Used Metalworking Machinery: What to Consider Before Buying

Metalworking machinery allows you to design and create parts, components, and finished pieces for specific applications. Industries that rely on these machines include electronics, semiconductors, medical devices, aerospace, military, component manufacturers, and many others. 

When checking out new or used machinery dealers, some may offer used metalworking equipment such as CNC machines, lathes, boring mills, welders, grinders, and saws — just to name a few. 

Used Metalworking Machinery Buyers Guide

Before making the purchase, here are top considerations you need to think about when getting a used machine.

Who is the Seller?

Learn as much as you can about the seller to avoid getting into a deal that you will regret later. Evaluate the seller’s information and read online reviews from previous buyers. You want to notice if there are any discrepancies in the machine description, as well as the make and model of the metalworking machine, versus what the buyer ultimately received.

Check out any complaints from buyers, and what types of responses or remediation that was offered by the seller to rectify issues. Look at the number of endorsements and how they compare to the complaints.

CNC-Controlled or Manual?

Many sellers will offer manual and CNC machines of the same types, such as lathes, lasers, routers, and waterjets. If you have not decided on whether a manual or CNC-controlled machine is right for your operations, sit down, and figure out what the equipment purchase will accomplish by answering these questions:

• Are you looking to speed up processes or production times?
• Do you want to upgrade and automate more processes?
• Do your employees know how to operate CNC-controlled machines, or will they need additional training?
• Are you simply looking to replace manual machines?
• Do you need a niche machine that will provide sporadic work for special orders?

All these factors can dictate which type of metalworking machines to purchase. Then you can hone down on which ones to get immediately, or which ones to get at a later date.

Age and Use of Machine Tools

The machine tools offered as used metalworking equipment should list the age of the machine from when it was originally purchased and how many hours it has been in operation with the particular buyer. This information should be listed in the description, yet do not hesitate to ask the buyer for more details. They may not know the specific age if they purchased the equipment as used. Yet the current seller should be able to tell you how often they used it.

By knowing the age and the operating hours for the equipment, it gives you a clearer picture of when the inner mechanisms may need to be replaced. You may also need to opt for a machine with fewer usage years on it if you do not want to place in too much money just to get it into operational condition. 

In addition, the equipment may be so old that the manufacturer no longer offers parts and components for that make and model. That will make it harder for you when it comes time to service or repair the equipment.

Inspection of Used Metalworking Equipment

Just like when you are purchasing a used car, you want to also inspect the used metalworking machinery to spot any cracks, dents, loose components, and other issues that can impact the operations of the machine. If you are close enough to the seller, you will want to ask if you can go to the location for the inspection. 

You may also have an independent inspector provide the appraisal if the location is too far from you, or you need someone more versed in the mechanical workings of the equipment. 

If you cannot personally inspect the equipment or hire an independent inspector, you should seek reputable machinery dealers who provide comprehensive appraisal reports as part of their services to sellers. By going with a reputable dealer, you can gain greater peace of mind that the information provided about the machine is accurate and up-to-date.

Previous Maintenance and Repair

Some sellers will offer machine tools without any maintenance or repair performed before resale. They may only be offering the machine for parts to be harvested for other metalworking equipment.

If you are obtaining the machine so it can be placed in operations, look for a reputable machinery dealer who performs maintenance and repair onsite at the seller’s location before the used metalworking machine is placed up for resale. This tactic can help reduce immediate repair costs that you have to take on when the equipment arrives at your location.

Transportation to Receive Equipment

Purchasing the equipment might be a breeze yet getting the machine tools to your location can be an uphill struggle. There may be removal fees, shipping fees or both costs added into the final asking price that you will have to pay to the seller. You may also have to make transportation arrangements on your own to retrieve and move the equipment if the seller is close to your location.

Purchase Amount VS Actual Costs

Never assume that the purchase amount pushed out by the seller is the actual metalworking machine cost. Sellers want to get the best deal to recoup on their initial purchase costs. They may try to get you to agree to a higher price that does not consider the age and daily wear-and-tear of the used metalworking machinery.

Before making any type of purchase, research the costs of new machines as well as the general cost ranges of used equipment. These two prices and the machine tool’s description will allow you to make a more thought-out choice on whether you will be saving money on a good piece of equipment or if you are paying more than you should.

Obtaining Used Metalworking Machinery from Equipment Hub

Buying used equipment, whether it is a welder, press brake, or CNC plasma machine, should not be a hassle or an unpredictable process. Here at Equipment Hub, we offer a wide range of metalworking equipment for industrial purposes. In addition, we offer 30-day warranties as well as appraisals, machine maintenance, and repair services. 

As your trusted machinery dealers, you can get the equipment you want, when you need it, so you do not experience any unnecessary process downtimes. Contact our company today to learn more.