Used cnc lathe for parts

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In a previous post, we had discussed that if you are in the market for a used cnc lathe, then you need to ensure the integrity of all the parts in the machine, so the used cnc lathe that you are considering to buy will satisfactorily produce the parts that you plan to manufacture with it. We had therefore discussed about getting a machine mechanic to go through the mechanicals and electricals and the hydraulics to help provide you with peace of mind. Because unlike new machines, used cnc lathes generally do not come with any warranty.

There is one instance where this level of precaution does not bear ground. And that is if you are purchasing an old used cnc lathe just so you can use the parts out of it for the other cnc lathes that you may have in your shop that are the same make and model. This can actually work out to be cheaper in the long run. Especially if you have several cnc lathes of the same make and model as the used cnc lathe that you are considering, and many of them are beginning to show their old age, then chances are there is going to be a lot of breakdowns requiring replacement of hardware and stripping from the new acquisition may reduce the maintenance costs for the existing machines in your machine shop.

The key to ensure is that the make and model need to be the same. Because many machine tool manufacturers improve upon their design constantly and a machine make with a model that is slightly different may have totally different parts from its predecessor model. This may not be easily noticeable but nevertheless may be very true. This includes things like hydraulic motor, video screens, tool holder sizes and such. In any case, by having a used cnc lathe sitting with parts, the lead time to wait for spare parts is also reduced in addition to having lower costs as far as component pricing. The key is to keep manufacturing costs as low as possible and one way of reducing maintenance costs may well be to invest in a used cnc lathe just for getting access to spare parts.