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Tips For Selling Used Machinery Online

Maintenance and Care So you want to sell your used machine? It’s really not as complicated as it may seem. With the help of MachineSales.com, the most difficult part may be getting the pictures from camera to computer.

Below is a step-by-step guide to selling any used machine.

1) Give the machine a thorough cleaning.

It may seem like an irrelevant step but no one wants to buy a crud-encrusted (insert machine here). Though you may just want to get rid of that thing taking up floor space, put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. What would you want to see if you were buying this machine? Remember, humans like shiny things.

Though it may be fifty years old, make it look twenty and you’re bound to attract more attention and perhaps command a higher price.

2) For vehicles and heavy equipment (i.e., trencher, backhoe, skid steer, etc.), gather all of the important legal and descriptive information.

Selling any vehicle or piece of heavy equipment requires transfer of title. As such, you’ll need the following:

1) Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for vehicles and serial numbers for heavy equipment.

2) Mileage/Hours

3) Additional Features or Accessories – Does truck have front-mounted, battery-powered winch? Does the backhoe have extra attachments?

4) Are there any conditions, problems, or issues that should be mentioned?

3) Take some pictures.

benchtop milling machine Maybe that should be, “Take A LOT of pictures.” Don’t be afraid to get creative; you’re not wasting film.

Photograph the machine from every logical angle and configuration you can think of – all four sides, top, bottom (maybe you can leave that one out unless it’s relevant), interior, power on, power off, boom extended, dump bed raised, machine in operation, close-ups of important controls, aerial views, machine with bikini-clad model (send those to my personal e-mail), whatever you can think of.

Even if you don’t use but one in your listing, potential buyers may want to get a closer look at what you have to sell since they can’t (in most cases) physically come and see the machine.

4) Assemble all paperwork associated with the machine to be sold.

Go through your files and gather every piece of paper related to the machine in question: instructions, spec sheets, warranties, repair/maintenance records, manufacturer contact information, operation records, drawings your kids did of their beloved CNC Lathe, the more the better.

This is an important step because potential buyers don’t want to have to go searching the dark corners of the interweb to find an obscure spec sheet for their newly-purchased automatic chucker. Like step number one, including all necessary paperwork makes the machine shiny and appealing.

You’re also going to need the information found on that paperwork for step six…unless you’ve got a really, really good memory.

5) Use MachineSales.com to list your machine for sale.

Machine logo

� It’s easy. Don’t be afraid…it won’t bite.

Just point, click, and follow the on-screen instructions.

6) Write a detailed description.

Don’t be that guy who just writes, “Riveting machine for sale,” in the description. We know it’s a riveting machine and we know it’s for sale. As potential buyers, we need more than that. Remember that pile of paperwork you assembled that it teetering on the corner of your desk?

Put it to good use before it topples and injures your miniature schnauzer. Relevant information includes stock code, year of manufacture, manufacturer name, serial number, ranges of operation, model, size, weight, included equipment, and anything else you can think of. Again, put yourself in the buyer’s shoes.

The more information you can provide, the more attractive your machine will look to potential buyers.

7) Set your terms of sale.

� Are you going to pay for freight? Is the buyer going to pay for freight? Are you going to deliver the equipment yourself? Does the buyer need to arrange for its transport? Do you ship internationally? What payment method(s) will you accept?

Will you load the machine onto the pickup vehicle? Will the machine be boxed or unboxed? Palletized or not? Information, information, information. Cover all bases in your listing and you’ll avoid headaches later.

8) Sit back and watch the offers roll in.

That’s it! While I’m still trying to get the pictures off my camera, you’ve finished listing your machine for sale.

There will likely be questions from potential buyers but that’s good! It means you followed all the steps above, produced an awesome listing, and can now reap the rewards. Happy selling!

Top 10 Lifting Safety Tips

When lifting an object, there are many things that can cause an injury. Proper training is imperative to avoid back injury, and in turn, keep productivity optimal and employees happy and healthy.

