Here are what industry experts recommend you check before purchasing a pre-owned / second-hand / used Reichenbacher RANC516PW CNC router (or similar model in the RANC family). I’ll include what is known about the RANC line so you can benchmark, then a checklist, red flags, questions to ask, and economic/logistic considerations.

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What is Known About Reichenbacher RANC Machines (so you have baseline expectations)

From what I could find:

• The RANC line (Reichenbacher, Germany) is a long-running series of CNC routers / machining centres, produced from the late 1970s through to the 1990s.
• The RANC “A”, “AM”, “AE”, “MC”, etc. variants differ in table size, number of heads, tool-changer options, boring & milling aggregates, etc.
• Typical tables in RANC series have widths around 1,600 mm for many “A” or “AE” variants. Table lengths vary widely depending on model (e.g. 1,600, 2,300, 3,000 mm in some examples) for “A” series.
• The “MC” version towards later years had more advanced options: multiple aggregates, more heads, sometimes tool changers, more configurable.

I couldn’t find specific published specs for “516PW” in searches I checked; likely it is one of the RANC variants with around a 1,600 mm width table and perhaps ~5,200 mm or similar length (the “516” could refer to a table dimension, or variant). “PW” may indicate some variant (e.g. “Portal Wide”, “Power”, “Positioning Work”, or perhaps “Pod-and-Rail Wide”). So part of what you’ll need to do is verify its actual dimensions, drives, spindle power, controls, etc.

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What Experts Recommend Checking / Verifying

Here is a detailed inspection & test plan (by subsystem) to assess condition, performance and risks:

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Mechanical & Structural Components

1. Table / Bed / Gantry Structure
   • Check flatness and rigidity of the table (work‐holding area). Are there warps, dents, corrosion, or obvious wear?
   • Check the bed support and gantry structure for any distortion, cracks, or structural repair w/ welds. The portal / gantry must be rigid; any looseness causes vibration, inaccuracy.
   • Check alignment of the gantry across full travel (in Y / X / Z axes). Measure squareness, perpendicularity; test if the gantry sag or twist occurs when extended.
2. Guideways, Rails, Slides, Bearings
   • Inspect linear rails / bearings or box ways (depending on machine) for wear, pitting, scoring, rust.
   • Check slide movement: travel should be smooth without binding, stick‐slip, or loud noises.
   • Look for backlash in axes; check whether the axes return to position accurately after movements.
   • Way covers or protective bellows: are they intact, in good condition? If ways are exposed to dust / chips without protection, wear will be high.
3. Spindle(s) / Tool Head / Router Heads
   • Check spindle bearings: listen at different RPMs for noise, vibration.
   • Measure run‐out (radial & axial) on the spindle taper and tool holder. If run‐out too high, parts finish suffers.
   • Check cooling/lubrication of the spindle: is it properly lubricated? Is there evidence of overheating? Seal leaks?
   • If multiple heads or aggregates (boring, milling) are included, check those as well.
4. Tool Changer / Tool Holding System
   • If the “PW” variant or other option includes a tool changer or multiple tool heads, test the tool change actions: speed, accuracy, whether tools seat properly.
   • Tool holders themselves: check for wear, damage, whether they match your tooling standard.
5. Drive Systems & Motors
   • Check drive motors for each axis: power, condition, whether any overheating or excessive vibration when in operation.
   • Gearboxes, belts, couplers: check for wear, slippage, backlash.
   • Electrical motors for spindle, auxiliary spindles (if any), milling aggregates.
6. Control System / CNC Electronics
   • Identify the controller: which model, what version, age. Are spare parts/software updates still available?
   • Check condition of electronics cabinet: wiring, heat sinks, ventilation, dust, moisture.
   • All limit switches, safety interlocks, emergency stop buttons should function properly.
7. Coolant / Vacuum / Routing / Chip Management
   • Coolant system: pump, filtration, coolant piping, no leaks, cleanliness. If it’s a router for wood or composites, vacuum/chip extraction might be used – ensure dust control & extraction are working.
   • Vacuum table (if used): check seals, vacuum circuits, leaks, suction capacity.
8. Alignment & Precision Testing
   • Do test cuts: flatness, edge quality, repeatability, surface finish.
   • Check table accuracy over full travel: e.g. move from one corner to the opposite and check whether the travel matches programmed value.
   • Thermal behavior: run machine warm; see if accuracy shifts.
   • Run the machine under load: heavier milling / routing operations, not just idle moves.

