Buffalo Ironworker anybody?

[OutbackL130]

I need an ironworker for my metal fabrication company. I dont want to spend more than 3k and it has to punch 1" holes through 1/2" steel. I have always been interested in the big old mechanical Buffalo Ironworkers. I know a lot of people are afraid of them being dangerous to operate, therefore the price is usually cheaper.

It's hard to find an ironworker for my budget and I've been looking for years. This buffalo is 800 miles away and I would drive to pick it up. What are some things to look for when buying an old ironworker? Which items on it wear out or make the machine unusable or too expensive to repair?


FL109048 Buffalo Forge Co No 1 2 Universal Iron Worker | eBay

 

[Stimw]

I bought a 1/2 Buffalo at an auction for $425. about 8 years ago. I made a phase converter ($45.) to run it.
They run great on phase converters because it uses kinetic energy (flywheel) to do the work.
They are VERY SCARY!!! When you push the peddle SOMETHING IS GOING TO GET CUT! There is no panic button or other stop feature.
I kept it about 3 months and sold it for $1500. with the converter.
Then I found a Scotchman 50 ton hydraulic machine and fell in love. I made a once in a lifetime deal on it.
I later found a 35 ton Scotchman on CL for $600. and bought it planning to flip it for a profit.
BUT when it looked at me with those sad eyes and it got along so well with it's big brother I just couldn't let it go!
Usually those Mechanical s won't meet OSHA regs and if you have a shop that is on the radar it will be a problem.
If you do want to try for that machine they have an offer button, you might try $1500. ??? They are saying for parts.
There is no tooling with it, you can still buy tooling but it doesn't fit other machines IIRC.
I would suggest holding out for a Hydraulic machine.