Reviewing PRSAlpha to buy

[cj_making_things]

Hi, I'm checking out a used 2009 PRSAlpha BT48 to buy. Are there things in particular I should be looking at to gauge its condition/potential future repair costs?

[Joe Porter]

I would power up the machine a check for any play or movement at the pinion/gear rack point. All should remain motionless. With the power on, move the X,Y, and Z axis across their range and listen and feel for any roughness or noise. These should just make a pleasant zipping sound. Power up the spindle/router and feel and listen for smoothness. The spindle will be reasonably quiet; the router will be unreasonably loud, but both should be smooth. Then just look for general condition and everything tight with no signs of distress. The Buddy's come fully assembled from the factory and should stay that way. If you decide to purchase the machine, I would figure out a way to take it home in one piece...hope this is of some help...joe