If you need a CNC router, buying it used can work wonders for your equipment budget. If you want the best deal, you need to observe the do's and don'ts for buying pre-owned CNC equipment. Regardless of why you need a router, there are certain things to overlap or avoid as you shop for one secondhand. Below are tips for buying a pre-owned machine that delivers quality CNC routing.
Do not: Opt for More Capacity than You Reasonly Need
If you are shopping for a used CNC router machine that offers increased production capacity, be realistic about your production needs. If you have a router that does not support your production needs, you may feel like opting for maximum capacity. However, if you know your production will not surpass a certain level, buying machinery that surpasses that level is a waste of money. New machinery should be purchased in response to a rise in production rate, not in anticipation of one.
Do: Consider the Effect of a Machine on Your Workspace
Some woodworkers walk into a showroom and forget the size of their workspace. If you need a router that has a larger cutting table than your current one, consider that you may need to upgrade your works before upgrading your machinery. If your current location is keeping you from meeting production demand, the move could be well worth the effort.
Do not: Buy from an Amateur Seller
Amateur sellers are not necessarily out to cheat you, but they often lack the knowledge to estimate the value of pre-owned machinery in terms of technology, dependability, and the "wear and tear" on a product. Common examples of amateur sellers are those who sell through auction websites, through Craigslist, or at company liquidation sales. Professional sellers of used woodworking machinery have websites featuring a broad range of inventory offering equipment location services.
Do: Ask for Extensive Customer References
Because a seller's preferred references are their best references, asking for additional references can offer a balanced perspective on the quality of its machinery and customer care. Evaluating six additional references helps you to form an impression of how risky or safe a seller is with which to conduct business.
Do not: Fail to Inspect a Machine before buying
When you view equipment online, consider that its photographs may not tell the story of its wear. To assess the wear on a machine-especially wear to sensitive parts that are difficult to photograph-inspecting it firsthand is the best option. If you can not travel to the location of the seller to conduct the inspection, have a qualified third party conduct it for you.
Do: Check the Background of a Seller before Purchasing
Before making a purchase, check the background of a seller at the Better Business Bureau (BBB). In addition to judging a seller by their letter rating, check to see if they have unresolved customer complaints on record. If a seller has a high letter rating and resolves customer complaints in a timely manner, you can feel confident about selecting a used CNC router machine from their equipment stock.