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Red Flags & Warning Signs

These are issues often found in used RANC machines (and routers generally) that are costly to fix:

• Poor or missing way protection / covers; signs that guideways were exposed to chips/dust → excessive wear.
• Spindle with visible play, run‐out, or signs of overheating (discoloration, smell) or noise.
• Tool change misalignment: If tool changer mechanism is worn, misses pickup, or tools do not seat cleanly.
• Gearbox or motor issues: grinding noises, vibration, inconsistent performance under load.
• Cracks or structural repairs: if the gantry or support has been welded, beware of residual stresses, distortions.
• Electrical issues: corroded or dirty panels; moisture or rust in cabinet; non‐OEM or “jury rigged” fixes.
• Control obsolescence: very old controllers for which spares/software are scarce or discontinued.
• Vacuum / extraction not working or inefficient – especially for wood/composite routing, where dust is a major issue for both health & machine life.
• Cooling problems or coolant contamination: old coolant, sludge, rust in pipes, leaks.

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Questions to Ask the Seller

These help expose hidden problems and determine true cost:

1. What is the machine’s model designation exactly (confirm “516PW”), year of manufacture, serial number?
2. What are the table dimensions (X, Y, Z travel)? What is width, length, and usable travel?
3. What kind of spindle(s) installed: power, RPM, taper, whether aggregate heads are included?
4. What controller is used? What is its condition? Are backup files, manuals, software versions available?
5. What is the history of usage: what materials have been routed/machined; how many hours; heavy vs light duty; continuous or intermittent use.
6. Maintenance history: lubrication, spindle bearing changes, drive system repairs, alignment checks, way rebuilds.
7. What accessories / optional equipment are included: tool changer, aggregates, vacuum table / fixture system, dust extraction, coolant, chiller.
8. Any known faults or limitations: noisy spindle, alignment drift, problems with tool changes, parts of machine not functioning.
9. Spare parts availability for this model: Are spares still made? Are there third party suppliers?
10. Can you see the machine running under load, performing a sample job similar to what you intend to do? And can you roam through the controls, check backlash, test accuracy?
11. Condition of electrical cabinet, wiring, drives, motors: any signs of burn, corrosion, rust.
12. How is the machine transported / moved previously; has it been relocated often (which may cause misalignment)? Has it been installed on proper foundations?

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Economic & Practical / Logistical Considerations

• Transport & Installation: These CNC routers with large tables and heavy gantries are heavy, bulky. Moving, rigging, installing, aligning takes effort & cost.
• Foundation / Leveling / Floor stability: The machine must be installed on a stable floor, with proper leveling.
• Power / Utilities: Requirements for electrical supply (voltage, phase), compressed air (if used), vacuum/chip extraction, coolant.
• Tooling and Fixturing Costs: If the router uses custom fixtures, vacuum tables, etc., costs for setups may be high.
• Spare Parts Cost & Availability: If the model is old, some parts may be discontinued or expensive. Factor that into life-cost.
• Operator Expertise: Maintenance of older machines and calibrations require experienced staff. If controls are older, may require specialty skills.
• Expected Life After Purchase: Based on condition, how many years of reliable production you might still get, vs cost of refurbishment needed.
• Return on Investment: Compare cost of buy + refurbishment + accessories versus performance (speed, accuracy, throughput) you will get.