---
title: Don’t Accept Machine Mistreatment
description: With this information, you can make a more confident decision when purchasing a rebuilt machine. Make sure your machine has been cared for!
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---

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# Don’t Accept Machine Mistreatment

Feb 2, 2015 | by Jack Pennuto

Heading home from work tends to be a rewarding experience for me; I just tune my radio, take a quick trip down the highway, and wind down from my day. One commute in particular has been sticking with me, but not because it was pleasant – it was appalling.

Before I get to my story, let me share some tips for when you’re purchasing a used or refurbished machine for your sheet metal fabrication shop. Make sure you ask the following questions:

1. Has any tooling, electrical component, or hydraulics component been replaced or rebuilt? When did that take place?
2. Does the used machine come with a warranty?
3. Can I have the serial number for the machine?

With this information, you can make a more confident decision when purchasing a rebuilt machine. As OEM for Roto-Die hydraulic benders, Roto-Die will always keep a record of rebuild actions taken with used machinery and provide it upon request. Make sure your machine has been cared for – or you could be left out in the rain.

Here’s my story:

![Roto-Die Bender in the rain](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Rainstorm-image-300x225.jpeg?width=300&height=225&name=Rainstorm-image-300x225.jpeg)

A Roto-Die bender being transported in the rain

I pulled out from my office to head home, my wipers running at full speed to combat a late afternoon storm. With the rain blowing in sideways like it was, I had no desire to linger in it, so I made my way onto the highway and followed my usual route.

I was about halfway to my exit when I saw a flatbed truck ahead of me in the next lane over, carrying some large cargo. At first glance, I couldn’t quite make out what it was, but as I pulled alongside it, I recognized the Roto-Die nameplate – it was one of our used benders, most likely on its way to its newest owner’s facility. Uncovered. In a rainstorm.

I swung behind the truck to follow the bender to its destination. *This can’t be a resell,* I thought to myself, *there’s no way there would be that little care for the machine.* Sure enough, however, the flatbed pulled into a fabrication workshop before coming to a stop.

There isn’t a lofty moral for this story, but do yourself a favor: purchase your used machinery straight from the source, where you know the proper maintenance and respect has been paid to the equipment.

*Author Jack Pennuto is the Sales and Marketing Director with the Formtek Group, Inc., parent company of Roto-Die. As a sheet metal fabrication industry professional for over 15 years, Jack has authored editorials and educational material concerning metal forming practices and strives to assist fabricators in achieving their production goals.*

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