Buying Guide
With this helpful information you will be able to make solid decision on your next purchase. We strongly recommend to familiarize yourself with the useful materials provided on this page.
Your Guide to Used Woodworking Machines
Author: Ann Triune
There are many advantages to used woodworking machines. These types of machines can benefit anyone from the hobbyist to a business owner. New woodworking machines have very good quality, however, used machines can have just about the same thing at half the price. Use this guide in your search for the best used machines in the market.
Are Used Machines For You?
First of all, ask yourself if you absolutely need used woodworking machines. If you have a tight budget, then used machines are a good choice, as long as you buy a good quality one. You can't just buy any used machine and expect it to work properly. You may end up spending even more for replacements. If you're careful, you'll find a good deal.
Furthermore, ask yourself if you have the appropriate workshop. Most used machines are quite heavyweight. For instance, your planer may be half a ton heavy, and it may not be appropriate for a tiny table. Also make sure a machine runs smoothly so you don't waste power.
What Are Some Buying Tips?
First, you need to inspect each used machine carefully. Check for extreme wear and tear. If you're buying online, simply look at the pictures. Sometimes you'll notice some damage, but this isn't always the case. So you can ask for more pictures just to be sure.
Secondly, go for branded machines. Even if they are used machines, you're more likely to have repair or maintenance services from their manufacturer compared to non-branded ones. Businesses that aren't well known oftentimes cannot offer you these services.
Third, ask for warranty and maintenance. Even with used machines, you need to make sure you get a guarantee that you'll receive the product in good condition. Check if delivery is included with your purchase.
Finally, remember to negotiate the costs. Merchandisers sometimes give their products a higher price than the actual price they expect to get. This is so they're ready for any customer who may want a lower price.
Where Can I Find Used Machines?
Shop around for lower prices. On the Internet, you can compare prices fast and even look at some customer reviews. You get to scan over hundreds of products by category with just a few clicks.
Good quality and cheap used machines can also be found at company sites. Some companies occasionally replace older models with new ones. They need to sell the older models fast, which is why you'll find cheap machines that still have good quality.
Other businesses will need to sell used machines for other reasons. Sometimes the prices can become ridiculously cheap due to a business closing down, relocating or switching to another operation where machines aren't needed anymore. Certain financial burdens can force a business to sell their machines at a very cheap price.
Used woodworking machines should be treated like new ones. Maintenance is key to keeping them in top condition. The same safety rules should also apply. Most accidents occur not because of machinery themselves, but from poor use. Used machines are great for any project. Just list down what projects you plan on doing to get an idea of what used machines to buy.
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Get the right tools for your woodworking ideas. Find the best deals on used woodworking machines online.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Your Guide to Used Woodworking Machines
Edgebander Buying Guide
Manufacturers considering the purchase of a new or upgraded edgebander should identify what they want the machine to be able to do — today and in the next three to five years, Manufacturers also should identify how their production may change in the future — in terms of volume and flexibility for new and different products. Budget considerations are important. Obtaining a measure of current expenditures to ‘cover the edges’ today will result in a well-informed decision concerning investment versus return on this important machine later. Talking with other owners of edgebanders with similar size or specification helps identify capabilities, price range and reputation of machines currently available on the market.
The two most important areas for consideration, particularly for first time buyers, are ‘off the end quality’ and a representative who knows your business and specific equipment needs, the quality of the product leaving the machine can vary from machine to machine especially when comparing a less expensive model to a larger more costly item. The size of machine and number of stations will determine the parts ability to proceed to the next step of production — without further manual work.
For those companies looking for an edgebander, Companies in the market for a new edgebander first should determine their requirements, not only for today’s customer and production needs, but also for the future. Many machines are modular and can be purchased with open space that will allow for additional working units in the future. The desire to create a work cell that networks all machines together, including office PC (design package/ optimization), beam saw, label printing, CNC machining center and edgebander will have a direct impact on the choice of machines. In this instance, control systems and automation become very important. Companies should choose a vendor that offers a high level of technical expertise, fast parts service and a reputation for quality and innovation.
