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How to Buy a Used CNC Machine Without Getting Scammed

When you go out shopping for used CNC machines, you get multiple options out there both in online and offline mode. Getting overwhelmed by the variety of options out there, a lot of people often make a wrong purchase decision by going after the machine that is cheapest or from the platform that is giving exaggerated information about the machine. This is the reason why a lot of used CNC machine buyers have to repent after purchasing and get scammed. But if you are looking forward to knowing how you can buy a used CNC machine without being scammed then we’re to help you out with that so let’s dive deep and understand that in detail.

Top methods to follow to buy a used CNC machine without getting scammed

Here is a list of some of the best and simplest ways that you can follow to buy used CNC machines correctly without getting scammed by fake sellers –

1. Research about the seller

The first step that you need to take to prevent getting scammed is to do thorough research about the seller. Currently, several offline shops or online platforms are selling used CNC machines. But you shouldn’t just buy it from anyone you want, instead, you should do proper background research about the seller and then make the final decision to buy from them, here’s what steps to take –

Check the customer reviews and testimonials in the first place. Customer reviews are one of the easiest and best ways to find out the truth about any business. So make sure you check that, it’s mostly available on every company’s site.
Do cross checking of the customer testimonials by trying to contact some of the used CNC machine buyers from their companies. Ask them about their experience with the machine and the whole purchasing procedure.
Ask them about their procedure of sales. You must check that they have a very transparent way of doing business, if anything unusual gets spotted then you should abstain from making any kind of deal.

2. Research the market

The next thing you need to do to make sure you don’t get scammed is that you need to research the used CNC machine market properly. Check the average price of the type of machine you are looking for. The price may vary significantly depending upon the place they’re currently in, the brand, and the past hours of usage. But here’s how you can do the best market research and find the best deals for you –

Start with comparing the prices of different used CNC machines listed on different sites or available in different stores.
Then understand the value proposition of the deal by getting the details like past work hours, condition of the machine, and the brand of the machine.
You can also check if there are any auctions happening and get an idea of how much people are paying for the machines, also consult with peers in different forums and groups on social media platforms.

3. Inspect the machine’s condition

Your next step should be to inspect the overall condition of the machine. No matter what the seller says, you need to do an inspection yourself to get the right idea about the machine. Here are some tips that you need to keep in mind while inspecting the machine –

Firstly, check if there is any kind of physical damage to the machine which includes different wear and tear that happens with time, but also check if there is any rusting on the machine, especially on the critical parts.
Next, check the condition of the spindle as that’s one of the most important parts of a CNC machine. Also, check the condition of the motor and if that’s working properly.
Lastly, don’t forget to inspect the control system. Make sure that the control system is updated and is very easy to use. Outdated software may not have the best features and can make the learning curve higher.

4. Ask for a test run

After doing the visual inspection of the CNC machine, you should ask for a trial run of the machine. Sometimes we overlook some problems with the machine through the naked eye, but getting a test run helps us understand all those issues. Here’s how a trial run can help you evaluate the machine –

You get to know about the precision or accuracy of the machine with the help of a trial run. A test run makes you understand whether the dimensions are within tolerance or if the finishing is done smoothly.
A test run will help you understand the real speed of the machine and you’ll be able to check whether it is making any unusual noises during the operation.
You also get an idea about load handling, as sometimes machines that do well with lightweight often fail to do well with heavy weights.

5. Ask for service and maintenance records

Getting the service and maintenance records of a machine helps you understand how the machine was treated or taken care of by its last owner. It also helps you to know different details about the parts of the machine. Here is why the service and maintenance records of the machine matter to you –

You get to know the details of servicing that happened on the machine. You can understand if the previous has regularly maintained the machine or not.
You get to know about the different parts of the machine and their current condition. The records will show you if any part, in particular, has been disturbing and has gone through multiple repairs or replacements.
The papers will give you a detailed idea about the warranty period for the parts of the machine and the machine as a whole.

6. Understand post purchase support

If you are finally satisfied with the machine, then you must go ahead to the next step and that’s understanding the post purchase support offered by the company to you. Here are the things about post-purchase support you need to know before doing the deal –

First, know the assistance they’re going to provide in doing the whole setup and delivering the whole machine to your plant. It is the most important part of post-purchase support.
Understand the warranty terms in detail. Find out what support you will get in case of any kind of major problems with the machine.
Finally, know what troubleshooting guidance you will get after buying the machine, and how they will help you in case of repairing the machine or parts of the machine. Also, know what troubleshooting guidance you will get in case of any problem with the control system.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, you need to be a smart buyer to make such a heavy purchase decision. To be a smart buyer in the first place, you need to research more. Research about products and market and also inspect the product thoroughly. With all the research and good negotiation skills, you will be able to buy a used CNC machine without getting scammed in any way. Also, if you are looking for a reliable platform to buy used CNC machines without getting scammed then go with MachineStation and if you need any specific machine then fill our machinery locator form and we will help you out.