Here’s a checklist of what to watch out for / test when buying a used Traub CSK-300 vertical machining centre. The more of these you verify, the more confident you can be about condition, cost, and what you’ll need to invest after purchase.

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What the CSK-300 Should Have / What Specs to Check

Make sure what the seller claims matches what the machine actually is.

• Work envelope / travels in X, Y, Z.
• Spindle speed / power (does it reach its rated RPM under load).
• Spindle taper (e.g. ISO-40 etc.).
• Table size / load capacity.
• Tool magazine capacity & whether tool change is reliable.
• Control type and its version / condition.
• Weight, footprint.
• Additional systems if any (coolant, chip swarf removal / conveyor, coolant through spindle etc.).

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What to Inspect & Test

Here are the mechanical / electrical / usability parts you should inspect or test in person if possible:

1. Spindle
   • Measure run-out (radial & axial) at the spindle nose and taper.
   • Check for vibration or unusual noise when running at low and high rpm.
   • See if the spindle motor overheats under moderate load.
   • Check bearing condition (any looseness, noise, heat).
2. Axes (X, Y, Z)
   • Move full travel in all axes; check for smoothness, binding, irregular sound.
   • Check backlash in each axis; check repeatability.
   • Guides / ways: look for wear, scoring, rust, chips. Are way covers intact?
   • Lubrication: are ways being lubricated properly (automatic/manual)?
3. Tool Mag & Tool Change Mechanism
   • Tool magazine: capacity, physical condition, mechanism for loading/unloading.
   • Are tools seated correctly? Any play in tool holders?
   • Time and reliability of tool change cycles.
4. Control System & Electronics
   • Boot up the CNC; test menus, screens, input devices (buttons/switches).
   • Check error / alarm history.
   • Check limit switches, homing, safety interlocks.
   • Wiring / electrical cabinet: condition, clean, no burnt smell, corrosion.
   • Is control software version acceptable / supported?
5. Coolant / Chip Removal
   • Coolant system: pump(s), filters, reservoir. Cleanliness of coolant. Any leaks.
   • Chip / swarf removal: swarf conveyor, chip tray etc. Are they present and functional?
6. Table & Workholding
   • Table top condition: flatness, wear, damage, surface finish. T-slots condition.
   • Table load capacity: can it still hold weight without sagging.
   • Fixtures that are included, clamps, hold-downs.
7. Structural & Frame Condition
   • Machine frame, column, spindle head: any visible damage, corrosion, misalignment.
   • Leveling: machine must be level; if heavily used, base may have settled or shifted.
8. Accuracy & Machining Tests
   • Make a test part or sample cut; check dimensional accuracy, surface finish, tolerances.
   • Do tests over full travel, not just center area.
   • Check for thermal drift (after running for some time does accuracy change).
9. Maintenance History
   • Ask for hours of operation, but more important: hours of cutting (under load) vs idle.
   • Records of maintenance: spindle bearing replacement, tool changer servicing, axis guide maintenance.
   • Any known issues in past; whether parts have been replaced.
10. Spare Parts / Consumables / Support
    • What tools, holders, fixtures come with the machine.
    • Are spares for key parts available locally or via import.
    • Manuals & diagrams: are they included?
    • How expensive / frequent are consumables or wear parts (e.g. seals, bearings, etc.).
11. Safety / Guards / Environment
    • Emergency stops, guards, interlocks: are they all present and working.
    • Is electrical grounding good.
    • Operation environment: clean, dry; any history of coolant leaks, rust, moisture.
12. Cost of Transport / Installation
    • Footprint, weight: can you move it into your shop? Do you have lifting gear.
    • Foundation or floor strength: can your floor take the machine & vibration.
    • Alignment / leveling jobs, installation cost.

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Red Flags & What Raises Costs

These are warning signs. If you see several, you’ll likely have to spend extra after purchase:

• Spindle run-out large or noisy spindle under no load.
• Excessive cost or unavailability of spare parts or obsolete control system.
• Missing or badly worn tool changer.
• Poor lubrication, dried up ways or seals, rust patches.
• Electrical issues, corroded panels, water in cabinets.
• Table top badly worn / T-slots damaged.
• History unknown, no maintenance documents.
• Machine has been idle for long without care.
• Heavy cosmetic damage (may indicate abuse) or overheating signs.