[TheForge] rule of thumb for purchasing new versus used equipment?

[terry l. ridder]

hello;

i am curious as to what other people have for the rule of thumb for
purchasing new versus used equipment.

safety equipment is always new.
most electronic equipment is always new. (marine radio, navigation gear,
sonar, etc.)
that being said i have purchased used oscilloscopes, labortory power
supplies, ph meters, lab balance beam scales, etc.

diesel engines toss-up depends on many variables basically a
case-by-case basis.

chain and rope, used if the physical inspection looks very good. no
cracks or splices. no worn or frayed ends. with rope no evidence of
mildew or prolong dampness. natural fiber rope favored over poly rope.

canvas tarps, case-by-case basis. no mildew. no foul odors. no
unexplained stains.

hand tools used if from a known reliable source and they pass a detailed
physical inspection.

electric power tools, nearly always new. i really lean toward pneumatic
tools over electric power tools.

gas cylinders, whether new or used must pass the prescribed hydrostatic
testing, internal and external inspections. favour steel cylinders over
aluminum cylinders.

dewars, whether new or used must past the prescribed testing, internal
and external inspections. favour new over used.

high pressure air cylinders, must past prescribed hydrostatic testing,
internal and external inspections. favour stainless steel or monel over
steel and aluminum. these cylinders are used to construct a high
pressure air bank that is used to fill scuba tanks without having to run
the high pressure air compressor.

if refurbished is available i will look at the refurbished equipment
over used equipment and new equipment.

refrigeration equipment is always new.

galley equipment may be used if it is stainless steel sinks, cookware,
bakeware, serving ware, etc.

diesel engines and generators i want to see them running under no load,
under full load, run up and down several times. i want to take
compression readings on all cylinders. given the new inspections cameras
i want to visually inspect the pistons and cylinders as much as
possible. inspect the crankcase. have the hours meters checked for
accuracy.

-- 
terry l. ridder ><>