Machine Shop Tech Talk
Interviews with World Class Problem Solvers in Manufacturing.
Who is this channel for?
Anyone who is serious about being the best they can be in the world of manufacturing, people who are pissed off when they hear things like "It's always been this way"
It's not IF something will go wrong, but WHEN something will go wrong in manufacturing.
Our Guests share the common problems they solve, then they share some of the pains of those problems, incase you've got that problem lurking out of sight and out of mind, then, they share how they're fixing that problem.
Machine Shop Tech Talk
Why Used Machinery Might Be Your Shop’s Secret Weapon
In manufacturing, the debate between new and used machinery is a classic. I used to be firmly in the “new only” camp—warranties, service, no lemons, right? But after chatting with Noah Graff, a used machinery expert and Swarfcast host, on my podcast Machine Shop Tech Talk, I’m rethinking everything. Here are five compelling reasons Noah shared to consider used equipment—and trust me, they’re game-changers.
1. Availability When New Isn’t an Option
Ever tried ordering a new machine during a supply crunch? Post-COVID, shops couldn’t get Swiss machines fast enough and turned to used options. Noah’s sweet spot—cam multi-spindle screw machines—aren’t even made new anymore. “Back a little after COVID when they were selling zillions of Swiss machines, people started calling us for some Swiss machines… because they couldn’t buy new ones,” Noah said. Used fills the gap when “new” isn’t on the table.
2. Massive Cost Savings
Price tags tell the story: a $25K used Davenport can do what a $2M new Index does for the right job. Noah’s selling a 2020 Tsugami for half its new cost. “You could buy these which would cost anywhere between 20 and 200 grand or you could buy an Index… you’re going to pay a million to 2 and a half million,” he explained. If your budget’s tight or you’re scaling smart, used delivers serious bang for your buck.
3. Matching Equipment to Your Needs
Sometimes new doesn’t mean better. Older presses might outlast modern ones, or a used Miyano with a familiar control beats a new model. “They have old Miyanos and if they get a new one they want it like their old one because they have people who know how to run that,” Noah noted. His point? Get the utility you need without overpaying for extras.
4. Entry Point for Startups
Dreaming of your own shop but sticker-shocked by new machines? Noah’s seen startups thrive with affordable used gear. “We’ve sold machines to people who are startups who started with a $10,000 Citizen from 1995 and… it was the beginning of them really doing something great,” he shared. Used lowers the barrier, letting passion—not capital—drive your start.
5. ROI-Driven Choices for Veterans
Even established shops benefit. Noah sold 2012 Indexes to a veteran outfit upgrading smartly. “If you buy a million dollar machine you better have parts that cost a lot, but they wanted a modern machine that they could make their parts on,” he said. It’s about ROI, not ego, and used can nail it.
The Catch? Trust Matters.
Buying used can backfire if you’re not careful. Noah’s been burned—think shady dealers and dud machines. Want his hard-earned tips to avoid scams? Catch the full episode of Machine Shop Tech Talk on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform (linked below). He spills the tea on red flags and research tricks you won’t want to miss.
9 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Machine Shop Tech Talk
This week, I’m grateful to have been working with three of the smartest men in all of the Americas.
Stay tuned for all we’ve been working on, as it’s released.
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2 years ago | [YT] | 2
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