Newbie- VF-0 Questions

[rawen2]

Hi all,
I've been a member for some time but this is my first post.

I'm looking into buying a 1993 VF-0 for my home shop.
What questions should I ask of the current owner? I am too far away to see the machine in person but the owner seems pretty honest over the phone. He's taken time to answer all of the questions I've put to him so far. This machine is being used in a machine shop and he bought it new so he knows the history of it.

I think I'd have to remove the Z axis motor to make the machine fit through my 7' high garage door. Anyone else done this with a VF-0? Is it a 10 minute job or all day?

I plan to make aluminum parts (brackets, braces etc.) as a side business in my spare time so the machine wouldn't be running every day. I have a rotary 10HP phase converter that I'd use to power it since I only have single phase power available.

I'd appreciate any input regarding what to look out for and also what you think a '93 VF-0 in good shape is worth.

I tried searching using "VF-0", "VF-O", "VF0", "vf-0" etc. and every one came back "sorry". Yet I've seen at least a couple of posts with "VF-0" in them so I don't know what I'm doing wrong in the search to come up empty handed. So I apologize if my questions have been asked many times before.

Thanks,
Ralph

[Dr Pete]

Remove & replace z axis motor, 1 day job.
Your 10hp phase converter isn't going to handle the power requirements for this machine.
Call up Hass and ask them these questions to get better answers.
Local here (California) I have seen this older machine go for around $50K depending on what options and tooling your going to get with the machine.
I have read that the older 1996 and earlier machines have more problems.

What's it going to cost for service? Can you do most of the work yourself?
Why is the machine being sold? The answer to this question may not be helpful but might help making a decision.

Don't forget the shipping and forklift rental to get into your garage.
Cut a new door in your garage to handle the machine! (might be easier to patch stucco than r&r the z axis!)

[big_mak]

Wow 50K for a 15 year old VF-0 Thats ridiculous!when you consider the price of a brand new equivalent.