What Does ‘Refurbished’ Mean in the Woodworking Industry?

Having the right equipment can make a huge difference in how your woodworking projects turn out and how enjoyable the process is. Nowadays, there is a wide range of options, not just in terms of the actual pieces of equipment but also the brand or the specifics of where the equipment comes from. Either in-store or online, you may have seen the woodworking equipment category ‘refurbished’. This blog explains what refurbished means in this context and the benefits of buying refurbished items. 

What does refurbished mean? 
Refurbished simply means older or used items that have been fixed up or renovated to the point where they are completely usable, as if new. In the woodworking industry, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has guidelines to ensure that refurbished equipment is safe to use and has been appropriately reworked. This means that any company providing refurbished equipment has an obligation to follow these rules to ensure customer satisfaction and product quality. 

What are the benefits of refurbished equipment? 
Refurbished woodworking machinery or equipment can provide multiple benefits. Most of these benefits stem from the product being second-hand, which aligns with the rising popularity of second-hand shopping globally. 

Cost-effective 
Refurbished equipment, like many other second-hand options, is generally cheaper than buying products new. Additionally, refurbished products have been extensively tested and rebuilt to ensure they are properly functional and efficient. This means that there’s every possibility they will last just as long as newer equipment, but at a reduced cost. Because of the reduced price, buying refurbished can also mean you can afford a better-known or more premium brand without breaking the bank. 

Performance has been tested 
Refurbished equipment is reworked from previously used products, meaning both the company reselling it and the buyer know how well the product has worked before, which informs their outlook on the refurbished product. 

Sustainable 
Part of the reason second-hand products are so popular is that they are more sustainability-focused and better for the environment. Here are some ways buying refurbished equipment positively impacts the world: 

• Conserving resources:Since the products are being reworked, the amount of raw materials needed to build the equipment from scratch is reduced.
• Reduced waste:As refurbished or second-hand products become more popular, fewer products will be thrown away (when they could have been fully functional). 
• Adds to a culture of renewability:If companies recognise that consumers are looking to buy second-hand or refurbished equipment, more companies will supply it. This encourages an entire culture of greener buying and selling. 

Choose refurbished equipment from Calderbrook Woodworking
At Calderbrook Woodworking, we have both a ‘refurbished’ and a ‘used’ category for a huge range of different types of woodworking equipment, from sanders to moulders. We have 25 years of experience and are trusted by thousands of customers, supplying quality European machinery from our base in Lancaster. 

We are happy to help with any other questions about setting up your woodworking workspace or with more information about us as suppliers. Feel free to contact us or continue browsing.