Fair value of a used/broken unit

[cntbill]

I've been wondering what is a fair price of a used CW or one that needs repair. I looked at one that was listed on CL near me, the guy was asking $500. The top was jammed up, wires hanging out with a micro switch. The LCD just had blocks, I reseated the card and that didn't make a difference (learned that from the forum here), I didn't do any other troubleshooting as it was plain to see it was not cared for very well or the person he got it from couldn't get it back together right as there was a little bag with "extra" screws and a small circuit board. The guy was firm on the price and I see he sold it on ebay for $570...

So I guess what I am trying to find out more or less is what repair, replacement parts cost are. If the repair parts are inexpensive then maybe I could see 500, or are the part expensive and the $500 machines being bought for part? Is spending $500 too much to pay if I am planing on repairing it? Or should I just save a little more and get a new one?

[gregsolano]

If I could afford it I would buy a new one. Truth is after stalking this forum for a few months I finally bought a slightly used one on ebay for $1000.00. It was a new version C with carvetight so I was really happy. Since then I have bought and sold a couple of them so I know If you look for a week or two you can find a good one that needs no work for $800 to $1000. Keep an eye out on this forum and watch ebay. when you search on ebay do several searches, carvewright, compucarve, and sears compucarve, craftsman compucarve. People who list under craftsman compucarve get found less on searches and therefore there machines go for less than those who list with all the key words. Yesterday I missed out on one that went for $670 although it had the Quick Change Chuck which is bad but the price was worth paying for the upgrade. The machine was like new with only 30 hours on it. I logged onto ebay about 15 minutes late to bid on it. I would have re sold it for a few hundred dollar profit. Take a few weeks, look for the right machine and buy it!

[cntbill]

If I Keep an eye out on this forum and watch ebay. when you search on ebay do several searches, carvewright, compucarve, and sears compucarve, craftsman compucarve. ... Yesterday I missed out on one that went for $670 although it had the Quick Change Chuck which is bad but the price was worth paying for the upgrade. The machine was like new with only 30 hours on it. I logged onto ebay about 15 minutes late to bid on it.

Thanks for info and the search tips! Yea I know the feeling of just missing a decent deal...

[Digitalwoodshop]

The head jammed up is usually that you need to turn the jacking screw to prime the jacking screw. It is in the manual and if they didn't read the manual, well... It is better they sell the machine and take the $1500. lesson.

The computer and Power Supply are the most expensive parts. It is unusual to have both of them go bad. It is usually something like a bad cable.... $500.00 is a good price for a broken machine.

AL

[ChrisAlb]

WOW! This forum has changed SO MUCH it's hard for an old woodworker to find a place to say hello...LOL Hello everyone! I sure hope you're all making lots of sawdust and many neat projects! I miss you all very much and miss carving as well. But I have a couple days home time so I just wanted to say hello and wish everyone a very Happy Easter! God bless!

[mtylerfl]

Hi Chris!

Everytime I pass a semi (or one passes me!), I think of you - wondering if you're the one in the pilot seat!

I trust you are doing well and miss your tips, comments and good company here on the forum.

Happy Easter to you, too!

[cntbill]

... It is better they sell the machine and take the $1500. lesson.
$500.00 is a good price for a broken machine.

AL

From what I have been reading, I can see that one needs to read the manual and learn as much as they can about their machine. Good to know.

WOW! This forum has changed SO MUCH it's hard for an old woodworker to find a place to say hello...LOL Hello everyone! I sure hope you're all making lots of sawdust and many neat projects! I miss you all very much and miss carving as well. But I have a couple days home time so I just wanted to say hello and wish everyone a very Happy Easter! God bless!

Don't know what to tell ya, I didn't think I was that old but have a Happy Easter too and God bless !

[gregsolano]

I just sent you a private message with a machine you should look at. You will have to jump on it quick though. I didn't post it in forum because someone else would jump on it.

[cntbill]

Just an update.

Got the one mentioned in my 1st post, seems the ebay buyer never paid for it so the guy let me have it for $180. Flashed the card, cleaned and lubed it up, had some minor issues Z Axis, but resolved them by using this forum and an email from support. CW support reset the machine licensing for me in less then 15 minutes! Now all I need is some bits, the one 1/8 that came with the unit the tip was broken off, I ground it flush good enough for checking the machine out but carves are a bit rough. So I can't really complain much for what I paid.

[badger2424]

bill, hope everything works out! I got mine about the same way and things were a little less than perfect. Don't know if it was driver error or machine at the start, but knowing the machine makes all the difference in the world!! If you have problems, look here and these guys can definately help. Whatever you do, read tips and tricks, humongus info there, and don't get discouraged-we're always here! U need to get u an 1/16 carving bit to do rasters with. The 1/8 is the cutting bit.