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Don't Buy a Used CNC Machine Blind
A machinist checks it before you pay: live video from anywhere, or in person around Taunton, MA.
Book a remote inspection Book in person Call / text 508-343-1219
Who it's for
- Shops and garage machinists buying a used VMC or CNC lathe from a dealer, auction, or private seller
- Buyers who are far from the machine and can't take a day off to drive there
- Anyone who wants a second opinion before wiring money for a machine they've only seen in photos
Who's doing the inspecting
I'm Tim Sproul, a CNC machinist, programmer, and setup machinist who buys and sells used tooling at usedcnctools.com. I've run, set up, and fixed these machines on the shop floor, so I know what a tired spindle sounds like and where sellers hide problems.
What's included
- Machine ID check: serial plate, year, control, and power-on / cutting / spindle hours, compared to the listing
- Spindle: warm-up, runs at several speeds, noise and heat, runout with an indicator (if the seller allows), tool clamp and drawbar
- Axes: full-travel jog, backlash check with an indicator, way lube, ballscrew and servo noise
- Control: alarm history, options list, parameter backup, battery
- Tool changer: every pocket or turret station cycled
- Coolant, lube, hydraulics, air, electrical cabinet, leveling, and a test cut when the seller can run one
- Full checklist: download the printable checklist (PDF)
Remote video: I send the seller a short prep list (machine warmed up, a camera person, an indicator ready, cabinet key). Then I direct the camera live while the seller's operator runs the tests.
What you get
A photo/video report with a clear verdict: BUY, NEGOTIATE (with a target price), or WALK. It lists the problems I found and rough repair-cost ranges, and you get it within 24 hours of the inspection.
Pricing
In-person inspection, local
$495 flat + mileage
Southeastern MA / RI, up to 3 hrs on site + report. Mileage at $0.70/mile round trip after the first 25 miles.
Book in person| Remote live-video inspection (call up to 90 min + written report) | $295 flat |
|---|---|
| In-person inspection, local (Southeastern MA / RI, up to 3 hrs on site + report) | $495 flat + mileage at $0.70/mile round trip after the first 25 miles |
| Extra on-site time beyond 3 hrs | $95/hr |
| Rush report (same day) | +$75 |
Please read: This report is my honest opinion of what I could see and test on inspection day. It is not a warranty and does not promise how the machine will run or hold size later. Some problems only show up with teardown, special test gear, or over time. My gages are shop gages and are not lab-calibrated. You make the final buying call.