Buying a Machine for Woodworking - What Are My Options?

There are two criteria that determine whether a machine for woodworking is a sound purchase: whether or not its function(s) adequately meets the needs of its buyer, and whether or not it was purchased at a reasonable price. Regarding the first criterion, a machine's functionality has more than to do with its intended use; it also concerns the level of dependability a machine maintains over the course of its useful life span. Regarding the second criterion, a reasonable purchase price can result in more than a little money saved; in the case of industrial woodworking equipment, it can result in saving that significantly impact a company's bottom line. With these two criteria in mind, we evaluate the four commonest buying options for woodworking machines.

Buying from a Local Hardware Store

Before the Internet, buying woodworking machines consisted of either catalogue ordering or visiting a local hardware store. Today, however, various websites offer a range of products at a range of prices that Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, etc. can only dream of. More often than not, those who prefer the first person buying experience of a local hardware store value its psychological comfort, despite the price hikes that result from overhead. If you need everyday tools or supplies, buying from a hardware store is sensible. But for industrial woodworking machines, shopping online offers more advantages.

Buying from Company Auctions

As companies close their doors during the current recession, buying their used machinery at fantastic prices presents a golden opportunity; if you get fantastic machinery, that is. The problem with company auctions is that you rarely receive enough information on machine to be sure of its future dependability, such as whether its bid range is accurately predicated its state of wear and maintenance history. Company auctions are a great place to buy machinery, enhance its condition, and sell it for a profit. But if you're looking for machinery that you can immediately add to your production line, the risk for failure is too high.

Buying from Online Auctions

The risk of buying a machine for woodworking from an online auction is similar to the risk of buying it from a physical auction, but with a major exception: the identity of the seller is more obscure. Are you buying from someone who possesses the ability to assess a machine's dependability, or are you buying from a seller who wants to flip a machine that they bought at auction? Is the risk really worth it?

Buying from Professional Sellers of Used Woodworking Machinery

Buying industrial woodworking machinery from a professional seller offers several advantages. For one, the seller can provide a copy of a machine's official maintenance record, which should help to clarify its reliability. For another, a professional seller should be registered with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which allows you to determine its devotion to customer satisfaction by reviewing its record. When you shop a used machinery seller that has a solid record at the BBB; offers copies of maintenance records; and allows you to inspect a machine first hand if you wish, your chances of receiving new machine quality at a used machine price are as high as possible.

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