The Best Place to Buy a Used CMM
You are asking how to avoid buying a machine that looks like a deal and turns into a long, expensive project.
The best place to buy a used CMM is the seller that can deliver a working, supported system with proof. Not an as-is listing with vague promises.
What “best place” actually means
A used CMM is not a commodity. Two machines with the same model name can have totally different value depending on:
- Mechanical condition across the full measuring volume
- Controller supportability and parts availability
- Software version, licensing, and transferability
- Probe system completeness and compatibility
- Installation and post-move verification
- Service support after the sale
So the best place to buy is wherever those items are handled up front, in writing, with verification.
The 3 types of places people buy used CMMs (and the risk level)
1) Auctions and liquidation sites (highest risk)
These can be cheap, but you are usually buying blind.
Typical issues:
- No verification data
- Unknown crash history
- Missing probing and accessories
- No software license
- You own rigging, install, and troubleshooting
Buy here only if you have deep internal CMM expertise and budget for surprises.
2) Resellers listing machines “as-is” (medium to high risk)
Some resellers are honest. Many simply broker machines and pass risk to you.
Red flags:
- “Powers on” is the main proof
- No clear scope of what is included
- No written license transfer confirmation
- No post-install verification plan
You can still get a good machine, but you have to manage the risk like a project manager.
3) Service-backed turnkey sellers (lowest risk)
This is the best place to buy if your goal is to measure parts, not manage repairs.
What makes a seller truly turnkey:
- A CMM service team that inspects and restores performance
- Clear documentation of what was serviced
- Software and licensing confirmed, installed, and tested
- Probing package included and qualified
- Installation handled correctly, with verification after the move
- A support path after day 1
This is where you pay more than an auction deal, but far less than the cost of buying wrong.
The checklist that tells you if a seller is “the best place”
Before you buy a used CMM from anyone, ask these questions. The best place to buy is the seller who answers clearly and provides proof.
- Can you provide recent verification data that demonstrates performance across the volume?
- What exactly is included: controller, PC, software version, probing, accessories, and calibration artifacts?
- Is the software license transferable, and will you confirm that in writing?
- Who handles rigging, leveling, installation, and post-install verification?
- What gets serviced or replaced before shipment, and what documentation comes with it?
- If something does not work on arrival, what is the support path?
If any of these answers are vague, that seller is not the best place. They are just the cheapest place.
Why Made to Measure is a safer place to buy a used CMM
Made to Measure is not just listing used machines. We support them.
Our team focuses on delivering a used CMM as a complete system:
- A dedicated CMM service team inspects and restores machines to reliable performance
- Systems can be modernized with Renishaw technology where it makes sense
- Probing, software readiness, and installation requirements are handled up front
- The goal is day 1 usability, not day 90 troubleshooting
If you are buying a used CMM to increase inspection capacity, the real value is not the machine itself. It is the time and risk you avoid by getting a turnkey system that runs immediately.
Bottom line
The best place to buy a used CMM is the seller who can prove performance, confirm software and probing, handle installation correctly, and support the system after delivery.
If you want help comparing used CMM options or want a turnkey system that is ready to run on day 1, Made to Measure can help you evaluate your requirements and match you with the right machine.