How To Buy A CNC Router

Buying CNC router machinery is an important decision for any sized company. We have learned that our customers are best served when they do their research.
Laura Rodriguez, CNC Parts Dept., Inc.

CNC Router Purchase Checklist

Below is a check list that can help guide the process for your company. We are here to help you get the most out of your used CNC machinery purchase.

Research

Research the broker. Check BBB, Chambers of Commerce, Yelp, call your competitor, etc.

Budget

You should budget for the CNC router, pack and prep, shipping & rigging, software, training, air compressor, 3 phase electricity, collets, and a couple thousand for replacement parts.

Deposit

When you find the machine you like, place a deposit. All too often machines are sold out from under the buyer. Without a deposit, the machine is on the market and may be purchased at any time, even if you have an appointment to see it.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

Go to the machine or hire a competent CNC Technician to inspect the machine for you. During your visit, look not only at the machine but at the plant. How they treat their plant is how they treat their equipment. A visit to a machine will cost you money and time but it is the best way to ensure you are getting what you pay for.

Pack and Prep

Expect to pay for “pack and prep” or do it yourself. Riggers do not pack and prep. This is the best insurance you can buy for your used CNC router. A CNC Technician can ensure the machine is packed and prepped properly, loaded correctly, and that everything that should be on the truck is on the truck.

Shipping

Expect to arrange your own shipping/rigging. Go to the machine on shipping day, or hire a competent CNC Technician to supervise loading. The seller may have every intent of “doing these things for you” but when the phone rings with a company emergency, your router is not as important as their business.

Before Arrival

Have an appropriate dedicated electrical shutoff and an air supply at the machine location. When your machine arrives, you will want to turn it on and start cutting away.

Commissioning

Shipping a machine on a truck can affect the electrical connections or head alignment. Proper commissioning will ensure your machine works for you. CNC Parts Dept. can provide commissioning at an additional cost.

Training

Will you need training? It is recommended to get at least 2 days of training if this is your first CNC router. It is recommended to get training if you’ve never used the controller before. CNC Parts Dept. provides training for Fagor controllers.

Questions To Ask

What part will need to be replaced next?

This is used equipment after all, and maintenance/repair is part of the game.

What services besides selling machines does my broker offer?

Most machinery brokers only sell machines. Your after-market experience is not their concern. CNC Parts Dept. can provide both service and parts for most machines we sell.