Replies

1. 
   gb93433 | Aug 25, 2006 07:51am | #1

   Look at ebay and see what they are selling for over a period of time. Seldom does a General come up for auction.

2. 
   oldusty | Aug 25, 2006 08:52am | #2

   Hi maple ,

                      A median price for most used ww equipment is about half of  the new price , depending on condition and demand .This is really just a general guideline .

                                  good  luck                 dusty

3. 
   RickL | Aug 25, 2006 02:31pm | #3

   Depends also on location. Some areas have more woodworkers and more equipment available used. For mint it's not uncommon to go for 3/4 of new for price. Older machines can often go for more than originally what they cost based on demand for staple machines such as planer, jointer and tablesaws. This info is based on the kind of machines for the homeowner where the demand is higher. A different criteria would be for industrial three phase stuff. Having spent a number of years as a tech for a dealer we saw a lot of stuff come and go. Lathes and certain other machines go for a lot less used. I've seen where guys would keep a machine for a number of years and keep it pristine shape and actually sell it for more than they bought it for which was still less than a new tool. That 50% rule is not a true way to value tools. Too many variables and certain brands command a higher resale value overall.

   
   

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   Edited 8/25/2006 9:02 am ET by RickL

1. 
   maple | Aug 25, 2006 06:22pm | #5

   Thanks for your suggestions and experience.
   Cheers
   J

1. 
   RickL | Aug 25, 2006 07:01pm | #7

   Buying used is pretty tough unless you know  a lot about tools. Even buying online or mail order has it's issues. Bying from a local dealer might cost more but at least you have someone to take care of any issues. If you look at the archives there are a lot of jointer issues new wood workers come across on a regular basis. It's hard to pin point technique versus real problems with the machine. Jointer lessons should be included with the purchase.

4. 
   jackplane | Aug 25, 2006 02:38pm | #4

   Because your profile is not filled out, i don't where you're based. But it helps if you're looking in an economically depressed urban area like maybe parts of Michigan, or in former furniture country like High Point, N. Carolina where the gettin' is good.

    

5. 
   cadiddlehopper | Aug 25, 2006 06:33pm | #6

   Guess my first reply didn't make it. I watched ebay a few years back for a jointer. They fetched such high prices used that I bought new. I don't know what a General 480 is, but 6- & 8-inch jointers have dropped in price of late. Unless the General is several cuts above, you are probably wasting your time shopping.

   Cadiddlehopper

1. 
   gb93433 | Aug 25, 2006 08:20pm | #10

   "I don't know what a General 480 is. . ." See http://www.general.ca/pagemach/machines/0general/480_1a.html

1. 
   cadiddlehopper | Aug 25, 2006 08:54pm | #11

   Sounds much like my YC8J Yorkcraft on paper except it is 58 pounds lighter, 2 inches longer, has no portable base, and won't run on 110 volts. I bought the YC8J because 30-year old Deltas were selling on ebay for the same price. I did notice that a few items sold at better prices in the area around Chicago & Detroit. That should be within your range. I would still buy new.Cadid

1. 
   gb93433 | Aug 25, 2006 09:00pm | #12

   I am loking for one. I was just responding to your question. I already own a General 8" jointer as well as three other jointers. One is a 6" General, an Oliver 12" and a Rockwell 6".

6. 
   forestgirl | Aug 25, 2006 07:02pm | #8

   No info in your profile as to geographical location.  But based on searches I've done, Craig's list will have WWing equipment fairly often.  Do you know about it?

   http://www.craigslist.org

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

1. 
   maple | Aug 25, 2006 07:18pm | #9

   It was used in a university teaching class in Vancouver BC. Likely not used as much as in a shop. I am going out to look at it today.
   Cheers
   Joe

1. 
   Buster2000 | Aug 25, 2006 09:09pm | #13

   A friend recently bought the same jointer from out in BC, and had it shipped to Calgary for $1100.  He got a very good deal on the shipping so you can probably assume about $1000 for the jointer.  It was a very good deal.