Is it worth buying a used FEELER made in China?
Core Conclusion: Whether buying a used FEELER made in Chinais worthwhile depends on your budget, technical capabilities, and specific needs. It offers a high cost-effectiveness combined with potential risks, making it suitable for knowledgeable buyers.
I. Reasons to Buy (Advantages):
Excellent Value: This is the biggest draw. Used Japanese or German machine tools with similar specifications can cost several times more. Acquiring a vertical machining center with basic milling, drilling, and tapping capabilities on a limited budget is a very cost-effective option for startups, small workshops, or educational institutions.
Strong Functionality: As a leading domestic brand, Youjia's machine tools offer comprehensive basic functions and reasonable rigidity, meeting most common steel and aluminum machining needs. They are fully capable of routine parts production that doesn't require extreme precision and ultra-high efficiency.
Large Market Share and Parts Supply: FEELER huge domestic sales volume means a relatively plentiful supply of used parts in the market, making selection easy. Furthermore, the repair and parts supply channels for common spare parts (such as bearings and lead screws) and CNC systems (such as Fanuc and Mitsubishi) are relatively mature, reducing the difficulty and cost of subsequent maintenance.
II. Risks and Challenges (Disadvantages) to Be Aware of:
Accuracy and Wear Are Key: The biggest uncertainty in used machine tools lies in wear. Carefully inspect key indicators such as spindle accuracy, lead screw backlash, and guideway wear. Chinese brand machine tools may not retain accuracy as well as top brands after long-term, heavy-duty use, potentially exposing them to false claims or significant degradation.
Potential Maintenance Challenges: Improper maintenance by the previous owner may leave behind many hidden defects. Issues such as aging circuits, hydraulic system leaks, and CNC system failures may occur after purchase. It's important to assess whether you have technicians in your area or locally who can repair this brand of machine tools.
Relatively Outdated Technology: Older models of Youjia machines may be equipped with earlier versions of CNC systems, which have unfriendly user interfaces, limited functionality, and may not support advanced CAD/CAM programming, impacting machining efficiency.
III. Purchasing Recommendations:
Before making a purchase, please ensure you complete the following:
First, clarify your needs and budget. What material will you be machining? What is your required accuracy (±0.01mm or ±0.05mm)? Does your budget include shipping, installation, and potential repair costs? Having clear needs is essential for selection.
Second, personally inspecting the machine is essential. Never place an order based solely on pictures and descriptions. Always bring a knowledgeable technician or a dial indicator to personally inspect the machine:
Dynamic Test: Run the machine idle and in motion with each axis, listening for any abnormal vibration or noise.
Accuracy Check: Check spindle radial runout and end runout; measure backlash on each axis using a gauge.
Test Cut: Perform a test cut of a simple part containing a square, circle, or beveled surface on-site, verifying the actual machined dimensions using a CMM or precision measuring tool. This is the touchstone for verifying the machine's overall performance.
Check the electrical system and systems: Turn on the machine and check for any alarms in the CNC system, whether all function buttons are active, and whether the driver and motor are operating properly.
Third, verify the background and conduct negotiations. Understand the machine's age, machining history (whether it's for molds or finished parts), and maintenance records. Use any issues discovered during the inspection as bargaining chips, and factor in the cost of any parts that may need replacement (such as bearings) into the final price.
