Originally Posted by
Art Mann
If I would have waited for the first used Hammer or MM combination machine to come along, I would died of old age before buying one at all. I have watched Craigslist in my area for probably 10 years and I haven't seen one yet. It is unfortunate but true that good used woodworking equipment is not available in all areas.
The OP is in Maine. Boston isn't far. I had to drive 6 hours each way to get my FS-35 and don't regret it. I had a 16" industrial jointer shipped across two states for a friend. All in he spent about $3.5K for a machine that would cost north of $12K new. Pro and prosumer machines like MM and Hammer J/P's will last for several generations of hobbiest use so there's no worry of wearing out a used one.
Cast a wider net. Machines are out there. New is nice but used machines offer a far better value if you shop wisely.
John