Not sure why?

[dlcw]

But it seems a LOT of Shopbot machines are being sold on the For Sale forum. Is there something going on we need to be aware of?

[8Ball]

People seem to be moving to bigger, more industrial style machines. The beginner people are utilizing the less expensive hobby style machines. Shopbot falls in the middle somewhere.

[coryatjohn]

When you consider how many SB's were sold and the number that show up here for sale, the numbers are insignificant and statistically, just noise. Also, one factoid is that the machines being sold are generally older than five years and still commanding a decent price. I'd be willing to bet that if I placed my 2013 PRS Alpha on sale, I could easily get 50% of what I paid for it.

[8Ball]

When you consider how many SB's were sold and the number that show up here for sale, the numbers are insignificant and statistically, just noise. Also, one factoid is that the machines being sold are generally older than five years and still commanding a decent price. I'd be willing to bet that if I placed my 2013 PRS Alpha on sale, I could easily get 50% of what I paid for it.

They are "commanding a decent price", but they aren't selling. It's unlikely you would get 50% for a seven year old machine, from anyone other than a die-hard Shopbot fanatic. Anyone that takes the time to research, will find new welded frame(not bolted) machines, with better control, and CAD/CAM software included. These new machines also come equipped with the computer, monitor, etc, and ready to run right out of the crate. Linear bearings are also becoming common on new machines. They also have active forums, and stellar customer support. This all for about the same price as 50% of your used machine. Add the features, and of course the price reflects it, but for a comparable machine...

If anyone cared to research, they would find a long time, ex-employee, that has started his own business building heavy-duty machines. Simple Google searches have Shopbot well below many other brands. There are approximately 10 half way active users on this forum. The information just isn't here any longer, and project posts have dried up.

With an inactive forum, bolt together machines, and early tech, what is to attract a new buyer, or someone looking for a used machine, with the prices being "commanded" on either?

[coryatjohn]

Here's one.

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?25453-4x8-PRS-Alpha-for-sale

Listed for $8k. Probably cost $16k or so? That's 50%.

One of the reasons I bought a SB was that I could actually fit it into my shop. Those welded machines are just too darn big to go through a standard door. Maybe things have changed since 2013. Another is that I could put it together myself.

I have found my SB to be a reliable and workable machine with very little fuss required. I don't push it and it performs admirably. I know it's not a production machine, and I'm not a production guy. So a good match.