A little help if I could. I have a 14″ Deltal bandsaw, from about 1980 or so, much souped up. I have ordered a new bandsaw, and will be selling mine to a friend. The issue is what is a fair price, to both of us.
It has the enclosed stand, a 2 yr. old. 1.5 hp Baldor, riser block, the set of three guides from Iturra, the Iturra tension spring, a link belt, replacement cast pulleys from Iturra, and a bunch of blades, including a 3/4″ Timberwolf resaw blade, 2 one half in. Lenoxes, and a 1.4″ Lenox. Also, the rip fence from Fasttrak, with the point attachment for resawing.
I think the only thing that could go wrong with this is the wheel pulleys, and I was thinking of “guaranteeing” them for a year or so since I think they are fine. It has seen some use, but not what I would call heavy use. It has been well cared for, and works well. But, of course, the resawing is slow and not that great. Hence, the new toy, on order.
Anyone have any thoughts on what would be a fair price between friends?
Replies
Add everything up at what you originally paid (except for the blades, which should be considered a consumable), and divide by two. Go up or down from there depending on how good a friend the buyer is. This would also assume that you're including the spares (original motor, guides, etc.).
S4S,
Let me put the shoe on the other foot..
If I were buying a BS from a friend what would I expect to pay? Bought in 1980....what was the price then?...new motor, baldor (nice) ...lots of addons, he places value on those not me (maybe)...something 23 years old cant be worth that much...did not cost that much..has a new motor...and I can get a new Grizzly for $375.....maybe I'll pay $250?....and when the blade starts drifting, etc. maybe I'll wish I had bought a new one where I can get help and not bug my friend and make him feel guilty?...
It gets really confusing real quick....
Fair enough, but personally, I would prefer the used and upgraded Delta to the brand new Grizzly, even if they cost the same amount. I believe that in the long run, the time-tested Delta will outperform and outlast the imported Grizzly, even after spotting it 23 years.
My own bandsaw is a 1940s vintage Delta with a cast iron stand and cast iron wheels. I replaced the original 3-phase motor with a 1 hp Baldor, and changed the bearings, tires, tension spring, and drive belt (link-style). Altogether, I have about $400.00 in it, but I wouldn't trade it even for two brand new Grizzlys.
I would approach from this angle:
Tell your friend you made a list and videotape of all your tools for insurance purposes. Then give him the dollar figure of what it would cost to replace your bandsaw and all of its blades and accesories tomorrow if your shop burned down. Then tell him that you have decided that you will sell it to him for 75%,..70%,...80%,...65%,...(you pick the number) of that figure.
I would feel confident as either the buyer or the seller with that approach.
....Reminds me that I do need to update my home and shop inventory (and put the list and videotape in a safe deposit box) - haven't done it in more than two years.
I bought the Delta 14" used from a friend. It was only about 3 years old at the time and was in good shape. It came with a few crappy blades and the mobile base (really nice to have). It didn't have the motor yours has.
At the time a new one was just over $800, I paid $400 and felt like I did pretty good. Your saw is a Delta, you can sell it anywhere, anytime. Other makes don't have the same resale value.
Have the guy make you an offer, if you feel its too low tell him. You both should be able to come out of this feeling good about it.
good Luck, Hugh
I've kinda been looking for something like you describe - I'd pay $500 in a heartbeat and feel like a I got a great deal - -
My 6-8 year old Delta with 10.4 amp motor is in need of more ooomph. Am considering a 1.5 hp Baldor. I can find them for $179, which is a fair price IF it provides a significan power boost.
How did your Baldor perform for you?
Regards,
John
JHARDE02 -- As to the Baldor; great motor. I think I paid more than the $179 someone mentioned, but can't exactly recall. No problems with it, of course. I have used it to resaw maple drawer sides and bottoms, and curly cherry into veneer. For that heavy duty work, even with the larger motor, the saw is just not adequate. The feed rate is so slow that I would occassionally doze off (just kidding, sort of). The cuts were OK, however.
To ALL -- Thanks for your help. I think the price for the saw and accessories, new, would be about $1000, + or -. I have quoted $500, guaranteed the bearings for a year, and think I have a deal. If not, I'll put it into the reader classified. I really appreaciate the comments of all. What a great forum.
Around 1983 I bought a used 1978 14" Delta (Rockwell) band saw for $400. It had an enclosed base and a 1/2 HP motor. It's a good saw and I still have it in my shop. My usual rule of thumb is that somewhere between one half and two-thirds the price of new is fair to both buyer and seller.
I have watched used tools sell in the newspaper and if they are priced at 50% of new value , they sell; if they are priced at 70+% they never sell because you might as well pay full price and get a new one. Fair price for used tools is 50% of new.
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