Modern woodworking projects are becoming more intricate, which makes attention to detail even more important. Luckily, technology has kept up with the growing demand for intricate patterns, designs, and cuts with the rise of computer numerically controlled (CNC) routers. These machines allow companies to eliminate the difficulty and reduced reliability of manually operated routers. Customers use a CAD/CAS program to design the wood piece needing to be cut. These woodworking machines then use a router or other cutters to produce the designed parts by working on the Cartesian Coordinate System. These machines are an excellent resource for woodworking shops, but many shops cannot afford to purchase the newest machine. Consequently, many instead invest in used CNC routers that have been professionally refurbished. This blog will discuss some of the benefits of purchasing these woodworking machines pre-owned instead of brand new.
Lower Acquisition Cost
The biggest advantage of purchasing used CNC routers instead of new ones is the reduced acquisition cost. Used machines sell for less than the cost of a new machine. This cost saving can go back into the pockets of business owners, or could even be used to upgrade the woodworking machines purchased. A buyer might opt to replace current cutters with premium cutters, or could choose to purchase an extended warranty.
Maintenance Cost
Over the life of the machine, owners will have to spend money on preventive maintenance to ensure business owners are able to maximize their investment. Some maintenance will be covered in the factory warranty when the equipment is purchased new, but most procedures will not be covered. Used CNC routers offer some risk because they are more likely to require maintenance and less likely to come with a warranty. However, machines purchased in refurbished condition are not as risky. Companies that refurbish woodworking machines extend the lifespan of these machines by replacing worn components, and will stand behind the quality of their work by offering a warranty, subsequently lowering the overall maintenance cost.
Improved Reliability
While conventional wisdom says a new machine is more reliable than a used one, this is not always the case. Companies in diverse industries announce a new product recall almost daily, and buyers who purchase new items are always concerned about the risk of purchasing a lemon. Used CNC routers have already been vetted by another buyer, and problematic components have already been identified. These problems might have been spotted by the original owner or down the road by the company that refurbished the equipment. Refurbishing companies will also provide repair history for woodworking machines they sell, which makes it easier to plan regular maintenance and part replacement.
Purchasing used CNC routers instead of new ones makes sense for a number of reasons, including the lower acquisition cost, low maintenance costs, and improved reliability. RT Machine refurbishes its woodworking machines in-house, and backup their products with a warranty. This ensures purchased machines are inexpensive to buy and maintain, as well as more reliable than new machines.
