CNC and metalworking equipment appraisals.
A CNC and metalworking appraisal from Lukes & Lukes is an independent, USPAP-compliant opinion of value for machining centers, lathes, mills, press brakes, lasers and the supporting shop equipment. Each machine is valued by control generation, spindle and axis condition, hours and usage, the tooling and fixtures that convey, and the active dealer and auction market for its class. Every report is built to withstand lender, SBA, IRS, audit and legal review.
What we appraise
The machines that cut, form and fabricate.
From a single machining center to a full shop floor, we value each machine on the market where it actually trades. The make and model set the starting point; the control, the condition and the tooling set the number.
- Machining centers: vertical and horizontal VMC and HMC, by control generation and axis count.
- Turning: CNC lathes and turning centers, including live tooling and bar feeders.
- Fabrication: press brakes, shears, turret punches and plate rolls.
- Cutting: fiber and CO2 lasers, plasma, waterjet and EDM.
- Grinding and finishing: surface, cylindrical and centerless grinders.
- Tooling and metrology: tooling packages, fixtures, CMMs and inspection equipment that convey.
What drives the value
The control and the hours tell the story.
Two machines with the same model name can carry very different values. The control matters most: a machine on a current, supported control trades well, while one on an orphaned control trades at a discount no matter how good the iron is. Spindle and ballscrew condition, hours and duty cycle, retrofits, and the tooling and fixtures that transfer move the number from there. The evidence comes from the active dealer, rebuilder and auction market, where comparable machines actually sell. A list price is an input, not a conclusion.
Which value applies
The right premise for the situation.
The same machine carries different numbers depending on why you need the appraisal. We determine and defend the premise your situation requires.
Video · 38 seconds · with transcript
Machine shop equipment appraisal: two things that set the value
Two things set the value of a machine shop's equipment: the configuration (controls, tooling and options) and whether the machine is proven under power in place or already on the truck.
Common questions
Answers, up front.
How is used CNC equipment valued?
A certified appraiser applies the cost, market and income approaches under USPAP, then weighs what moves the number on the floor: control generation and parts support, spindle and ballscrew condition, hours and duty cycle, retrofits, and the tooling and fixtures that convey. The market evidence comes from the active dealer, rebuilder and auction network for that class of machine.
Does the tooling and fixturing count toward value?
When it conveys, yes. Tooling packages, workholding, pallets and fixtures can represent meaningful value, and we confirm what transfers with the machine before reflecting it in the report.
Which value should I ask for, FMV or OLV?
It depends on the purpose. Lending and SBA files often call for orderly liquidation value (OLV) or net orderly liquidation value (NOLV). A purchase or sale usually calls for fair market value (FMV). A wind-down may call for forced liquidation value (FLV). Tell us why you need the appraisal and we will identify the correct premise.
Does this satisfy a bank, an SBA lender or a court?
It is developed under USPAP Standard 7 and reported under Standard 8, the personal property path a reviewer expects for machine tools. Each machine is itemized by control generation, travels, spindle condition and tooling, so a 7(a) or 504 file can be checked line by line. Signed by a CMEA.
Related specialties
Also under general machinery & equipment.
Construction and heavy equipment appraisals →