I closed my shop this week. (A Long Read)

[mkd]

I've been treated well by ABL out of Florida

[BrianP.]

Congrats on making it to the next phase of life. Hope it is a long happy and healthy retirement. Hope to join you soon in the next couple of years.

[Jim at Gentex]

Sorry to hear the way it went down, but as others have said I'm glad that you are walking away on your own terms, and handling the details of selling the equipment.

I'm also happy to hear that you have been able to be financially responsible to the point that closing the business will not put you into financial ruin.  Not many small businesses can say that, so good on you for looking and planning ahead.

Best of luck with this next phase of your life.
You worked hard all your life, now it's time to sit back and enjoy.   

[MIL-TFP-41]

I have no idea what the market is like on "non-production" machines are. Production machines sell like crazy. I know if I were in your position I would keep some of your stuff for "tinkering". Saw, small lathe, brideport or similar. Selection of tools to make whatever toys you want.

As far as selling what you do have, E-Bay is one way to do it. Another option would be to contact a used machine dealer & have them buy it as one lot. The price you will get from a dealer is going to be disheartening, but sometimes one and done and no headache is worth it.

[thad]

Congratulations Leehound!    Where about in TN?

[gcode]

Congratulations Leehound!    Where about in TN?

and why don't you like living there... that's where my wife wants to retire

[Leehound]

Congratulations Leehound!    Where about in TN?

I am near Athens, half way between Knoxville and Chattanooga off of I75.

[Leehound]

and why don't you like living there... that's where my wife wants to retire

I should have put in my original post that "at the time" I didn't like living here. Now I really like living here. I am in a rural area with houses on 2 to 20 acres of land (I have 4 acres). Its quiet and peaceful, unfortunately its taken me awhile to really appreciate what I have. For the longest time we had always planed on moving back to Sarasota Florida, mainly because we still have family there. But houses are getting pretty ridiculous in prices and noise and traffic getting out of hand.  We are content staying here. 

[Leehound]

I appreciate all the suggestions on selling my equipment. I wont be selling everything as a package because I want to maximize what I get for them. I want to find buyers that are somewhat local. I have the Knoxville and Chattanooga areas to find buyers from. Both areas are about 50 miles from me. I already have someone interested in my lathe.

The more challenging equipment to sell are my two Milltronics VM15's, one is 2003 the other is 2008. These machines are unique. At the time Milltronics was still a private company and I could purchase directly from them and bypassing dealer pricing (I have had a long relationship with them). I saved money, but more importantly I could get them customized to my needs. Out of the factory these machines came with no tool changers and no sheet metal enclosures. They had the accuracy you get with a linear rail VMC but the convenience of a smaller toolroom style machine. And they are both 240 single phase. Yea, you loose some horsepower configured this way but I cut primarily 7075 aluminum, so I never noticed. I do have a rotary phase converter for my manual equipment. I went with no enclosure to save space and it gave me better access to all sides of the table. And I always cut 7075 dry, so these machines have not been soaked in coolant for years, no rust. These machines still run great. Probably the buyer interested will be someone wanting to get started in CNC and would like something put in their garage. Although, I have 8ft ceilings with a recessed cut into them at each machine.
 

[Surface]

I don't think there's a more difficult decision than choosing to throw in the towel, but it sounds like you've given it some thought and concluded this is the best time to make the move.

No one knows what the future holds, but you're probably correct: Asset prices are up and some type of recession is likely on the horizon, so this would be a good time to liquidate if planning to retire from the trade in the next 5 years.

I can't recommend anyone who could help sell the equiptment, however I routinely receive solicitations from companies wanting to purchase surplus machinery, so I would think you could find a buyer for the entire shop if you're willing to sell at a discount for the convenience of getting rid of everything at once.

[thad]

I am near Athens, half way between Knoxville and Chattanooga off of I75.

An army friend retired from Ft. Campbell and lives in Clarksville. He's got a small shop in his garage. He may be interested in some stuff. Possibly anything from machines down to hand tools. PM me your contact info if you'd like and I'll pass it along.

[DUM1]

best of luck , congratulations on being smart and responsible for your kids .
having things in order for the next generation weighs heavy on me sometimes as time is so short it seems

[Rstewart]

I am near Athens, half way between Knoxville and Chattanooga off of I75.

I'm only two or three hours south of you.  Hey, congrats on making it to retirement 

If you are looking to get rid of some cool shop stuff I may be interested.

[Leehound]

I just completed an inventory of everything I am selling. What a pain in the ass! But it had to be done.

I made a PDF file that contains a list and pictures of what I am selling. If anybody is "seriously" in the market for this stuff, PM me and I will send you a link to the file in a Dropbox link.

Keep in mind I am only interested in buyers willing to come to me.

Thanks