Should I Buy A New Or Used CNC Router?

by FORSUN CNC mechanic

Buying a used CNC router is a gamble, you need to evaluate its reliability and future maintenance costs. Generally speaking, the used CNC router is cheap, but its subsequent processing performance, remaining service life, and maintenance cost are uncertain. The new CNC routers are more reliable, more powerful, and have a longer lifespan, but their prices may exceed your limited budget.

Different buyers will decide whether to buy used machines or new ones. When you need to buy a CNC router, there is no easy answer, because it depends on your production needs, budget, and time.

FORSUN CNC has compiled a list of key factors that should be considered when purchasing, to help users who want to purchase engraving machines make better choices.

Should I buy a new or used CNC router?

Your production needs

Beginner: If you only need machine tools as a hobby, you do not need an advanced CNC router machine. A miniature CNC router that can meet your needs. The new mini CNC routers are cheap, so you can buy new or used machines. Both are cheap and affordable.

Craftsmen and experts Some craftsmen or woodworking experts need CNC engraving machines to make a living or earn extra money. If you are one of them, it is better to buy a new machine that is more reliable and profitable. The new CNC machine tools can be customized according to your processing needs. With a 4-axis CNC router machine, 5-axis machining center, and ATC CNC router machine, it can process complex 3D parts and produce high-quality products. Many users have successfully used their machines for furniture processing, billboard production, or other businesses, and have obtained many benefits.

Large business owners: Large business owners also need new CNC router machines to develop their business and increase productivity. The new CNC machine tools are more suitable for mass production and can meet your machining needs with high efficiency and high precision. In addition, the new machine has almost no failures during processing and greatly reduces maintenance costs. I do not recommend that you buy a second-hand CNC router, because it usually takes a long time to maintain or repair.

Your budget plan

Limited budget: Some users have limited budgets, so it is difficult to purchase a new CNC router machine. Your choice is not always correct. The price of CNC machine tools is determined by the parts. Some parts are imported from famous foreign manufacturers, and the price of the whole machine is very high. Some replacement parts have good performance and reasonable prices. If you need to make a living on a CNC router, you can also buy a new CNC router. Usually, when the budget is limited, you can buy a second-hand CNC router or buy a new machine, but if you are worried about future maintenance costs, you’d better buy a new CNC router.

Sufficient budget: If the budget is sufficient, the new CNC engraving machine will be a good choice. The use of new machines can avoid many maintenance problems in the post-processing process. New CNC engraving machines usually have a quality guarantee period, so you don’t have to worry about the quality of the machine.

Your time

Within a limited time: If you need to use the router machine as soon as possible, please do not buy a second-hand CNC router machine. Unless you are very professional about it, it will take a lot of time and effort to check the operation and quality of this machine. Buying a new CNC router is more reliable and faster. The manufacturer can provide thoughtful service and meet your needs.

Ample time: If you have enough time to buy a machine, you can choose according to your needs. Remember, if you want to buy a second-hand CNC router, please check the machine settings carefully.

What do you want to use a CNC router machine for?

The main difference between the new and old CNC router machines is the customization options and controller performance. Old CNC routers are likely to require a lot of software and controller updates to be compared with new machines. However, if the old machine you are using fully meets your needs and meets the latest requirements in other ways, the price difference may justify the purchase.

How urgently do you need CNC router?

If you need a critical machine, it might make more sense to buy a new machine. Newer machines are easy to find, and they usually don’t require much effort to set up. However, to find the right second-hand CNC router machinery at the right price and relatively good conditions to complete this work, usually, a lot of research is needed.

What is the skill level of your employees?

Generally speaking, newer CNC routers have more sophisticated software that is easy to use and can produce consistent cutting quality. Older CNC routers may require more training because the software may not be powerful enough. This largely depends on the specific CNC router machine you are considering or planning to purchase.

Will you link CNC router tools to an existing network in your shop?

Older CNC routers are more difficult to connect to the workflow in your workshop because of compatibility issues. If the machine you need to buy can run independently, then you don’t need to worry. Although, depending on the function of the machine, it is best to consider machines that can quickly and easily join your store network.

What is your budget?

For second-hand machines, you want to find new models with less use time. Usually, you will spend about $70,000 to $90,000 for a decent second-hand model. You can certainly pay much less than this, but as the price decreases, the quality of the machine will also decrease.

The price of the new machine is approximate $100,000-$300,000.

Do you have time to figure out the CNC router by yourself?

Before buying a second-hand machine, consider the support that may come with it. Is there a learning curve and will it be difficult for you to get support? Unless you are supported by the company or manufacturer you bought, you have to do many settings, upgrades, and training on a second-hand computer.

Do you have the time?

Compared with second-hand machinery, new machinery can provide strong support and services. You will most likely get up and running faster and more efficiently.

What makes sense to you?

When buying new or second-hand equipment, there is no right or wrong way. What may be applicable in one store may not be applicable in another store. Be sure to step back and analyze the best method for your business in order to make the most money!

Summary

In short, I hope you can buy a second-hand CNC router or a new CNC router according to the production needs, budget, and time of choosing the machine. In my opinion, buying a new machine is more reliable. It can guarantee the processing quality and performance of the machine.

We have more than 20 years of experience in the business field and have been perfecting our skills and tools. Buying a CNC router machine is an important decision. FORSUN CNC can help you do this with confidence. Before buying, you can consult us for free, and we will recommend the most suitable CNC router machine for you.