Used Laminating Machines - Everything You Need to Know

What is a Laminating Machine?

In woodworking, laminating machines are used to apply adhesives and laminates to various materials, but mostly wood. Four common examples of laminating machines are: glue spreaders, which are used to spread glue on boards prior to their being affixed with another product; pinch rollers, which are used to form rolled pieces of material and fuse them together with adhesives; literal laminating machines, which apply a coat of finish lamination to a wood product; and panel cleaners, which are used to make panels "clean" of any material or surface quality that would hinder the application of a top product, such as veneer. Unlike woodworking machines that can be used for different purposes, laminating-machines are only applicable to woodworking operations that perform the specific functions for which the machines are meant. Laminating machines come in a variety of capacities and sizes to accommodate smaller woodworking operations and industrial grade operations alike.

Is it Sensible to Buy Used Laminating Machines?

Laminating machines can be expensive, with some industrial models costing six figures. As a result, many woodworking operations consider purchasing laminating machines used. Smaller woodworking companies typically purchase used woodworking machinery to stay within budget, while larger operations often purchase it order to improve their bottom line. However, in either case, it's important to realize that the value of a used industrial laminating-machine is not merely its price, but its quality combined with its price. Unlike domestic grade woodworking machinery and lower commercial grade woodworking machinery, industrial woodworking machinery is designed to stand up to industrial level use for years on end without a drop in efficiency or dependability, making it possible to purchase new machine quality at a used machine price. Even so, not all used industrial woodworking machines offer the same quality, making it crucial to evaluate a machine before going forward with a purchase.

How Do You Assess the Quality of a Used Laminating Machine?

Although woodworking machines are typically complex, the steps toward ensuring the purchase of a quality machine are relatively simple. The first step is only purchase used laminators from professional sellers of used woodworking machines (e.g. avoid buying from eBay or company auctions); otherwise, the seller may not be able to accurately assess the machine's value. The second step is to evaluate a seller's reputation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB); sellers that have unresolved customer complaints should be avoided. The third step is to request a copy of a laminator's official maintenance record; laminators that have not been regularly maintained should be avoided. The fourth step is to conduct a firsthand inspection of the machine to assess its general wear, or hire an expert third party to conduct the assessment. Following these steps will lead you to used laminators that offer the efficiency and dependability of new laminators.

In my research on industrial woodworking machinery, I've discovered several tips for purchasing used woodworking machinery.