Many times, a woodshop will want to buy a used CNC router in order to save money. This is actually a wonderful idea, but there are certain things that you will need to think about when buying a pre-owned CNC router. Finding a used CNC router that is not only reliable, but one that offers outstanding performance can be a bit challenging. This is why it is important that you take the answers to the following questions to heart before you settle on one pre-owned CNC router over another:
How Old is Too Old?
You definitely will find, as long as a CNC machine is in good, working condition, it can be useful in the shop. That being said, however, you will certainly want to only invest in a CNC router that fits your needs. For instance, it probably won’t be a great choice to buy a CNC machine that is 30 years old if you are going to use it every day as your main router. At the same time, of course, if this is a machine that will only be used occasionally, a 30 year old machine might be perfect.
Should You Only Buy a Router Still Under Warranty?
Warranties are in place as a way to protect the investment that you put into buying new machinery and it’s never a bad idea to buy a CNC router with a warranty if you can. However, you also need to remember that a warranty is only temporary and it may be best to look at a machine that has a flawless record when it comes to maintenance, one that has a long lifespan ahead of it and one that has not been used over capacity. Warranty or not, these features are very important.
Is a Re-Conditioned Router My Best Choice?
When buying used routers, you may find that you will stumble upon re-conditioned products. These products have been taken apart, cleaned, worn components have been replaced and the machine has been tested. This sounds pretty great and in fact, it is. However, you will be paying for this and if you are on a budget, a higher quality used machine that has not been re-conditioned, still may be a better option for you. However, if you can afford a bit more, a re-conditioned machine may be ideal.
