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Most of our inventory sells before we can list it online. If you need a specific brand, model, or specification, tell us what you need—we have access to unlisted equipment and machines coming in from plant closures.
Looking to Sell Your Central Machinery?
Meadoworks is an active cash buyer of used industrial equipment. Get a free valuation from our AMEA-certified appraisers.
About Central Machinery
Central Machinery was introduced in 1982 as one of Harbor Freight Tools' dedicated machine-tool house brands, built around the same direct-from-manufacturer sourcing model that Harbor Freight has used since its founding in 1977 in North Hollywood, California. The brand was created specifically to put functional workshop machinery within reach of hobbyists, metal fabricators, and auto technicians who needed capable equipment without the premium price tags of industrial-grade lines.
The flagship product in the Central Machinery catalog is its floor drill press lineup, which spans 13-inch and 17-inch swing models, both offered with 16-speed pulley systems covering a wide RPM range suitable for wood, mild steel, and other common shop materials. These floor-standing machines are built around cast-iron construction to dampen vibration, and they feature rack-and-pinion depth adjustment, tilting and rotating work tables, and adjustable depth stops with gauges. Beyond drill presses, the line includes horizontal and vertical metal-cutting band saws with hydraulic feed, benchtop mini lathes, combination belt and disc sanders, bench grinders, shop presses, and machinist vises.
Central Machinery equipment is aimed squarely at small fabrication shops, auto repair facilities, woodworking studios, vocational training programs, and general-purpose maintenance departments that need reliable stationary machine tools for everyday drilling, cutting, turning, and grinding tasks. The brand's accessible price point has also made it a common first machine for independent craftspeople and light-production operations setting up a new shop.
On the used market, Central Machinery drill presses and band saws attract buyers who want a proven floor-standing machine at a fraction of the cost of new. The cast-iron frames on the larger drill press models hold up well over years of shop use, and replacement belts, chucks, and common wear parts remain widely available through aftermarket suppliers, making maintenance straightforward. Buyers seeking an affordable entry into floor-standing metalworking or woodworking equipment consistently turn to used Central Machinery machines as a practical, low-risk choice.
Meadoworks is your trusted source for used Central Machinery equipment. As third-generation industrial equipment dealers and AMEA-certified appraisers with over 50 years of experience, we offer quality-inspected Central Machinery machines at competitive prices. Browse the 1 used Central Machinery machine listed above, or call 800-323-0307 for equipment not yet listed.
Every machine includes detailed specifications and high-resolution photos, and inspection visits are available for most equipment. We ship worldwide with experienced rigging partners and offer financing for qualified buyers. Have Central Machinery equipment to sell? Get a free valuation or contact our team.
Central Machinery Equipment by Category
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Machinery known for?
Central Machinery is best known for its value-priced floor drill presses, metal-cutting band saws, and benchtop lathes sold through Harbor Freight Tools. The brand has been a go-to source for small fabrication shops, auto technicians, and hobbyists needing functional stationary machine tools since 1982.
Are used Central Machinery drill presses worth buying?
The larger Central Machinery floor drill press models — particularly the 13-inch and 17-inch 16-speed machines — are built with cast-iron frames that hold up well in shop environments and are frequently recommended for woodworking and light metalworking. Replacement belts and common wear parts are widely available from aftermarket suppliers, keeping maintenance costs low on used machines.
What industries use Central Machinery equipment?
Central Machinery machines are commonly found in small metal fabrication shops, auto repair facilities, woodworking studios, vocational training programs, and general maintenance departments. Their accessible price point also makes them a practical choice for independent craftspeople and light-production operations equipping a new shop.
Popular Central Machinery Models
Looking for one of these models? Call 800-323-0307 — we often have unlisted Central Machinery machines coming in from plant closures.
Central Machinery Specialties
Looking for Specific Central Machinery Equipment?
Can't find what you need? Contact our team with your requirements. We source equipment from plant closures and facilities across North America and can often locate specific machines.
