Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get the latest news about second hand machine tools

Subscribing to news about machinery will help used machine tools dealers stay knowledgeable even in the face with changing technology. Technical articles can help you make repairs and get the machine tools ready for resale or service.

I recommend: Manufacturing Talk lists the latest news for production engineers. Subscribe to Cutting Tool Engineering, a free subscription for qualified subscribers.

Follow trends in used machine tools by attending trade events

As in any industry, used machine tool dealers must stay on the top of their game, knowing the best machine tools out there that will make their business profitable. Attending machining trade shows and reading about the trade can help machine tool dealers become experts and thrive in their field.

I recommend: Modern Machine Online offers forums, videos and articles for used machine tool dealers. Machine Tools is not only a great source for finding used machine tools, but they also provide a great resource for trade shows and other events in the machine tool market.

Use the marketplace of the web for preowned machine tools

Used tool dealers can use the web to locate preowned machine tools, such as used CNC machine tools. You can buy or sell machine tools and view videos, as well as receive feedback from customers.

I recommend: Machine Tools 24/7 gives users a place to advertise used machine tools. American Machine Tools Distributors Association offers a resource library as well as connections to trade shows, certifications and education opportunities.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you look into customer feedback on used machine tools on blogs. Customer satisfaction is good indication of how well the machine tools perform in the field.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research the age of the used machine tool dealers are offering

As you well know, some machines age well and truly become better with age. Some, though, have a tendency to show their age quickly and not function as needed. That's why it's imperative that you know the expected lifespan of any used machine tools you're buying.

I recommend: Addy Machinery lists the manufacture date of every piece of used machinery they sell.

Ensure that the used machine tools you purchase work before money changes hands

Even when purchasing used machine tools, the price isn't negligible. When you add in the cost of transporting the machines to your facility, you can understand why you need to see the tools dealers offer under power before you commit to the purchase.

I recommend: With more than 70,000 square feet of warehouse space, Altman Machinery has the ability to show you the majority of the used CNC machine tools they offer under power.

Make your search for used machine tool dealers a one-stop shop

With the cost of travel and machine transfer, it's important that you get as many of your used machine tools in one place as possible. By choosing a dealer that offers a variety of equipment, you will save yourself time and money.

I recommend: Hildebrand Machinery offers a variety of pre-owned machine tools, from air compressors to woodworking tools.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When searching for used machine tool dealers, never forget the power of your local network. Check with other local companies first to see if they need to surplus any of their equipment soon. You can save yourself hundreds in transport costs if you're able to find a local source.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get the scoop on preowned industrial tools ahead of time

When looking over used machine tools, there are several points to keep in mind. Make sure the tool dealers conduct a complete inspection and cleaning, and be sure the machine tool dealer discloses the history of the tool.

I recommend: Sherline is a well-known machine tool manufacturer that tells what to look for in used Sherline brand tools. Used Machine Tool Network is a marketplace for buying and selling used machine tools.

Find out how the used tool dealers will get your purchase to you

Finding the right preowned machine tools is one thing, but getting it safely to your place of business is quite another. Find out if the used machine tool dealer will transport your secondhand tool with an air-equipped trailer, or whether you're responsible for transporting the equipment yourself.

I recommend: Machine Tools 247 will help you find a transportation company for your used tool purchase. Machinery Systems Inc. tells how to reduce your risk when purchasing second hand machine tools.

Find used tools backed by a promise

Trying out the used tool is really the best way to make sure you're getting the best deal and not a dud. If you're dealing with used tools dealers on the Internet, make sure you get a strong warranty or a money-back guarantee on your used tool purchase.

I recommend: Perfection Machinery offers a 30-day money back guarantee on machine tools purchases, with freight costs at their expense. Machine Tools offers video as a sales tool, so that the purchaser can see the used tool in action before buying.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for used tool dealers that hand clean their tools instead of using high pressure cleaning methods.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pre-owned machine tools

Used machine dealers use the term preowned, also written as pre-owned, to advertise used machines. The term typically invokes a better quality item that one that someone has simply used. Another term similar to this is second hand.

I recommend: Trumpf markets its used machines as preowned. It includes an article detailing the quality of its inventory.

ISO 8636-2:2007

The International Organization for Standard (ISO) regulates the manufacturing of certain machine tools. ISO 8636-2:2007 is one standard that applies to machine tools. If a machine has met the requirements, it will usually have this standard, or a phrase like ISO compliant, in the description.

I recommend: Learn more about ISO 8636-2:2007 by visiting the website for the ISO.

Refurbished, repaired, retrofitted

Terms like refurbished, repaired and retrofitted indicate that a machine has been put into like-new condition. This means company corrects any issues and damage in order to return the machine tool to pristine condition.

I recommend: Machine Rebuilders provides details on rebuilding and retrofitting machine tools.

Used CNC tools

Some machine tool dealers sometimes specialize in selling used CNC tools. These tools, which are computer numerical controlled, offer advanced features over regular hand tools. Depending on the tool, you may need to get software to go with it.

I recommend: Premiere Equipment is an example of a used tool dealer specializing in CNC tools.

Buy, sell or trade

Buy, sell or trade is a phrase used by some used machine tool dealers to indicate that they not only sell tools but also buy or trade them. With a trade, the company may accept your used tools and offer you a credit for use when you purchase a tool from them, or the company may offer you cash. Companies that offer to buy your tools may do the same thing, or they may sell your tool on consignment, which means the company will keep part of the sale.

I recommend: Gray Machinery is a used tool dealer that advertises buy, sell or trade. You can learn more about its trade-in program and its consignment options by visiting its website.

Warranty

Most reputable used tool dealers offer some type of warranty or clearly indicate whether they are selling a machine as-is. The warranty will typically cover a preset amount of time during which you can return the machine should it break or fail to work as indicated. Warranties vary by company, so you'll want to read the details to ensure you understand what the warranty does and does not cover.

I recommend: You can view an example of a warranty offered by a used machine dealer by visiting emachinetool.com.