Three API Motion AC Servo motors, what to do with them?

[TimKoene]

Hey all,

I bought a machine at an auction for the leadscrews it had but it came with three API Motion AC Servo motors, NEMA23 sized with a stall torque of 5.7 lb-in, rated at 10.000 RPM.

They are the MBT-N231-BCNC motors from this site:
http://www.apicontrols.com/newapi/pr...urbo_over.html

They are made in the USA and their accompanying servo drives are to be had very cheaply ($99) if you are an American:

See here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/API-Industrial-P...QQcmdZViewItem

Now, I am not an American and getting that shipped will infer a customs tax of 200 dollars per drive (because customs will value it at 800+dollars) so it is not worth the trouble for me.

What do you guys think, should I sell these motors to some lucky American? And if so, how much do you think they are worth?

Best regards,
Tim

[Al_The_Man]

They are nice motors, high rpm!
I don't know why you would be dinged on $800.00 value?
Most countries I have dealt with re customs take the used value as long as it is spelled out on a Commercial Invoice.
And 25% duty??
(I also moved this to Servo's)
Al.

[TimKoene]

Hi Al,

Thank you for your reply! Sorry for posting this in the wrong place.

I have been looking around the internet, it is a combination of handling, administration and customs fees which UPS calls COD Brokerage Fees.

" International bidders please be aware that UPS charges COD brokerage fees based on the final value of the eBay item being imported."

Basically what happens is that UPS tries to cover themselves by asking the customs office to value the shipment at X and add their own surcharge for doing that. I have heard (based on people buying CNC stuff from the US to the Netherlands, where I am) this can easily amount to 50-150% of the purchase price.

Thats why I was thinking that these motors are better off in the hands of someone in America who can get their hands on the motor controllers for a good price. But I was not to sure yet. If anyone has a better idea I would love to hear it. (please don't make this thread about shipping costs, I have looked around and for me those $99 dollar drives would amount to 400 dollars each when they are on my doorstep, which is not worth it.)

What would be a fair price for such motors? What could you do with them if mounted to a nice pair of ballscrews?

Best regards,
Tim