What to Look for When Buying a Used Feeler
Feeler machines are manufactured with in-house components and quality-controlled assemblies at the company's Taichung campus. Here is what to inspect on used units.
Test the spindle and drive system. Measure spindle runout at the nose with a test indicator. On VMCs, run the spindle through the full RPM range and listen for bearing noise after warm-up. On lathes, verify both low-speed torque and high-speed stability.
Inspect guideways and ballscrews. Feeler offers both box-way and linear-guideway machines depending on the series. On box-way models, check way surfaces for wear and verify gib adjustment. On linear-guide models, inspect roller carriages for smooth travel. Test ballscrew backlash on all axes.
Cycle the automatic tool changer. Run the ATC through every pocket and verify reliable tool exchange. Check for worn gripper fingers, misaligned pots, or hesitation during indexing. On lathes with turrets, verify positive lockup at each station.
Verify the CNC control platform. Feeler machines ship with Fanuc (0i, 0i-MF, 31i, 32i), Siemens (828D), or Heidenhain controls depending on model and market. Confirm clean power-up, successful axis homing, and that all options and software packages listed on the spec sheet are functional. Matching the control to your shop's existing platform reduces training time.
Feeler CNC Lathes
FTC Series
The FTC series is Feeler's core turning platform and the most commonly traded Feeler lathe on the used market. Models include the FTC-150, FTC-200, FTC-200L (long bed), FTC-350, and FTC-350LX/XLS with Fanuc controls, optional live tooling, sub-spindles, Y-axis, and C-axis. Chuck sizes range from 6 to 15 inches.
HT & FT Series
The HT series horizontal turning centers provide mid-range to heavy-duty turning capacity. The FT series delivers large-swing, high-rigidity turning for heavy workpieces. Both platforms feature rigid box-way or linear-guideway construction depending on configuration.
FVT Series & Legacy Lathes
The FVT series vertical turning centers handle large-diameter parts for energy and heavy industrial applications. Legacy Feeler lathes, including the FTL toolroom lathes (comparable to Hardinge-style precision turning) and FTS second-operation lathes, also appear on the used market and serve specialized turning and finishing roles.
Feeler Vertical Machining Centers
VMP Series
The VMP series (VMP-580, VMP-800, VMP-1100, VMP-50A) is one of Feeler's best-selling VMC platforms. These machines feature Fanuc controls, CAT 40 spindles, and spindle speeds up to 10,000 RPM, balancing performance, footprint, and value for general-purpose milling.
HV & VMX Series
The HV series (HV-800, HV-1000, HV-1600) delivers high-speed, high-performance milling with spindle speeds up to 15,000 RPM, 30-tool ATCs, and through-spindle coolant. The VMX series (VMX-580, VMX-1300) offers similar performance with Fanuc 0i-MF Plus controls and direct-drive spindles up to 12,000 RPM.
Legacy FV & FMV Series
The FV series (FV-800, FV-800A, FV-1600) and FMV series (FMV-1000, FMV-1700) are legacy Feeler VMCs that remain widely available on the secondary market. These machines use Fanuc controls and offer solid box-way construction at value price points.
Feeler Horizontal & Double Column Machines
The EH series horizontal machining centers provide pallet-changer-equipped production machining with Fanuc 31i controls, high-speed spindles, and large tool magazines. The SDM series double-column gantry machining centers handle extra-large workpieces with travels exceeding 4,000 mm, serving aerospace, energy, and heavy machinery applications.
Feeler 5-Axis Machining Centers
The QMP series (QMP-23A) offers compact trunnion-table 5-axis machining with Fanuc controls. The U series and VUX series deliver full simultaneous 5-axis capability for complex aerospace, medical, and mold components. Feeler's 5-axis platforms benefit from the group's deep experience across multiple FFG brands.
How to Sell Your Used Feeler
Feeler machines hold solid resale value thanks to the backing of FFG, consistent Fanuc controls across the lineup, and competitive pricing that attracts a broad buyer base. FTC lathes, VMP and HV machining centers, and legacy FV-series VMCs are in particularly high demand.
Resell CNC buys used Feeler machines, every model and generation, nationwide.
- Contact us — call (844) 478-8181 or email sales@resellcnc.com.
- Free appraisal within 24 hours, no obligation.
- Accept the offer — we handle rigging, transport, and logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used Feeler Machines
Are used Feeler machines reliable?
Yes. Feeler machines are built with in-house components under strict quality control. The brand is backed by FFG, one of the world's three largest machine tool groups, ensuring parts availability and support.
What CNC control does Feeler use?
Feeler primarily uses Fanuc controls, including the 0i, 0i-MF, 0i-MF Plus, 31i, and 32i series. Select models are available with Siemens 828D or Heidenhain controls depending on the market and application requirements.
What should I inspect before buying a used Feeler?
Prioritize spindle runout and bearing condition, guideway wear (check gib adjustment on box-way models or roller carriage condition on linear-guide machines), ballscrew backlash, ATC or turret function, and CNC control status including software options.
What is the relationship between Feeler and FFG?
Feeler is the flagship brand of Fair Friend Group (FFG), established in 1985 as the group's original machine tool operation. FFG now encompasses 37 machine tool brands with 50 manufacturing bases worldwide. In North America, Feeler machines are distributed through FFG Americas.
What industries use Feeler machines?
Feeler machines serve aerospace, automotive, medical device manufacturing, energy, mold making, metal fabrication, electronics, and general contract manufacturing.
What Feeler models hold their value best?
HV-series high-performance VMCs, FTC-350 turning centers, EH horizontal machining centers, and QMP 5-axis machines maintain the strongest resale values. VMP-series VMCs trade at accessible price points with consistent buyer demand. Call (844) 478-8181 for current valuations.
How do I sell my used Feeler?
Contact Resell CNC at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com. We buy every Feeler model nationwide, from FTC lathes through HV machining centers and SDM double-column machines. Free appraisal within 24 hours.