On 2011-04-12, GeoLane at PTD dot NET GeoLane wrote:
Quality machines tend to hold their value better than lesser brands of
machines over the long run, BUT in depressed times their prices drop
like most things. Look at Iggy. He made some incredible buys for a
couple of years.

I made an incredible buy today too, a Lincoln LN-25 MIG wire feed for
CC and CV machines, together with a gas solenoid option and a
contactor option. The price was $50. The seller, a gorgeous red headed
woman, was 100% honest with this welder also.

It works, too. I will probably sell it with the SA-200 welder, it will
fit it like a glove fits hand.

That said, yes, you are right. In a crisis, the prices of machines
dropped like a rock, which was a good thing all around, for machine
buyers.

Quality machines selling at the scrap metal price or just over it.
People just weren't buying last year. The market for machine tools
is smaller than the market for gold. No. I don't think tools are
as good an investment as gold, in that during depressed times there
are always buyers for gold, - maybe not at top dollar, but not at
giveaway prices either.

This is not true. Gold does not have intrinsic value, and dropped in
price from $800 to $250 per ounce, not so long ago.

My sense however is that the prices of tools have begun to rebound.
I"m glad I was buying the past couple of years.

I have a firm resolution to stay out of gold.

i