Where to Find Used Tools and Equipment

There are many places that you will be able to find used woodworking tools and equipment to add to your shop. A few good sources can be Craigslist, woodworking forums on the internet, flea markets and even auctions in your area that you can find using your local newspaper. If you take some time and look around I am sure that you can find other sources as well. You want to keep in mind that you do not want to jump at the first thing you see. Take the time to determine if you are getting good value or simply wasting your money. You will find that a lot of things out there are really not worth buying. One thing that I pay particular attention to is the availability of replacement parts on a piece of equipment. You certainly do not want to buy a piece of equipment that you will have trouble getting parts for if you need them.

Another thing to consider is the purpose that these tools or piece of equipment is meant for. If you are a professional woodworker or a hobbyist moving toward a business you need to be especially careful. You cannot invest in a piece of equipment that is not up and running and contributing to the bottom line. This is a sure way to go out of business. If you are in one of these categories it is important that you develop a relationship with a business that sells used tools and equipment professionally. By doing this you are more likely to be happy with your investment and the reseller will get to understand your needs and do what they can to help you.

How Old is Too Old

It is only natural to wonder how old a piece of equipment can be without being considered useless. Many people are surprised to find out that this is not a big consideration as woodworking tools and equipment are often reconditioned. The things to look for are the availability of replacement parts that we mentioned earlier and the age of the motor. If you are buying a 20 year old piece of equipment that still has the original motor you are most likely looking at an upcoming problem. This is another reason you want to be in a relationship with a professional reseller. They can provide valuable information in this regard.

Do not sell yourself short by only focusing on the cost. The purpose of buying used woodworking tools and equipment is to get quality at a reasonable and reduced price.