Prices for small VMCs at auction?

[sp1nm0nkey]

I'm interested in getting a small VMC for light work in delrin and aluminum. I like the tormach but am not a big fan of the steppers, and I'm not interested in getting a foreign machine, so I'm thinking of getting a machine at auction. If I narrow myself to machines similar to the fanuc robodrill, just small light duty VMCs, how much can I expect to pay for something in decent condition? I realize decent condition can mean a lot of things, but, considering that I'm pretty decent at fixing electrical stuff and have friends that can regrind stuff if need be, a rough estimate would be nice.

[cheetahcnc]

Try a search for " (vmc, cnc) (mill, milling) " on ebay, no quotes. You can narrow it down with your price range, eg $1000 - $15000. If you check the "completed listings" box, you can see what a variety of manufacturers' vmc's typically go for.

Jim

[sp1nm0nkey]

I would imagine that prices at local machine auctions are a bit different than prices on ebay, right?

[scadvice]

Bottom line...how much can you spend for a machine and tooling? Also how inclide and willing, time wise to fix, a used machine? I spent 10K for a machining center Fadal and have put about 2k into it along with about 150 or so hrs. rebuild ing (they have great manuals, a must and their free The results are I have a 4 axis machine center in near new shape that new cost 85 or 90k. Most (not all) info I got of of the cnc zone or or practical machinist forms. Alot I got from the dealer (it was a Fadal) or ww.Fadalcnc.com at no cost. I'm a believer in their help and support along with buying parts needed.
So... what can you afford to spend? That is were you start from!
Steve

[sp1nm0nkey]

Say 6k to 8k. I've got the electronics experience (I've designed DC and AC servo drives) and I have the time to work on it. Sounds like you like Fadal, I'm definitely liking their 4020/3016. In general, I'd really like to shoot for a machine made after 1992. Also, what's usually cheaper? Box ways or Linear rail ways?

[MilSpec]

About two months ago I saw a huge 1969' (completely rebuilt 1996 for $55,000) flawless looking Pratt and Whitney jig borer sell for $350.00. Saw a 2006 haas vf-3ss go for 60k at the same auction. Fortunately for you, just about every other manufacturing shop is up for auction, look into some job shops/CNC shops that are "up for auction" around your area and check some out (Hilco Auction is the only big one I can think of right now but there are tons of big auction companies catering to manufacturing). The newest (2004-current) VMC's are still getting some decent prices at these auctions; you'll find tons of dirt cheap (under $7000) 3-axis VMC's 1990-current, if you need/want through spindle coolant, 4-5 axis, HSS and other extras then expect to pay quite a bit more. Ebay is a great source for this stuff too, the auctions can be really interesting though seeing what everything is goin for right now. Also...dont forget to consider rigging costs.

[Donkey Hotey]

There was a pair of Haas VF-1s on eBay last week for $2,900 (yes, three thousand dollars). They both needed work but I'm sure you could put one machine together out of the two. They were in Sun Valley, Ca. If you're at all interested, I'll dig for them. I don't think they sold.

[PhoenixMetal]

Right now at a live auction (June '09), I'd say you could get a quality used small late 1990's - early 2000's era VMC for anywhere from $5,000 - $8,000 (plus the 15% or so buyer's premium). However, you need to keep in mind that rigging and transportation will cost another $1,500 easily even if you are local to the auction site. Also, there will be significant other costs for quality toolholders, vises, etc. to get it up and running. It is of course possible to buy those items at that same auction.

[benji2505]

My suggestion was to go to machinetools(dot)com. Sign up for the auctions and you will get flushed with offers of austions and repossesions. The prices are going down steeply. Everuybodu is throwing idle capacities on the market. I had three offers for 02-03 Haas machines this weeks that sold for 40% of the list price. hours on the spindel were 3-5k hours. Not bad.