I didn't think you sounded political. Seeing something like that makes most of us drool and dream. As you state, today's dealings aren't all above board any longer so many of us have learned to be very very wary! Your input set the record straight for me and enjoyed hearing it. Also understand your position as I have been shoeing horses for thirty years and have grown weary of being beaten up by the horses so took my knowledge and prefer to work with the iron using a torch or forge. Your knowledge through working with wood creates an opportunity for you to rebuild and properly set up machines in a working fashion.
Just out of curiosity, do you have the books/specs for these machines for the buyer then?