Introduction
A milling machine is an essential tool in any metal fabrication workshop or any production line that deals with metals. Milling machines are applied for cutting, dulling, or machining metal, timber, and other solid materials. One of the options that must be considered when deciding when to invest in a milling machine is whether to go for a new or a used machine. Each has merits and demerits when it comes to purchasing a small milling machine on sale. In this article, we will provide basic comparisons between new and used small milling machines to aid your purchase.
Cost Savings of a Used Machine
The primary advantage of buying a used milling machine over a new one is that it is cheaper. Used equipment is often more affordable because it has already experienced its first two years of depreciation. This means that chances are high that you will find a working used machine for sale at a significantly lower price than a new one. The level of savings can be pretty high, sometimes even reaching 50% or more of the new list price for a new machine.
If the price is of paramount importance, then you should go for a second-hand milling machine. The capital so conserved can be invested in the shop’s tooling, accessories, maintenance, and other necessities. Just be sure to have a mechanic of your choice examine any used machine before buying it.
Potential Risks of a Used Milling Machine
However, there are some disadvantages to buying used equipment rather than new equipment, even if the main product is much cheaper and is known as used equipment. First of all, you are not aware of the past of a used mill or how its previous owner treated the equipment. It is quite possible that there are other problems or that the equipment has worn out too much, and these are not easily noticeable.
Understand that a used machine might need repairs or certain spare parts more often than when a machine is purchased brand new. Some of your initial costs may be negated by electrical repairs or rebuilds of components. Also, the buyer cannot be assured of a warranty from the manufacturer. Therefore, the costs of maintenance and repairs are all borne by an individual using a used mill.
New Machine Warranties and Quality
When buying a new small milling machine, the key benefit is the warranty offered by the manufacturer. New machinery is generally warranted for at least one year from the factory.
Some even give warranties of two or three years, including parts replacement and repair services. To a new machine owner, this warranty protection is beneficial. It saves them money for repair bills, at least for some time.
In addition to the warranty period, a new mill generally has a longer overall working life before a significant overhaul is needed. New equipment has not been used or worn out before it gets to your shop. New means getting a machine in its original pristine state that has not been used before. Suppose the business owners intend to use the milling machine for many years. In that case, a new machine may be more profitable in the long run.
Comparing Features and Capabilities
The other factor that needs to be considered is the disparity in the features and capabilities of a new or second-hand milling machine. CNC mills in today’s market or those that are fitted with the latest speed enhancement and safety features will be considerably expensive. This is true if it is not essential to operate the milling machine in the most modern way possible; the used machines out in the market may suffice for your needs.
When comparing used versus new small mills, carefully assess aspects such as:
– Power and volume capability
– Manual control vs Computer numerical control
– The number of tables available and their movement patterns.
– Power feed options
– Spindle taper refers to the spindle style either on the gun or on the container in which the bullets are held.
– Number of axes
Ensure the selected features address your business’s current and future milling requirements. In general, newer mills can accommodate heavier cutting loads or provide better feed rates. However, the used machine that has been on the market for some time can still be sufficient for the projects that require its use. When selecting equipment, allow the intended user to determine whether it is better to use new or used equipment.
Buying Refurbished as a Compromise
The third available choice is of course a second-hand milling machine, but it can also be a refurbished one. This type of equipment has been used before but has been checked by a professional and is in good condition. Replace damaged components and adjust the machine to the optimal working conditions as if it is brand new. Externally it may look like it has been used before, but internally it has been fixed and restored to working order.
Some of the cost savings associated with purchasing used equipment can be realized if one buys a refurbished small mill. Refurbished mills should also be accompanied by a warranty from the reseller, though they should be limited in time. This also assists in offering cover if some problems may not be noticed at the time of refurbishing. Although not strictly a new invention, a professionally restored mill is suitable in the middle of a well-worn tool and an unused one.
Test Before You Buy
The best advice for considering a used, refurbished or a new milling machine is to try it out before purchasing it.
At a minimum:
– Check all the visible parts for any signs of abnormality.
– That is why when running, people listen to the machine.
– Some test cuts should now be made to check the power and the sharpness.
It is ideal to perform all the movements and functions on a given mill before making the purchase decision. It is essential to ensure that product quality and the state of the product are right before the exchange of cash. This is why it is important not to purchase any machine without first inspecting it physically, whether it is new or used.
Conclusion
When using a small milling machine for your workshop, it is essential to weigh the advantages or disadvantages of purchasing a brand new machine or a used one. From a cost standpoint, used and refurbished mills are cheaper. However, they have an unknown maintenance history, and the factory warranty does not apply to them. The new models of milling machines are more expensive than the old ones but have warranties and they last longer. Take your needs into consideration, and compare the features of different machines, but do not forget to try out machines before buying them. This will result in making the right purchase decision; where and from whom to get the best milling machine for a given price range and its use in metalworking.