Used Machinery for Sale

Shop used industrial machinery by category and brand—press brakes, shears, lasers, waterjets, lathes, mills, saws, grinders, ironworkers, fabrication equipment, and more. Sterling Machinery Exchange has been buying, selling, trading, and sourcing industrial machinery since 1954.

A quality used machine can be one of the smartest investments a shop can make. The key is finding the right machine, from the right source, with the right guidance. Sterling helps customers compare options, avoid costly mistakes, and locate machinery that fits their production needs, budget, and timeline.

California headquarters. Nationwide buyers. U.S. shipping coverage. In-stock machinery added regularly.

Recently Added Used Machines

Recently added machines updated automatically.

Used Machinery Categories We Sell and Specialize In

Sterling Machinery Exchange specializes in a wide range of used industrial machinery for fabrication, chipmaking, toolroom, production, maintenance, and plant support operations. If the machine you need is not currently in stock, we can often help source it through our network and experience.

Fabrication Machinery

  • Used press brakes
  • Used shears
  • Used ironworkers
  • Used rolls and plate rolls
  • Used notchers and punches
  • Used lasers and waterjets

Chipmaking Machinery

  • Used lathes
  • Used milling machines
  • Used machining centers
  • Used drills and boring mills
  • Used grinders
  • Used saws

Toolroom & Precision Equipment

  • Used toolroom lathes
  • Used surface grinders
  • Used tool & cutter grinders
  • Used precision mills
  • Used inspection-related support equipment

Metal Cutting & Sawing Equipment

  • Used horizontal bandsaws
  • Used vertical bandsaws
  • Used cold saws
  • Used abrasive saws
  • Used miter saws

Support & Plant Equipment

  • Used dust collectors
  • Used compressors
  • Used welding positioners
  • Used material handling equipment
  • Used tooling-related support equipment

Hard-to-Find & Specialty Machinery

  • Older production machinery with proven value
  • Specific brands, models, and capacities
  • Replacement machines for existing workflows
  • Special application and niche machinery

Whether you need a used press brake, used lathe, used mill, used shear, used ironworker, used saw, used grinder, used laser, used waterjet, or a hard-to-find specialty machine, Sterling can help you compare, locate, and buy with more confidence.

Why Buy Used Machinery From Sterling?

Buying used machinery can be one of the smartest investments a shop can make—when the machine is the right fit, from the right source, and backed by real knowledge. Sterling Machinery Exchange has been involved in machinery buying and selling since 1954 and helps customers compare options, avoid costly mistakes, and locate machinery that truly fits the job.

Value Without Guesswork

  • A quality used machine can deliver excellent production value
  • Lower upfront cost can free budget for tooling, freight, rigging, or additional equipment
  • Used equipment often reduces lead time compared to waiting on factory production

Not All Used Machinery Dealers Are the Same

  • Some dealers simply flip machinery at a low price with little evaluation or preparation
  • A cheap machine can become expensive if it leads to downtime, repair issues, or lost production
  • Sterling helps buyers focus on long-term value—not just a low advertised number

Advantage From New Machinery Relationships

  • Sterling works with dozens of new machinery manufacturers
  • That gives us a head start on tech support, parts, machine information, and current market knowledge
  • Those relationships help us guide used machinery buyers more effectively too

Better Guidance on Brands, Parts, and Support

  • Because we work closely with new machinery manufacturers, we often have stronger perspective on brand differences
  • We can help buyers think through parts, support, controls, and long-term ownership questions
  • This gives used machinery buyers a more informed starting point

We Can Source Machinery Beyond Current Stock

  • If the right machine is not currently in stock, Sterling can often help locate it
  • Our network and experience help us identify machinery that is worth buying—not just machinery that is listed somewhere
  • That means better options for buyers looking for specific brands, sizes, or capacities

Buy / Sell / Trade Support

  • Trade in your current machine toward another purchase
  • Sell surplus machinery outright or discuss consignment options
  • Get help planning replacement paths in both used and new machinery

Used Machinery Do’s and Don’ts

Buying used machinery does not mean buying the cheapest machine you can find. It means buying the right machine, in the right condition, from the right source. Here are some of the biggest do’s and don’ts Sterling helps customers think through before buying.

Do’s

  • Do match the machine to your material, thickness, size, tolerance, and production goals
  • Do ask about machine age, controls, tooling, and electrical requirements
  • Do compare total value—not just price
  • Do factor in freight, rigging, installation, and operator needs
  • Do work with a dealer who understands the machinery and the application
  • Do ask whether there are better model or brand options for your budget
  • Do think about long-term parts, support, and usability

Don’ts

  • Don’t buy a machine just because it looks cheap online
  • Don’t assume all used machinery dealers inspect or represent machines the same way
  • Don’t ignore downtime risk, missing parts, worn tooling, or poor controls
  • Don’t buy a machine that is too small, too large, or wrong for your actual work
  • Don’t forget to confirm floor space, rigging access, and power requirements
  • Don’t focus only on purchase price while ignoring lost production time
  • Don’t assume that “available somewhere” means “worth buying”

Sterling helps buyers think through these issues before money changes hands. That is one reason many customers call us first when they want a used machine they can trust.

Used vs New Machinery: Which Is the Better Fit?

Many buyers compare used and new machinery based on timing, budget, features, and production needs. Both can be smart paths. Sterling helps buyers compare both honestly and choose what fits their shop best.

