Chance to buy a 36" Di-arco slip roll, offered for $700. Is this a good price and is a good quality machine. Located 2 hours away and stated to be in good shape. Suggested questions to ask the seller.
Di-Acro equipment is very good quality. Seven Hundred seems like a fair price for both buyer and seller. Examine the rollers for damage, also the gears. Best of luck.
36' $700? I think u can find a 48' for just a little more $ but 36in one does come in handy from time to time.
Skidmarks is correct about checking for cracks. He was also correct in asking about the gauge capacity. These smaller slip rolls are usually very limited as to the gauge capacity (typically 20 gauge=.0375"). If you exceed the gauge capacity you will eventually crack the casting at the lock down. If you don't exceed the very limited capacity the machine has very limited use... how much 20 gauge sheet metal are you going to roll? How much 20 gauge sheet metal is even used in the older cars? 20 gauge is really thin for most applications. I'm stressing the capacity problem because most of these smaller machines sit collecting dust because they can't handle the thicker gauge metals... and I haven't even addressed the length problem which also limits their usefullness. Di-Acro makes excellent equipment and it tends to hold its value during re-sale ie. you will pay a premium for a Di-Arco machine. Flatheadguy is right about the price for this machine but for $700 you could have a sheet metal shop roll a lot of metal for you. Just some thoughts from a guy that never saw a tool that he didn't want and usually bought.
Thanks for all the info so far, I will see this machine on Monday and learning where the problem areas are will be a great help.
seems like a fair price, but personally id like to have one a bit bigger. Id probably jump on it if it turned out ok.
I am the applications engineer at the company that currently owns Di-Acro. If you pick this thing up and need parts, a lot of the 12" and 24" slip roller parts do interchange. Basically, check anything that spans the width of the machine (base casting and rollers) for cracks, etc.
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