What to Look for When Buying a Used LaPointe Broaching Machine
LaPointe broaching machines are built with heavy cast-iron frames, hardened steel ways, precision hydraulic cylinders, and robust mechanical systems designed for decades of production service. Here is what to inspect on used units.
Test the hydraulic system and cylinder condition. Broaching machines rely on consistent hydraulic pressure and smooth, controlled ram travel. Check hydraulic oil level, pressure, and flow rate. Inspect cylinders for leaks and drift. Verify smooth ram travel at rated speed across full stroke. On horizontal machines, test the retriever for reliable return.
Inspect the ways and ram alignment. LaPointe machines use hardened steel ways that guide the ram through the broaching stroke. Check for wear, scoring, or galling on the way surfaces. Verify ram-to-table alignment and parallelism. On vertical machines, check the table-up mechanism for smooth, centered lift. Misalignment causes uneven broach loading, poor surface finish, and accelerated tool wear.
Verify the workholding and fixturing. Inspect the worktable, fixtures, and clamping mechanisms for wear and accuracy. On machines with index tables, test indexing accuracy at each station. Check fixtures and adapter plates for flatness.
Evaluate the electrical and control systems. Many legacy LaPointe machines use relay logic or early solid-state controls. Verify that all electrical components (relays, contactors, solenoid valves, limit switches) function correctly. On CNC-upgraded machines, test the control system for proper axis motion, program execution, and safety interlock function. Confirm that the lubrication system delivers oil to all specified points.
LaPointe HP-Series Horizontal Broaching Machines
The HP series (HP40, HP75, and other tonnage designations) is LaPointe's production horizontal broaching platform and the most commonly found model family on the used market. "HP" designates hydraulic pull-type operation, where the broach tool is pulled through or across the workpiece by the main hydraulic cylinder. The number indicates tonnage capacity. HP40 machines provide 20-ton pull capacity for mid-range keyway, spline, and slot broaching. HP75 machines deliver 37.5-ton capacity for heavy-duty production. Standard features include hardened steel ways, built-in coolant systems, automatic lubrication, and a retriever that returns the broach tool to the starting position after each stroke. Extra-long stroke options accommodate larger workpieces and longer broach tools.
LaPointe Vertical Broaching Machines
LaPointe vertical broaching machines are available as table-up internal models (the table rises to push or pull the workpiece over a stationary broach), surface broaching models (a single ram drives the broach across the workpiece surface), and high-speed models for production environments. The 5-36FPV provides 5-ton capacity with a 36-inch stroke for lighter-duty vertical internal broaching. Larger vertical models handle fir-tree slots on turbine discs, gear tooth profiles, and heavy surface broaching on flat or contoured workpieces. Vertical machines are preferred when floor space is limited or when gravity assists chip evacuation from the cut.
LaPointe CNC Turbine Disc & Specialty Machines
LaPointe turbine disc broaching machines (now manufactured and supported by Colonial Tool based on original LaPointe engineering) handle the precision broaching of fir-tree root slots in jet engine turbine discs for aerospace manufacturers. Multi-axis CNC configurations (up to 6 axes) with strokes to 300 inches provide the positioning accuracy and repeatability required for nickel superalloy components. LaPointe broach sharpeners (100-inch capacity) sharpen both round and flat broach tools with precision ground tooth profiles. LaPointe rotary index tables automate workpiece positioning between broaching passes for multi-slot disc and gear production.
How to Sell Your Used LaPointe
LaPointe broaching machines hold strong resale value thanks to over 120 years of brand heritage, heavy-duty construction that delivers decades of service life, and the ongoing demand for broaching capability in aerospace, automotive, and defense manufacturing. HP-series horizontal machines and vertical broaches are in particularly high demand.
Resell CNC buys used LaPointe broaching machines, every model and tonnage, 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 LaPointe Broaching Machines
Are used LaPointe broaching machines reliable?
Yes. LaPointe Machine Tool Company manufactured broaching machines in Hudson, Massachusetts, starting in 1902. The heavy cast-iron frames, hardened steel ways, and robust hydraulic systems are built to last generations. Many LaPointe machines remain in active production after 40, 50, and 60+ years of service with proper maintenance.
Can I still get parts and service for LaPointe machines?
Yes. Colonial Tool (Windsor, Ontario) owns all LaPointe broach machine engineering for units manufactured in North America prior to 1986 and provides service, replacement parts, and rebuilt machines. LaPointe Hudson Broach Corporation (now part of Pioneer Broach Company) provides broach tool design, manufacturing, and sharpening services from Hudson, Massachusetts.
What should I inspect before buying a used LaPointe?
Test hydraulic system pressure, cylinder condition, and ram travel smoothness. Inspect hardened ways for wear or scoring. Verify ram-to-table alignment. Check workholding fixtures, index tables, and the retriever mechanism. On CNC-upgraded machines, test control operation and axis accuracy.
What industries use LaPointe broaching machines?
Aerospace (turbine engine disc fir-tree slots), automotive (gears, splines, keyways), defense and firearms (gun barrel broaching, breech components), power generation, and general manufacturing for any application requiring precise internal or external profile machining in a single pass.
What LaPointe models hold their value best?
HP-series horizontal broaches (HP40, HP75) maintain the strongest resale values due to versatility and broad demand. CNC turbine disc machines command premiums for aerospace capability. Call (844) 478-8181 for current valuations.
Does Resell CNC offer financing on used LaPointe machines?
Yes. Resell CNC offers flexible financing options to help your business acquire the equipment it needs. Contact us at (844) 478-8181 to discuss terms.
How do I sell my used LaPointe?
Contact Resell CNC at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com. We buy all LaPointe models nationwide, from vertical pull broaches through heavy-duty HP-series horizontals and CNC turbine disc systems. Free appraisal within 24 hours.