Today, we are offering at least 10 lifting safety tips, to keep you from incurring an injury that can easily be avoided.

When lifting an object, use your leg muscles and not your back muscles.
Keep your back straight and bend your knees (not your waist), and slowly and steadily raise the object.
To avoid added strain, keep the object close to your body when lifting.
Always grip an item that needs to be lifted with both hands, to keep an even balance.
Test the weight of the object you are lifting, as small boxes may be deceiving.
Wear a back brace, quality shoes that have good traction, and use gloves that are designed with texture grips.
Make sure the load is packed corrected, so items within the box do not become dislodged, and throw off your balance.
When carrying an item, situate it between your waist and shoulders, as this position puts less stress on your back muscles.
Use a forklift or a dolly to assist you in moving heavy items.
Make sure the path is clear, and walk using small, smooth strides.

In addition to the 10 lifting safety tips listed above, it is important to stretch muscles (morning, mid-day and the evening), to keep muscles warm and pliable. Stretching during the day will stave off fatigue, reduce chance of injury and make lifting an easier task.

When instructing and implementing safe lifting techniques in the workplace, both preparation and proper form are important factors to consider. Whether you are in the gym lifting weights, moving furniture, lumber or other heavy objects, being ill-prepared, and not following proper lifting techniques can lead to immediate and long-term injury.

Safety lifting techniques

Safety lifting techniques are not difficult to learn, but they must be repeated constantly, as to save time, people may “forget” to take the few extra seconds to implement safe lifting techniques. Safety posters, verbal reminders to your employees explaining your commitment to avoiding on-site injury, periodic assessments of workstations, and periodic office meetings are some ways to keep safety measures on the forefront of employee’s minds.

Woodworking – Hobby to Career

If you love working with wood, you can certainly turn this hobby into a satisfying and lucrative career. The main function of any woodworker is to create and repair crafts made from lumber.

Carpenters will be required to use hand and power tools to build, remodel and repair anything made from wood. In addition, the mind of a professional carpenter is always thinking of inventive ways to make a working environment more efficient.

They may be called upon to build scaffolding or sturdy platforms, to aid other areas of construction to run smoothly.

Cabinet makers are always in high demand, especially for their custom work. Kitchen cabinets, closets and office furniture are just a few of the types of projects that a cabinet maker can expect to be engaged in.

In addition, they may be responsible for planning (creating a blueprint), constructing, installing and repairing cabinets. Installing hinges, draw pulls and latches, also fall under a cabinet makers job description.

Finishers are the people that smooth, fill, treat and finish the piece (usually furniture) before it leaves the shop. Finishers not only work with new pieces, but also with antiques.

A quality finisher will usually take a piece apart for thorough inspection, evaluation, and conduct any repairs (including bleaching, stripping and sanding the wood, as necessary).

Other careers that revolve around wood include (but certainly not limited to): loggers, lumberjacks, wood carvers, home and/or boat builders or a Luthier (someone who builds original musical instruments).

In addition to the above mentioned careers, teaching is also a great way to earn a solid income and share your love of woodworking with a new generation.

To start your own business, it is advised to first create a unique website, and then follow up with other marketing techniques such as: trade shows, flea markets and newspaper ads. If you are honest and continue to produce quality work, your business will naturally grow.

It is important to not take on more than you can handle, and always be honest with your customers. For instance, if you estimate that an order will take two weeks to complete, clearly communicate this timeline with your potential customer.

In addition, when scheduling time to complete a project (paid order) don’t forget to factor in potential set-backs, and schedule much needed family time.

Final Word

Yes, you can make a living by turning your love of woodworking into a viable career. The secret is to focus on your strengths and your greatest passion. For instance, if you prefer spending time carving, then that is the area you should dedicate your time and focus.

12 Benefits of Using The Metal Clinching Process

Metal clinching is a cost effective process of joining sheets of metal without the sparks, fumes and potential material damage that can be caused by spot welding. Basically, this quick and easy metal fastening method does not create heat, or require pre-drilled holes.

