Buyers Guide

What to look for during a Machinery Inspection

USE OF THE GUIDE

The check-list of specifications which follows has been prepared only for the most commonly traded machines, and is intended as a guide to securing the maximum amount of information on a particular machine that might be needed by a buyer or seller.

Certain information is BASIC TO ALL MACHINES and will not be repeated!
This basic information is as follows:

A. Machine Type Example: Rotary Surface Grinder
B. Builder Example: Heald
C. Model No. /Size Example: 25A 16"
D. Serial No Example17623
E. Year Built Example1944

Certain other information is SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR ALL MACHINES and will not be repeated!
This information is as follows:

  • Complete description of electrical system showing horsepower, voltage & speed of motors - 
        whether AC, DC, Variable speed; control panels, safety controls, switches, etc.
  • Overall machine dimensions (floor space occupied)
  • Weight, basic per catalog, or actual from shipping papers
  • If special or unusual machine, explanation of its operation and application
  • Brief history of use - type of plant where used - production or maintenance - heavy or light use, etc.
  • Condition of machine: AS IS, RECONDITIONED, REBUILT, ETC. Can it be seen under power? 
       Is machine assembled for inspection?
  • Location, and if sold loaded (F.O.B. Truck or Car). 
        If customer pays loading charges, indicate approximate costs, etc.
  • Terms of sale and guarantee
  • Photograph of machine, if available
  • Any mechanical or electrical safety devices
  • Any attachments or accessories not shown in particular category

Select a Machine type

For tips on what to look for during machine inspection:
AUTOMATIC SCREW MACHINES & CHUCKERS
HAND SCREW MACHINES
BALANCING MACHINES, DYNETRIC OR STATIC
BORING, JIG (See Jig Borers)
BORING MACHINES (Also Horiz. Drilling Machines) Video Available!
BORING MILLS, HORIZ. Video Available! 
BORING MILLS, VERTICAL (Incl. Vert. Turret Lathes) Video Available!
BRAKES, PRESS Video Available!
BROACHES (Horizontal or Vertical)
CHUCKERS (See Auto, Screw Machines)
COMPARATORS (Bench or Pedestal)
DRILLS, MULTIPLE SPINDLE
DRILLING MACHINES, FLOOR AND UPRIGHT Video Available!
DRILLS, RADIAL Video Available!
GEAR CHECKERS (See Gear Lappers & Testers)
GEAR FINISHERS (See Gear Shapers)
GEAR HOBBERS
GEAR LAPPERS OR SHAVERS
GEAR SHAPERS
GRINDERS, CENTERLESS Video Available!
GRINDERS, CYLINDRICAL (Plain or Universal) Video Available!
GRINDERS, DISC DOUBLE SPINDLE (Opposed) Video Ava
GRINDERS, DISC (Single End or Double End) Video Available!
GRINDERS, INTERNAL Video Available!
GRINDERS, SURFACE (Horizontal & Vertical Reciprocating)
GRINDERS, SURFACE (Rotary) Video Available!
GRINDERS, THREAD Video Available!
GRINDERS, TOOL & CUTTER Video Available!
HEADERS, COLD
HONING MACHINES Video Available!
IRONWORKERS Video Available!
JIB BORERS
KEYSEATERS
LATHES, AUTO. PRODUCTION Video Available!
LATHES, ENGINE OR TOOLROOM Video Available!
LATHES, TURRET Video Available!
MILLING MACHINES, HORIZONTAL (Knee Type) Video Available!
MILLING MACHINES, PROD-HORIZ-DUPLEX Video Available!
MILLERS, THREAD Video Available!
MILLING MACHINES, VERTICAL Video Available!
MULT-AU-MATIC PRODUCTION CHUCKING & TURNING MACHINE
PLANERS, DOUBLE HOUSING OR OPENSIDE
PRESSES, DIEING - HIGH SPEED Video Available!
PRESSES, STRAIGHT SIDE Video Available!
PRESSES, HYDRAULIC Video Available!
PRESSES, O.B.I. Video Available!
PRESSES, PUNCH Video Available!
PRESSES, TOGGLE DRAWING OR ECCENTRICK SHAFT
PROFILER & MILLER, VERT.
PUNCHES & SHEARS, POWER Video Available! 
ROLL FORMING MACHINES Video Available!
ROLLS, PLATE BENDING Video Available!
SAWS, BAND OR HACK Video Available! 
SCREW MACHINES, HAND (See Automatics)
SHAPERS, HORIZ. & VERT.(Including Slotters)
SHEARS, POWER SQUARING Video Available!
SHEARS, ROTARY Video Available!
TAPPING MACHINES
THREADING MACHINES, BOLT & PIPE
THREAD ROLLERS TURRET LATHES, VERT  
Boring Mills, Vert)
UPSETTING OR FORGING MACHINES
WELDERS, SPOT Video Available!
WIRE STRAIGHTENING & CUTTING MACHINES