If you are looking for machinery for your machine shop, you may be wondering whether it is a good idea to buy a used machine tool or whether it is better to make the investment and buy new. You should know that second-hand machinery brings a number of benefits to the workshop and is also much cheaper.
The benefits of a used machine tool
Machine tools are all the machines used to carry out any of the types of machining in the metalworking industry. In other words, a machine tool works and shapes metal parts until the desired design is achieved. There are many machining jobs and operations, such as turning, milling, drilling, forming, cylindrical turning, roughing, grinding and many more.
All these operations are performed on specific machine tools designed for the job. Some machines are highly versatile, such as lathes and milling machines, which can perform more than one operation simply by changing the cutting tool. You will also find much more complex machines, such as those equipped with CNC technology (computer numerical control), or those that carry out more sophisticated work such as laser cutting and EDM.
Machine tool prices vary depending on the type and condition of the machine. A conventional machine such as an centre lathe is considerably cheaper than a CNC lathe; however, a CNC lathe can carry out countless machining processes that cannot be performed on the manual machine and would otherwise require auxiliary machines. The problem is that new equipment is, of course, much more expensive than a used machine tool.
Is it safe to buy a used machine tool? What benefits can it bring to the workshop?
Savings
Second-hand machines are much cheaper than new models. They have already been used, so they will cost considerably less than buying brand new. CNC machinery, for example, is much more expensive than conventional machinery; investing in it can be difficult, especially for new companies and workshops, even though it does pay for itself in the long run (payback). Buying second-hand equipment saves you a considerable sum.
Depreciation
Like vehicles, machine tools depreciate over the years, even more so when they are used. Every time a machine is bought and sold, its value falls due to continued use. If you buy used equipment that has in fact already been resold more than once, its price will be even lower.
A used machine tool... as good as new
Most second-hand machine tools are sold fully reconditioned and tested, with the corresponding CE marking. This means that when you buy a used machine tool, you are getting a quality product backed by a warranty. Any faults or damage the machine had are repaired and restored. Several of its parts may be replaced before it reaches the end user.
In addition, many second-hand machines are sold with additional tools and accessories specific to them. These accessories may be intended for maintenance or for other tasks.
Shorter lead times
The stock of used machinery is very large and changes constantly. Machines are always available and ready for delivery with immediate shipping. New machines, by contrast, can take weeks or months to arrive.
Which used machine tools can you buy?
If you are looking for second-hand machinery for your workshop, you should know that all kinds of machines are available, both conventional and CNC (computer numerical control).
Lathes
The lathe is the oldest machine tool and works on rotational parts. The workpiece is clamped in the headstock and rotates while the cutting tool approaches its surface in a controlled movement. At Ferrotall you will find used conventional, vertical and CNC lathes.
Milling machines
Milling machines are highly versatile and can perform a wide range of machining operations, depending on the model you choose. They work with a cutting tool called a milling cutter and in Ferrotall's used machinery catalogue you will find both conventional and CNC models.
Grinding machines
These machines use a grinding wheel that removes small amounts of material. Are you looking for a cylindrical grinder? Or perhaps a surface grinder, an internal, a centreless or a special grinder? Browse our extensive catalogue.
Used sheet metal machine tools
Press brakes work by bending a metal workpiece to form it into a sheet. But you can also buy second-hand machines such as guillotine shears, plate bending rolls, punching machines, section benders and tube benders. All these machines can work and form sheet metal.