Clinching, also known as press joining, is a high-speed method of effectively and safely joining sheet metal pieces. The tools used in this method are a die and a punch. The main types of dies used are a “fixed” and “movable” component. The punch is used to force two layers of sheet metal into the cavity of the die, which forms a permanent connection.

The metal sheet pieces are squeezed between the die and the punch, and the material is expelled sideways forming a “Clinchlok”. The amount of pressure that is applied has a direct impact on the life expectancy of the die and punch tools, and also the strength of the joint.

The die is specialty designed, so that the Clinchlok “mushrooms”. The punch, also has a special design that is round, not sharp like other typical- type tools.

When materials of different thickness are to be joined, the ideal results happen when the thicker piece is placed on the upper side (known as the punch). It is important to note, that the thicker piece of material should not exceed double the thickness of the thinner piece.

Some of the more common materials that benefit from the clinching process, include:

Ductile aluminum alloys and other types of lightweight material.
Stainless steel.
Micro-alloyed steels.
Pre-painted, organic and/or zinc-coated steel.
Low carbon steels.

Metal clinching is a process that is used in the automotive industry, as well as the electronic industry. This cold forming process is often preferred over spot welding, because fumes and/or sparks are not generated.

The benefits of using the metal clinching method include:

1) No heat, adhesives, bolts or rivets are used in this process.

2) No electrical hookup is required.

3) It is a fast and consistent way to join metal.

4) Damage to metal pieces during this process is little to none.

5) Safe and clean working environment.

6) It is a cost effective way to join metal material.

7) Able to join together dissimilar types of material.

8) Machine maintenance is minimal.

9) The tool life is exceptional (usually 200,000 joints)

10) It can be portable, which is an option that increases its’ versatility.

11) The machines can be customized to meet the needs of the task.

12) Pre-painted metal pieces can be joined, which is perfect for the appliance industry, as painted surfaces will not become damaged during assembly.

Clinching is one of the newer technologies used for joining sheet metal. It can replace the method of riveting in the automobile industry. Clinching is a method that has quickly been accepted, and it is a very important part of the automobile industry, when it comes to fastening aluminum panels, deck lids and hoods, for example.

Why Safety Storage Cabinets are Important in the Workplace

A safety storage cabinet is a necessity in every workshop. They keep sharp tools stored in an organized manner, because proper storage increases productivity, as time will not be wasted looking for a specific tool.

Sharp objects should be organized within a safety cabinet and easily accessible to avoid unnecessary bodily injury.

They are useful in keeping hazardous chemicals safe and secure from humans, and the environment. Safety is the first and foremost concern of everyone that finds themselves in a workshop or laboratories. Homes can have turpentine and paint thinner around that need to be stored safely within a flame resistant cabinet, to reduce the potential risk of a fire.

Chemical Storage Cabinets

Chemical storage cabinets are for segregating potentially harmful substances. Certain chemicals, such as flammable liquids, need to meet strict storage requirements. The flash point of combustible liquids is 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and some of these include naphtha, nitrobenzene and cyclohexane.

Typically, these types of safety storage cabinets are painted a bright color (such as yellow), and are constructed of strong flame resistant material with clearly displayed signs of the contents on each cabinet door.

There should be a separate cabinet for a specific type of substance, for example gasoline should be stored separately from substances that contain acetone or a type of oxidizing agent.

These types of cabinets can be found in the science department of educational establishments, where combustible material can be found.

Pesticides and insecticides are dangerous to the environment and the health of humans, and caution should always be taken when using any type of pesticides. Because this is considered to be a hazardous substance, safety storage cabinets for insecticides, pesticides and other like chemicals are usually painted a bright red color for easy identification.

Welders often use acetylene and oxygen, and these should be stored in insulated containers that are safely with storage cabinets.

