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

[Bruce .]

I buy my first one cheap or used, and go back for expensive or new
(rarely) when I find I use it enough.  I've never ever bought a new
car -- any car can be repaired, and I don't like the "new car smell"
anyway.

Be aware that older analytical balances have knife edges that are
easily damaged, and once damaged the balance won't perform until
they're replaced.  Otherwise, if a number-generating piece of
equipment can be calibrated, then used may be quite good.

I don't know anything first-hand about diesel engines, but I was there
when a cadre of bus drivers ran a new one into the ground.  Extensive
repairs required because they didn't know how to break in a new diesel
engine.

Some old electric tools are okay if you're up for a little maintenance
work.  Old half-inch drills can be great, but often have frayed cords
or minor problems with the switch.  Always check grounding and for
shorts on old electrical equipment.

Mildew and such on rope or canvas can be thwarted with bleach -- if
the object can tolerate bleach.

On Sun, May 6, 2012 at 2:22 AM, terry l. ridder <terrylr at blauedonau.com> wrote:
> 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 ><>

-- 
Bruce
NJ