Hi everyone,
I’m in the early stages of building a shop on my property in Tucson, AZ, and I’m starting to look for the right equipment: a lathe, milling machine, welding setup, fabrication table… you know, the good stuff. I’ve got most of my hand tools figured out already, along with some bench grinders, basic sheet metal tooling, and electric portable tools. I also recently picked up a 6" Fireball forged vise as a starter (super stoked on that one!). I’ll be adding more sheet metal machines down the line too.
Most of the big machines will likely be used, just to avoid blowing the budget all at once.
So far, I’ve been checking:
- Precision Matthews
- Grizzly
- Machinery Values
- Resell CNC
- MachineTools.com
- eBay
- Facebook Marketplace
I’ve actually found a lot of listings on Marketplace around here, but the machines often look like they’ve been sitting outside for years. Sellers always say, “It’s good to go! You know, it’s dry here—it’s only surface rust!” 
But in reality, they’re usually in rough shape.
So I’m curious: where do you guys find your best machines? Any go-to dealers, auction houses, local spots, or lesser-known online gems? I’d especially appreciate tips on finding quality gear that hasn’t lived outdoors its whole life.
I’m also looking for a versatile lathe that can cut both standard and metric threads. I want something that can handle everything from custom fasteners to random automotive and motorcycle parts. If you’ve got recommendations for a solid all-rounder, I’m all ears.
One last thought: maybe I missed it, but has there ever been talk of adding a Marketplace section to this forum? A space for members to list machines for sale or share good finds. It seems like a natural fit for the Fireball community. Plus, it’d help filter out the junk and give people a better idea of what to expect.
Thanks in advance for any leads, tips, or stories!