Security Storage Cabinets

Metal security storage cabinets must have a 3-point locking system, and the door must be a minimum of 2 inches from the bottom of the cabinet.

All joints of a wooden security storage cabinet must be rabbeted and fastened together with a wood flathead screws. One door of a two-door cabinet must overlap the other by at least one inch.

It is advised that any type of cabinet used for storing chemicals should be replaced every couple of years, kept out of a heavy foot traffic area and away from doorways.

Bending and Forming Machine Tool Manufacturer Reviews

Bending and forming machine tools are used to bend tubes, solids and profiles. The machines can also cut and form metal into a variety of different products.

BLM Group

BLM group provides a full range of machining solutions used in tube processing technology. BLM group is headquartered in Italy and is comprised of BLM SpA, ADIGE SpA and ADIGE-SYS SpA. BLM SpA is the parent company and specializes in the manufacturing of CNC-bending machines, end-forming machines, automation and handling systems, and measurement systems.

ADIGE SpA manufactures laser cutting machines and cold saws used in the machining of tubes, solids and profiles, de-burring machines, measurement systems, washing machines and collectors.

ADIGE-SYS SpA specializes in the manufacturing of combined laser cutting machines for tubes and sheet metal as well as laser cutting machines for big tubes. BLM relies on its 50 years of experience in the tube processing industry to develop innovative, customized solutions for their customers.

BLM bending machines are used in the automotive, furniture, agricultural, aerospace and steel industries. All of the bending and forming machines allow processing without any manual adjustments which reduces or eliminates waste and guarantees the first piece and every piece thereafter is correctly and accurately processed to provide maximum repeatability and quality even when applied to complex components and more and more challenging materials like titanium.

Bending machines are available throughout the range including wire-bending machines, tube bending machines, and even curved and cut metal pieces.

Apart from the manufacture and sales of bending and forming machines, BLM also offers a full line of laser tube cutters, CNC cutters and endmachining lines for both tubes and bars, end-forming machines, measurement systems and a no-touch, in-line tube inspection system.

SOCO

Taiwan tube manufacturer Soco is one of the largest manufacturers of CNC machining tools for the tube, pipe and solid bar industry. Their product line includes bar cutting, bending, chamfering, deburring and tube end forming and finishing machines. Although headquartered in Taiwan, SOCO has several production facilities around the world and 25 branch offices.

SOCO’s tube bending machines are specially designed for use in the automotive industry to produce manifolds and converter inlet pipes in the exhaust system that require accurately controlled wall thinning ratios to ensure the tubes can withstand the high system pressures.

Herber AB

Herber AB, headquartered in Sweden manufactures advanced hydraulic and electrical machines for cold tube forming. Most of their customers are in the automotive industry where precision and flexibility in the machining tools is an absolute necessity. They manufacture every machine to the customer’s needs and requirements and often provide solutions to complex problems including developing entire systems.

Herber offers a full line of bending and forming machines including hydraulic bending machines which are used by many automotive plants including Volvo bus, Visteon, gate Eurokat and Faurecia. Herber bending machines are also used quite extensively in the furniture industry.

With a good, strong reputation for quality and precision machines built on a long list of satisfied customers and perfect end products in the marketplace Herber remains a top manufacturer of bending and forming machining tools and fully automated machining systems.

Using a Bulldozer

Consisting of two main parts, a bulldozer is operated by a blade and the machine’s base. The majority of the bulldozer’s functions are operated by various controls that are located on the base of the machine. Only one of these mechanisms control the bulldozer’s blade.

While a dozer is not overly complicated to operate, you should definitely learn how to use it by someone that is experienced in using this piece of construction equipment. Moreover, it’s the actual machine controls that can seem complicated; driving a bulldozer is rather easy.

Operating a Dozer

Like most riding machines, a dozer must be powered on with a key. Similar to a car, by inserting the key into the ignition and turning, the bulldozer will rev with power. After the machine has been turned on, you’re ready to start driving. At this point, you will need to use the joystick that is generally positioned to the left of the machine in order to control your movement. Even though the joystick is not overly difficult to use, you should definitely know exactly how to use it in order to safely operate the machine.

