Best used machine tools: how to choose?

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When buying used machine tools, examine the cutting edge for discoloration and avoid burnt tools. Purchase from reputable suppliers who trade in used tools for new ones. Only buy long shank tools for a longer resharpening future. Smooth, discolored cutting edges are best for resharpening.

When buying used machine tools, it is important to buy tools that can be re-sharpened and used for a long time. Close examination of the cutting edge will reveal the condition of the tool; Burnt and discolored cutting edges can indicate misuse and damage to used machine tools. When trying to buy the best tools, avoid these discolored tools as they may have lost their sharpness and, therefore, the ability to stay sharp for long periods. The best used machine tools are often purchased from a tool supplier who trades in the used tools for new purchases. These tools often have a lot of life left and are only traded to keep the user supplied with like new tools.

For the average home machinist, used machine tools can make up the majority of the shop’s total expense. It is imperative that only the best used machine tools are purchased, enabling you to get the most out of your tool buying budget. Suppliers of new tools often accept old off-the-shelf tools and the supplier regrinds and heat treats the old tools. This provides a good supply of used tooling that the supplier is able to sell at reduced prices to machinists who don’t have the budget or need for expensive new tooling. Many of these used and refurbished tools are top-of-the-line name brand tools sold for the same price as cheap off-brand tools.

There are two main areas of machine tools to look into when shopping for used items. The cutting edge and handle or shank of the tool. To get the best out of used tools, buy only tools with smooth, discolored cutting edges. Overheating a cutting edge causes noticeable loss of hardness through discoloration; these tools are often difficult to resharpen and rarely keep a sharp edge. This will force you to resharpen the tool frequently, leading to wasted time and areas of poor surface finish on your projects.

When buying used short shank machine tools, the tool has a limited amount of sharpness left. This tool will not last long and is not a good value. Buy only long shank used machine tools to ensure a long resharpening future and get more value for your money. Whenever possible, purchase used machine tools from reputable manufacturers to ensure you have a quality tool that will deliver top-notch results for your endeavors.




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