Thread: What is a fair price for a lathe?

I'd say it entirely depends on the brand. If it's a sought after "top flight" brand, then it's worth more (as a percentage of it's "new" price). If it's a Bunnings/Aldi or un-named Chinese, then far less. Supply and demand - if it's a cheap lathe "new" then another new one is also cheap and comes with a warranty etc. so the demand for second-hand is far less. The same applies to any tools or accessories, named brand ones add value but unknown brands far less so.

Another way to check is to look at completed "sold" listings on eBay (don't bother looking at current listing prices, some items have been for sale for years!). For example what looks like a Carbatec economy lathe ($739 new) sold in June at a top bid of $417, but that listing included a "near new" $320 Hafco scrollsaw, "numerous tools and chucks and accessories" and some turning blanks, though it was said to have a "slow to start when cold" motor. On that basis the market price at that time was less than 40% of the new price, even if we disregard the tools!

Of course you can always try your luck at a higher price, there's "one born every minute" as my father used to say!

Up to 2/3 would be fine if it is in good nick. You could try the market section of the forum with pictures and see if you get a bite. Read the rules first. Good luck.
Regards
John

Thanks for the thoughts. I am going to Ofer it to my Men’s she’d at a lower price first. It is far better than what they have. I can’t see my way clear to donate it completely. They may not be interested in which case I will list it on the marketplace here.

Bruce

Originally Posted by bruceward51

Thanks for the thoughts. I am going to Ofer it to my Men’s she’d at a lower price first. It is far better than what they have. I can’t see my way clear to donate it completely. They may not be interested in which case I will list it on the marketplace here.

Bruce

In case you are disappointed, in our area, men's sheds get so much gear donated to them that they rarely pay for used machinery.
2/3rds the purchase price is probably a reasonable advertising price but if you only end up getting 1/2, then in these days you will have done OK.

The way I look at it is, that as soon as it walks out the show room door its worth only 80% of what was paid.
Then when the warranty runs out its worth less again maybe 70%
Then its up to wear and tear, and how many other similar machines are out there and the demands for these machines

A knowledgable turner will want to see a headstock centre point precisely kissing a tailstock centre point so a photo of that would be worthwhile.