To successfully use the joystick, you will push it in the exact direction that you would like the dozer to go. While you are driving the large piece of machinery, if you notice that you are going too fast, simply use the decelerator pedal to slow down.

The decelerator pedal will not stop the dozer like the brake pedal. It will only slow the machine down.

Different than the brake pedal, the decelerator pedal is located directly next to the brake. After you have started moving the machine, it will be time to use the blade. In order to use the bulldozer’s blade, locate the joystick control on the right side of the machine. Similar to the bulldozer’s direction joystick, this mechanism will completely control the movement of the blade.

Uses for This Construction Equipment

Used to level a specific mass of land, you can use the joystick to lower the blade till it is in contact with the ground. Once the blade is touching the ground, use the dozer’s movement joystick to move the machine forward. By doing this, you will allow the bulldozer to pick up the ground while leaving a smooth, flat surface behind it. After you are satisfied with the amount of earth that has been scooped up, simply move the bulldozer to where you would like to place the dirt.

There’s no question that a bulldozer is a very useful piece of construction equipment. Making the machine even more attractive to use is its usability. As long as you are properly trained on operating a bulldozer, you will quickly realize how beneficial and easy to use the machine is. In fact, a bulldozer can always be quit fun to operate.

Bearing Presses Anyone?

A bearing is a tiny round cartridge that is made of steel and houses a ball bearing. A bearing press tool is used for leverage to make wheel maintenance quicker and less challenging. Basically, a bearing press aids in the installation of bearings without causing any damage to the shields.

Creating a homemade wheel bearing press is not difficult, and it will save you frustration and potential bearing damage, and all you will need is a threaded rod, a couple of washers and nuts that fit onto the threaded rod.

A wheel bearing press replacement kit may be a great investment for many people, as it allows the operator to change the bearing without affecting the alignment of the wheel. A full kit is usually priced at under $200, and has everything required, to confidently confront a variety of wheel repairs needed, with ease, expertise and stealth.

Different Types

On the other hand, a hydraulic bearing press is considered to be a large mechanical piece of equipment that is used to raise and compress large items. Also known as a Bramah Press (named after its inventor, Joseph Bramah).

During the selection process of pre-purchasing a hydraulic bearing press, the generated force is an important factor to consider. The forced pressure depends on the piston size and the distance it needs to travel. To find out how far a large size piston will move, simply divide the piston head ratio by the distance that a small piston moves.

What Industries Use Them?

Goldsmiths have used hydraulic bearing presses for generations, and it is not uncommon to find a 160 ton wheel bearing press in the jewelry industry today. A 15 ton bearing press is used for minor blanking and other small jobs.

The press operator is mainly responsible for properly placing and feeding the stock into the machine, activating the machine, and then removing the completed material from the machine.

There are physical hazards associated with working with any type of press, especially a hydraulic bearing press or manual wheel bearing press.

Besides tripping and electrical-type hazards, there is also the potential for chemical hazard from the hydraulic fluid, and other type of lubricants, if these chemicals come in contact with human skin.

Due to the fact that bearing presses, especially hydraulic bearing presses, operate with 20 plus tons of pressure, there is the risk that a sharp part may give in and fly from the press with lighting speed, and cause damage to the machine, and more importantly to any humans nearby.

What Are Handheld Laser Cutters?

Many of us use the word “laser”, without realizing that it is actually an acronym that means: Light Amplification by Stimulated.

Emission of Radiation

Lasering is used in numerous ways, and among them are a stand-alone and a handheld laser cutter.

Basically, the energy produced by a laser beam causes a small area to be melted, evaporated or burned away. A laser beam is easily controlled by lenses and/or mirrors, travels in at straight line and travels at lightning speed. A cut is generated when the object or the laser beam is moved across the surface of the material of choice.

