Buying used

[sebastien1]

For those who have purchased a previously owned shopbot; how did you handle the transport and or pick-up? Are there carriers which will transport the machine assembled? What are your experiences? What about verifying that the machine operates properly prior to purchase; what can you do to avoid issues? Unlike used cars I don't believe there are company's which will preform an unbiased overview of such a machine...

[Gary Campbell]

Sebastien...
If you are buying used... go there... see it run...load it and bring it home! Would you buy a used TV or car without seeing it work?
Gary

[thewoodcrafter]

You might want to network with a third party Shopbotter in the area to inspect it before you travel. May cost a couple hundred.

[sebastien1]

The machine I'm interested in appears to be in great working order. So I feel pretty good about making deal and driving a whole lot of hours. What is the best way to purchase a pre-owned machine? I would hope this wouldn't happen and the greater majority of poeple of honest folks, but say we settle on price I get down there and the seller decides to increase the price. Is there some sort of "intent to buy" legal contact which can be signed? How is this done? Also are there any "across state lines" purchase taxes I should be aware of? Any thoughts on this?

[road_king]

Gary is right!

I purchased a used PRT 48x96 Alpha in Idaho. I e-mailed the seller and after we agreed on the price and items to be purchased I got directions to pick up the bot. As you state, most people are honest and I can only speak to my experience. Take a copy of the e-mail along with you for directions and a reference list of items/price. No other documents should be required. I have greatly enjoyed meeting other botters and this forum.
Some advice:
1)I was fortunate to be able to borrow a heavy duty trailer to haul the bot. I was also very fortunate to have an engine hoist to unload the machine. If you decide on a used machine, plan on having at least 4 strong men and/or an engine hoist to help you as these machines are very heavy.
2)After getting home, and aligning the bot, I noticed a couple of dimples on the gantry rails where the car rested. My suggestion is to remove the gantry from the rails. Although not a problem for me, this will prevent this from happening and lighten the bot up for loading/unloading. Don't forget to remove the drive motor cables from the control box prior to moving the gantry by hand.
3)Check and make sure you have ALL documentation and software. The bot I purchased came with a 3 ring binder "operator's manual" and CD for software and drivers (don't forget the key codes for the software CD's). Get the seller to demonstrate that the bot works and possibly get the computer included in the purchase. This way you know the bot works with that computer.
4)Get some paper and note the date of purchase, the machine model, print your name and sellers name, sign the paper and have the seller sign the paper (proof of purchase for you). Make copies for both you and seller. I was glad I did this as I was able to pay a small fee and have the software license transferred to my name.
5)Check the power feeding the bot. I kept the original connector and had a circuit from my power panel like the sellers'.
6)Take a camera with you and take lots of reference pics. I thought about doing this but forgot my camera at home.
7)Enjoy. It was a nice trip for my wife and I. We made it a mini vacation.
8)Get ready for lots of sawdust!!!!!
Hopefully this helps and GOOD LUCK!!
GB

[beacon14]

Good advice from Gerald.

You don't have to remove the gantry entirely, just put some wood blocks under it so the wheels do not bear on the rails.

[sebastien1]

If at all possible I would want to dismantle the bot enough to fit into the truck bed. Smaller parts could go in the cab and the main 10ft long rails could be go through the rear sliding window. At least this is how I'm hoping it could work... The idea of pulling a trailer for an extra long road trip doesn't appeal to me at all.

[porscheman]

Sebastien,

I purchased a used 4x8 PRT Alpha during the summer and moved it with my pickup truck. Based on some earlier postings and suggestions by Brady Watson, I cut several pieces of plywood that would fit between rails on the gantry, thus creating a large stable surface on which I could coil and stretch-wrap all the cables and even the control box for the Bot. By undoing the turnbuckles and dropping the X-axis gears, the entire gantry will roll right off the machine and can be lifted with two people. Once set aside, and with the use of an air/electric impact wrench, you can break the table down into individual leg assemblies, cross braces, and 10ft long main rails in very quick order. Load all the heavy steel in the truck first (in my opinion, the long main rails are FAR too heavy to go through the rear window) and then carefully set the gantry in on top of those pieces. I placed the old MDF table board from the machine on top of all the table components and then placed the gantry on top of the table board. A bunch of ratchet straps secured everything in place and the drive home was uneventful.

I hope these suggestions help.

John

[sebastien1]

Thanks for the info guys... I think I'm going to try move it in one piece.

Does anyone know of a rental company who has cargo trailers that are 6'x12' and have a back door wider than 67"?

[blackhawk]

I can tell you that the U-Haul 6x12 trailers do not have a large enough door to fit a PRT 48 unassembled. Without some type of dollies, you will need about 8 people to pickup and move an unassembled PRT 48x96.

[harryball]

I don't know how far you are hauling, but check the rental rates on trailers. You may be able to check the trader or craigslist and buy a suitable trailer, use it at your leisure and then sell it less some or even all of the rental cost in a flash. Also price your tags, trailer tags are fairly cheap in GA.

For this type of thing, to each his own preference. But I find myself much more relaxed knowing each extra day isn't $150 leaving me free to decide not to drive in the snow or rain.

/RB