How would you go about this machine purchase?

[Pevehouse]

Found a machine I want even though I already have the exact model. The reason I want this one is it’s nearly new even at 20yrs old while mine has slight wear and cosmetic issues.

The problem is the seller has no idea of market value given what equipment it should have but lacks.

It is a lathe, no change gears, one chuck and toolpost, but nothing else that would normally be purchased when buying a lathe.

These machines are niche machines and are no longer produced so readily available add ons ( steady/travel rest, change gears) are not a guaranteed option and will likely be pricy if they can be found.

The machine is priced in line with the “new” machine price from a reputable machinery’s web site, but that is only a defunct listing and I’m pretty sure this is where they got their idea of what its value should be.

They started at 2k for a machine that should sell for $800-$1000 in my opinion.

They have so far dropped the price a bit in talking with them, but while I want it, I get the feeling they it’s a “what’s mine is gold” or “ This was pop pops” kind of situation and I know for sure they have no idea of what it’s actually worth or what to expect to get for it.

I want to try to explaining the situation to them in terms that will not be off putting, but at this point I’m afraid a good or even high end offer from me will feel like an insult and I don’t want to put them off for good

How would you proceede?

I would shoot them the offer. They may just be ready to let it go. Also if they know it’s going to someone who appreciates those particular machines they may let go pretty easy

 

[SouthernChap]

I would shoot them the offer. They may just be ready to let it go. Also if they know it’s going to someone who appreciates those particular machines they may let go pretty easy

You might have wanted to read the last few replies on this thread!

 

[RaisedByWolves]

You might have wanted to read the last few replies on this thread!

Some guys are just late bloomers.



These same people have a friend with a table top mill new in the crate they’re supposed to let me know about soon.

I can’t fathom buying something like this and never even trying to use it.

As to the machine I bought, the guys son bought it for him off of a guy thinking it was a wood lathe for making pen blanks and all it ever did was sit.

 

[Pevehouse]

Some guys are just late bloomers.



These same people have a friend with a table top mill new in the crate they’re supposed to let me know about soon.

I can’t fathom buying something like this and never even trying to use it.

As to the machine I bought, the guys son bought it for him off of a guy thinking it was a wood lathe for making pen blanks and all it ever did was sit.

Yea, guess I was late to the party,lol