CO2 laser cutters are one option where material is cut by using a very focused and high energized beam of light that is created by carbon dioxide. This is used for tiny areas that are required to be cut exactly. It is also powerful enough to penetrate the thickness of a variety of materials.

How does a co2 laser cutter work?

The process of cutting with a co2 laser is achieved, by moving the material/workpiece under the laser/cutting head, or moving the mounted laser/cutting head across the material/workpiece.

CO2 laser cutting is ideal to use on plastic, wood, fabric, and acrylic material.

Once the co2 laser cutter is attached to a computer, the system cuts/engraves the designs in the material that you created on the software program.

A gas system is usually used to assist in the process, when a co2 laser cutter is in motion, as this ensures that cuts are continuous with no feathering and minimal cleanup is required. While the cut is being performed, a high pressured jet of inert gas is pointed toward the melting point, during the cutting process. This not only clears away the melted material, but on certain materials, it also increases the thermal efficiency.

Some benefits of using a co2 laser cutter include, but not limited to:

The laser bean never comes in contact with the original piece being cut.
The precision of the cut is unmatched.
A variety of software can be used, including Adobe, AutoCAD and CorellDRAW.
Produces clean, smooth finished edges.
Cost effective.

Who is behind the amazing epilog laser cutter?

Since their inception in 1988, the Epilog Laser Cutter Company has dedicated time and energy into consistently creating and producing high-quality laser systems that they are proud of and the public has relied on. The company, based in Golden, CO (USA), has been delivering the most up-to-date laser cutting technology to small and large businesses, as well as to the craftsman, who operates out of their garage.

The epilog laser cutter provides the highest quality at top speeds, and allows intricate designs to be transferred from the software program to many non-metal types of materials. For extremely thin material, the system includes a special IVT (integrated vacuum table) that will keep paper, fabric and thin plastic material securely in place.

Today, the epilog laser cutter system is used around the world for many different types of applications.

The Importance of Dust Collectors

Dust collection systems are designed for one purpose, and that is to keep your workshop clean and free of sawdust. A good dust collector needs to have a strong air flow and a powerful motor.

Any woodworking shop knows that the initial investment in quality equipment is significant, so it would be illogical not to have a dust collector system in place to protect your employees, and also to avoid the deterioration of the machines that can (and will) prematurely break down due clogging by saw dust.

Worker Safety

Wood dust is inhaled by employees and many respiratory issues are likely to occur. Allergies and asthma are common among people that are exposed to saw dust on a regular basis. In addition to eye, ear, throat and nose irritation and possible skin rashes. Although rare, dust from wood has been linked to nasal cancer.

Any woodworker knows that there is a considerable amount of sawdust that is created when power tools are used. Dust collection systems can be portable, stationary, small or industrial in size. Therefore, there is a type of dust collector for your workshop.

Sweeping wood waste (small particles) with a broom and dust pan may seem like a good alternative, but in reality it adds more sawdust into the air.

Some woodworkers may believe that commercial style vacuum cleaners are sufficient in controlling dust that is created by cutting wood, but unfortunately the filtration system does not trap all the micro-wood particles that can cause allergies and respiratory problems.

Not investing in a quality dust collection system will be more costly, as tiny wood chips and dust will not only slow production (because of constant machine maintenance and reduced staff due to illness), but due to the health risks, insurance rates may be higher.

Things to consider when deciding on a dust collection system

Your financial budget is of course a major consideration, as is the location of your machinery and the noise level. Selecting the size of the unit/system is also important, as you don’t want to invest in a system that is insufficient for your workspace.

You will need to calculate the air-volume requirements for each machine in your shop, and then decide the type of hookup (such as a PVC pipe, metal duct or flexible hose).

Knowing the type of particles that need to be eliminated from the atmosphere is also important, because finer dust particles need more of a filtration system than larger wood chips. On the other hand, wood chips need a larger storage area in the unit than sawdust requires.

Another major considerations are fire codes and safety issues.