Decision FactorBuying UsedBuying New
BudgetLower upfront cost and strong value per dollarHigher cost with the newest technology and options
AvailabilityOften faster from stockMay involve factory lead times depending on options
TechnologyExcellent capability and proven platformsLatest controls, automation, and factory features
Support PerspectiveGreat value when chosen correctly and matched to the jobStrong option for buyers prioritizing newest specs and factory package

Latest Videos: Used Machines, Demos, and Walkthroughs

Sterling has built one of the largest collections of machinery demonstration videos in the industry. Watch machines in operation to compare styles, condition, controls, and features faster.

KNUTH MF 5 VP Milling Machine | Vertical Universal Mill ISO 40, 5 HP SMMF5VP
Nikon V-12A Optical Comparator | Precision Profile Projector #A7777
Hydraulix Expanders | Hydraulic Tube & Pipe Expanding Tools A5424

Financing, Trade-Ins, and Selling Your Used Machinery

Used machinery buying often moves fast. Financing can help preserve cash flow, and trade-ins can reduce out-of-pocket cost while helping your shop upgrade more efficiently.

Financing & Leasing

  • Commercial financing options for qualified buyers
  • Preserve cash for tooling, freight, rigging, and installation
  • Fast-moving used inventory rewards quick approvals

Trade-In Credit

  • Trade your current machine toward another purchase
  • Upgrade or right-size your equipment mix
  • One team for Buy / Sell / Trade coordination

Sell to Sterling

  • Single machines or full plant reductions
  • Consignment, outright purchase, and liquidation support
  • Nationwide reach and machinery expertise

Used Machinery Buyer Tools

Use these tools to speed up availability checks and recommendations. If you are comparing multiple machines, include your application and preferred specs.

Fast Used Machine Checklist

  • Category: press brake / lathe / mill / saw / shear / laser / grinder / etc.
  • Size / capacity: tonnage, length, swing, table, horsepower, voltage
  • Brand preference: if you have one
  • Timeline: how quickly you need the machine
  • Budget: even a rough range helps

Request Availability / Recommendations

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Used Machinery FAQ

What types of used machinery do you sell?
Sterling sells used industrial machinery across fabrication, chipmaking, toolroom, and support equipment categories including used press brakes, shears, lathes, mills, saws, grinders, ironworkers, lasers, waterjets, rolls, notchers, drills, and more.
Do you usually have used machinery in stock?
Yes. Sterling regularly updates used machinery inventory and frequently has machines in stock that are ready for quoting and shipment. Availability changes daily, especially on popular categories and brands.
Can you help me find a used machine even if it is not currently in stock?
Yes. Sterling can often help source machinery beyond current stock through experience, industry relationships, and a broad network. We work to help customers find machines that are actually worth buying—not just machines that happen to be listed somewhere.
Why buy used machinery instead of new?
Used machinery can offer excellent value, faster availability, and a lower upfront investment. New machinery can also be the right solution depending on your needs. Sterling helps buyers compare both paths honestly based on budget, lead time, features, and production goals.
Is the cheapest used machine always the best deal?
No. A low asking price can become expensive if the machine causes downtime, repair delays, missing parts issues, or lost production. Buyers should look at total value, machine fit, condition, support, and the credibility of the source.
Do all used machinery dealers prepare machines the same way?
No. Some dealers simply resell machinery at a low price with very little evaluation or preparation. Sterling helps buyers focus on the right machine, honest representation, and long-term value rather than just the lowest advertised number.
How does Sterling’s new machinery experience help used machinery buyers?
Sterling works with dozens of new machinery manufacturers, which gives us stronger perspective on tech support, parts access, current machine information, option differences, and market knowledge. That background helps us guide used machinery buyers more effectively too.
Can I finance used machinery?
Yes. Financing is available for many used machinery purchases for qualified buyers. Visit Machinery Financing & Leasing for more information.
Can I trade in or sell my current machine?
Yes. Sterling buys used machinery and also accepts trade-ins toward other machine purchases. Start with Sell Machinery.
Do you ship used machinery nationwide?
Yes. Sterling supports used machinery buyers across the United States with shipping coordination, freight planning, and delivery assistance.
What should I tell you so you can help me faster?
The most helpful information includes machine category, size or capacity, material type, desired brand, electrical requirements if known, budget range, and timeline. The more specific the request, the faster Sterling can narrow down the right options.
Can you help me compare brands and models?
Yes. Sterling can help compare brands, machine types, capacities, features, and overall fit for your application. This is especially helpful when buyers are deciding between several machinery options.
Can you help me replace an older machine with something similar?
Yes. Many customers come to Sterling when they need to replace an existing machine with a similar size, style, or production capability. We can help identify good replacement paths in both used and new machinery.
What makes Sterling a trusted source for used machinery?
Sterling Machinery Exchange has been involved in machinery buying and selling since 1954. Customers rely on Sterling for category knowledge, brand familiarity, honest guidance, a wide network, and help locating machinery that fits the job—not just the first machine that appears online.
Nationwide used machinery sales support.
California headquarters • U.S. shipping coverage • Serving machinery buyers and sellers across the United States since 1954

Need the Right Used Machine for Your Shop?

Whether you need a used press brake, used lathe, used mill, used shear, used ironworker, used saw, used grinder, used laser, used waterjet, or a hard-to-find specialty machine, Sterling can help you compare options, locate the right fit, and buy with more confidence.

If the machine is not currently in stock, we can often help source it through our network and experience. Tell us what you need, what you make, and what matters most—budget, size, timeline, brand, or production goals.