What to ask a machine-tool engineer before a sale

Three common reasons need different work.

Condition: What is known about a reported fault, wear, missing component or repair? A condition assessment may help clarify the description and further work needed.

Safety: What safety-related matters require assessment or action for the proposed supply? This should be addressed by someone competent for the equipment and the relevant responsibilities.

Measured performance: Can a stated characteristic be assessed through a defined method? A dimensional or performance report needs conditions, instruments and limits, not merely the phrase “tested”.

HSE's work-equipment inspection guidance describes inspection as dependent on the equipment and its circumstances. It does not make every commercial pre-sale visit the same kind of inspection.

Provide the engineer with a concise brief along these lines:

Machine: [make, model, serial number and control].

Proposed sale package: [main machine and identified accessories].

Known history: [last use, storage or move, relevant repairs and reported faults].

Questions to answer: [specific condition, configuration, safety or performance questions].

Available evidence: [manuals, service reports, dated photographs and previous assessments].

Requested output: a written report identifying the machine, date, scope, observations, any measurements, limitations and recommended follow-up.

Access arrangements: [site contact, availability and known restrictions].

Please confirm competence for this equipment, the proposed method, exclusions and whether additional specialists are required before work begins.

The engineer should define the technical method. The seller's job is to explain the question and provide accurate background.

Before commissioning a test, discuss the intended catalogue statement. A report about a particular spindle issue may not support a whole-machine condition grade. A demonstration of axis movement does not establish machining accuracy.

For a surface grinder, distinguish visible condition from measured results. For a CMM, involve the appropriate metrology expertise and consider relocation separately.

Ask the engineer to identify any assumptions or access limitations. If a component cannot be assessed without further work, the report should say so. A limitation is useful information; removing it from the catalogue summary would weaken the evidence.

Include known crashes, faults, modifications and periods out of use. Do not present only the most reassuring documents.

The missing-service-history guide helps organise an incomplete file. The engineer may be able to investigate a gap, but should not be expected to reconstruct undocumented years of operation from a short visit.

Supply responsibilities also need attention. HSE's second-hand products guidance explains the position in Great Britain. A condition report does not automatically settle every responsibility of the parties involved in a sale.

If the machine's installation raises a building question, use the foundations and anchoring enquiry and involve the relevant specialist. A machine-tool engineer's competence should not be assumed to cover structural design or every removal task.

Retain the full report, including qualifications, and identify the dated version used for the catalogue. If further repairs or changes occur, ask whether the original conclusion still applies.

Agree which information can be shared with potential buyers and how confidential material will be handled. Avoid extracting one favourable sentence while omitting the limitation that explains it.

Discuss the planned sale with UK Auction Group, including the questions you intend the specialist to resolve. That helps keep the assessment relevant to the actual asset and proposed description.

The engineering and CNC hub provides the linked preparation guides.