Balance speed with quality
It is difficult to compare edgebanders without taking into account design and engineering features. Never compare machines using a spreadsheet type approach, remember, a Yugo and a Mercedes both have engines, transmissions and seats etc., but have very different levels of quality, engineering and safety. When selecting an edgebander, a company should balance quality of finish against machine feed speeds and take into account the fact that particleboard (the product to which edgebanding is most widely applied) typically weighs forty-five pounds per cubic foot.
Flexibility, machine sturdiness and production speed all should be considered when buying an edgebander, one should first decide what mix of products he wants to do. Is it just tapes that he wants to do or is it tapes, 3mm PVC, solid wood or all of the above. Once this is determined, my recommendation would be to go with a heavy-based machine. The more stations that you have the more vibration occurs, and the more vibration the better the chance is of screws coming undone over time. The lighter the machine base, the greater the chances for wear and tear.”
Production speed is a consideration as well, and that depends upon the amount of material to be banded in a day. If the person is running material all day long, the flow-through speed becomes more important than the flow-through speed of someone who runs a slight amount of material through the bander. Coupled with the speed of the track is the number of stations required to work on that panel. The fewer the stations the slower the track has to go because of the fact that the panel is probably being hit with only one function at each particular station. More stations engaged in performing several processes are required for running at faster speeds.
Finally, it is important that the new edgebander owner remembers some simple maintenance tips. I would suggest that an edgebander operator keep the track lubricated to give the machine a longer life, also, as one changes the speed of the track, he should change the glue roller, the pressure roller and the feed roller accordingly. Keep the machine clean as this will reduce wear, errors and maintenance, last try to maintain a rule of one operator for the machine. Edgebanders have many areas for adjustment and it is logical that one person is more likely to understand the machine and its adjustments than 5 people who are unsure of what the last operator adjusted.
Mitch Brennan
Coast Machinery Group Inc.
What safety procedures should you follow when using woodworking machines?
- Always wear safety glasses or goggles
- Wear dust masks when required.
- Wear hearing protection that is suitable for the level and frequency of the noise you are exposed to in the woodworking area. If you have trouble hearing someone speak from three feet away, the noise level from the machine is too high. Damage to hearing may occur.
- Use gloves to protect hands from splinters when handling wood but do not wear them near rotating blades and other machinery parts where the gloves can catch.
- Make sure the guard is in position, is in good working condition, and guards the machine adequately before operating any equipment or machine. Check and adjust all other safety devices.
- Make sure the equipment is properly grounded before use.
- Check that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from the machine before turning on the power.
- Inspect stock for nails or other materials before cutting, planing, routing or carrying out similar activities.
- Make sure that all machines have start and stop buttons within easy and convenient reach of an operator. Start buttons should be protected so that accidental contact will not start the machine. A collar around the button 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 mm) above the button is recommended.
- Ensure that all cutting tools and blades are clean, sharp, and in good working order so that they will cut freely, not forced.
- Turn the power off and unplug the power cord (or lock out the power source) before inspecting, changing, cleaning, adjusting or repairing a blade or a machine. Also turn the power off when discussing the work.
- Use a "push stick" to push material into the cutting area. Jigs are also useful in keeping hands safe during cutting procedures. Keep hands out of the line of the cutting blade.
- Clamp down and secure all work pieces when drilling or milling.
- Use good lighting so that the work piece, cutting blades, and machine controls can be seen clearly. Position or shade lighting sources so they do not shine in the operator's eyes or cause any glare and reflections.
- Ensure that the floor space around the equipment is sufficient to enable you to machine the size of work piece being processed safely without bumping into other workers or equipment.
- Woodworking machines should be fitted with efficient and well-maintained local exhaust ventilation systems to remove sawdust or chips that are produced.
- Electric power cords should be above head level or in the floor in such a way that they are not tripping hazards.
- Keep work area free of clutter, clean, well swept, and well lit. Spills should be cleaned up immediately. Floor areas should be level and non-slip. Good housekeeping practices and workplace design will reduce the number of injuries and accidents from slips, trips, and falls.
