Visual and mechanical inspection
Way condition, slide wear, hydraulic leaks, coolant condition, spindle nose, chuck/turret condition, table or bed wear, general visible condition.
UK specialist service
Pre-Purchase Inspection of Used CNC Machinery
Independent assessment of used CNC machinery before you commit to buying — condition, accuracy, hidden issues and a written report.
Before you buy
An independent set of eyes on the machine
A pre-purchase inspection is the cheapest insurance you can buy on a used CNC machine. The sellers know the machine far better than you do. Auction listings are deliberately brief. Dealer descriptions emphasise the positives. A 30-minute viewing in a busy yard isn’t enough time to spot what matters. An independent inspection by a working engineer is the way to even up the information balance.
Ringstones provides independent pre-purchase inspections of used CNC machinery across the UK. We attend the machine’s current location, work through a structured inspection covering condition, accuracy, control system, services and visible wear, and produce a written report that gives you a clear basis for the buying decision.
The report is yours — impartial, no relationship with the seller, no kickback on the purchase. You get a clear picture of what you’re actually buying, what the likely commissioning needs are, what to negotiate on price, and what to watch for after delivery.
Spindle condition assessment
Run-out checks where access allows, noise observation through the speed range, temperature observation during running, end-float and radial play indication.
Accuracy indications
Where the machine can be run, basic accuracy checks (parallelism, squareness, repeatability indications) give a useful picture of mechanical condition.
Control system and software
Control version, last service indicators, alarm history, parameter integrity, memory backup status, presence of original documentation.
Services and infrastructure
Power requirements, hydraulic and pneumatic condition, coolant system, chip handling, ancillaries condition.
Written report
A clear written report covering findings, condition rating, suggested negotiation points, estimated commissioning needs, and any red flags.
Need machine tool support?
Speak to Ringstones about repairs, maintenance, servicing, installation, relocation or specialist UK-wide work.