needs, and which type of used woodworking machinery supplier from which customers should buy.
Why buy pre-owned equipment?
Perhaps the best place to begin is discussing why the equipment should be purchased in pre-owned condition. After all, most people would rather have new equipment than secondhand equipment. If you buy equipment that has hobby grade or midgrade construction, buying it new is an option because, unlike industrial grade equipment, it is not designed to last for several years, and therefore will be cheaper to purchase. If you buy industrial equipment, on the other hand, buying it secondhand results in paying a good price for equipment that usually has several years of life remaining. Because wide belt sanders are meant to handle tough jobs, they commonly feature industrial grade construction.
Do you need a wide belt?
Speaking of tough sanding jobs, it is important to determine whether your needs justify purchasing a used wide belt sander. If they do not, you might end up buying equipment whose full capacity is never reached. Concerning the equipment budget, this would equate to making a bad investment. There are two scenarios for which wide belt sanders are commonly needed: treating large, rough pieces of material stock to make them smooth and even, and treating large pieces of relatively smooth material to refine the surface. Keep in mind the breadth of the wood stock. If you need to treat large pieces, then you need a wide belt. If not, then equipment that has a smaller belt would be the best choice. A used woodworking machinery supplier will help you decide the belt size you need.
Which type of seller should you choose?
The type of seller affects the quality of the equipment you receive. As one would suspect, the best sellers are those who specialize in buying, reconditioning, and reselling pre-owned equipment. Many sellers claim to do this, but those that truly qualify as professional sellers have the following characteristics:
- A physical business location that contains a reconditioning facility
- Is willing to let potential buyers inspect and test the equipment
- Offers information on the background of the equipment
- Provides a copy of the equipment’s official maintenance record
- Offers pre-sale and post-sale technical support
Pre-owned, industrial grade equipment costs less than new equipment, but it still requires a significant investment. A seller who has the characteristics above provides assurance that their equipment is in excellent condition.
Call RT Machine for your equipment needs
For over a decade, RT Machine has been a premier used woodworking machinery supplier of various types of equipment, including sanders. If you need a used wide belt sander, we will help you choose the right model, and let you inspect and test the equipment before you buy it. To learn more about our equipment and services, peruse our website, or call us today.
