There is no formula for what a used tool grinder is worth, but buyers check the same factors, and public asking prices show an order of magnitude: in our sample of 30 September 2026 they run from €2,750 for a conventional machine from 1970 to €95,000 for a 2005 CNC machine that the listing describes as completely overhauled. An asking price is not a sale price. We buy your tool grinder; send us the nameplate, control, operating hours and photos, and you usually get a first assessment. For the overview of all machine classes and brands, see Sell tool grinders.
In short: what decides the value
Three things usually decide more than the year. First, the control: does the machine run on a control and software a buyer can still maintain and extend, or does the buyer have to modernise? Second, the condition of spindle and axes, shown by records rather than assurances. Third, the scope of supply: loading system, wheel changer, measuring probe, coolant treatment, wheel sets and holders belong to the machine when they appear in the documents.
There is also a limit we state openly: public prices for tool grinders are rare and almost always come from listings, which show what a seller asks, not what is finally paid. So instead of a price table per brand you get a method and a sample.
What is publicly visible: seven listings at a glance
On 30 September 2026 we read the brand pages of the Maschinensucher portal for ANCA, Walter Helitronic, Saacke and Vollmer and selected from the first page of each every tool grinder with a stated price. All details come from the sellers; we have seen none of the machines and have no connection to any seller. The prices are asking prices, in each case plus VAT.
| Machine according to the listing | Year | Location | Price in the listing | What the listing says |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vollmer CH, tool grinder | 1970 | Wijchen | €2,750, fixed price | Conventional control, motor power 1.4 kW, empty weight 500 kg; documentation and CE certificate not available according to the listing |
| Saacke UW IA, universal tool grinder | 1990 | Unterperfuss | €5,500, negotiable | ‘Very good’, fully functional; works number and wiring diagram number given in the listing |
| Walter Helitronic Basic | 2013 | Kazanlak | €77,400, negotiable, FCA | 32,269 h, Fanuc 310i, Tool Studio 3.5, five axes, Renishaw tool probe, oil mist separator, paper band filter, parameter backup, three manuals; the description text also says ‘price on request’ |
| Saacke UW1F | 2013 | Mühlacker | €90,000, fixed price | 26,721 h, function ‘untested’, NUM Axium Power control, maximum tool diameter 200 mm |
| ANCA RX7 | 2005 | Weinheim | €95,000, fixed price | According to the listing completely overhauled (X, Y, Z axis, CNC), ToolRoom RN35 software, tool loader with two pallets, 19 kW, 10,000 rpm; offered only for Europe, Africa and the Middle East |
| Walter Helitronic Vision | 2008 | West Saint Paul (USA) | US$109,900 and US$129,900 (both shown on the page), EXW | Pallet loading system, 30 kW, Windows XP with Tool Studio 3.3; Y axis overhauled 2023, new spindle fitted 2026 (investment over US$50,000 according to the listing) |
| Walter Helitronic Mini Power Production | 2000 | West Saint Paul (USA) | US$49,900 and US$59,900 (both shown on the page), EXW | Five axes, 1-micron filter system, workpiece diameter up to 100 mm |
Data as of 2 October 2026 (collected on 30 September 2026, checked again on 2 October 2026). An asking price is not a sale price.
What the table shows and what it does not
Above all it shows how little the year alone says. The RX7 from 2005 is listed at €95,000, more than the two 2013 machines at €77,400 and €90,000. The listing text for the RX7 mentions a complete overhaul and current software; for the UW1F it says ‘untested’. A buyer compares exactly that. The 1970 Vollmer CH, by contrast, is listed at €2,750, without documentation and without a CE certificate, and is a conventional machine without CNC.
What the table does not show: prices achieved. We do not know whether any of the machines changed hands at the stated price. Public sale prices for tool grinders are rare, and anyone who gives you a market price to the euro based on listings is working with figures that do not exist. We deliberately leave the US figures in dollars, because tax, freight and customs shift the comparison with Europe. This is general information, not tax advice.
The value factor matrix
The table is the checklist we use to classify a tool grinder. The ‘Evidence’ column says what you can use to prove the factor.
| Factor | What a buyer checks | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Tool diameter and length | Does the range fit the buyer’s programme? Manufacturers’ ranges run from micro tools from 0.03 mm up to tools of 400 mm diameter, and on the special design for long tools the cutting length goes up to 2,800 mm | Nameplate, data sheet, travels |
| Number of axes and drive type | Five or six axes; linear and torque motors instead of ball screws, because they work wear-free | Data sheet, series |
| Control and software version | Control generation, operating system, software version, licence, upgradability, manufacturer support | Photo of the operator interface, licence documents, parameter backup |
| Spindle hours and spindle condition | Operating hours, spindle replacement, bearing play, runout, power class | Hour counter, records, runout record |
| Loading system | Pallet loader, robot loader or chain magazine; capacity in tools; condition and programming status | Photos, operating manual, robot programs |
| Wheel changer and wheel sets | Number of stations, condition, wheels present, coolant nozzles | Inventory list with photos |
| Measuring system | In-machine tool measurement, probe, laser measurement; calibration status | Option list, calibration record |
| Erosion and PCD option | Erosion unit present and working, generator, electrodes, condition of the dielectric | Option list, record, photos |
| Coolant and filtration | Filter system, oil mist separator, chiller, condition of the tanks | Photos, maintenance record |
| Year and series | Series and generation, spare parts availability, name variants on the market | Nameplate, serial number |
| Accuracy records | Current test values of the axes and of the tools the machine still grinds | Inspection records, sample tools |
| Maintenance history | Regular maintenance, repairs, overhauls, modifications by third parties | Invoices, service reports |
| Weight and installation conditions | Weight, foundation, crane need, access for dismantling | Dimensions, photos of the hall |
| Accessories | Collets, holders, reducer sleeves, manuals, dressing tools | Accessory list |
Several of these points come with figures from the manufacturers that show how far apart the machines are. At Walter, the tool diameter of the Helitronic Micro runs from 0.1 to 12.7 mm, of the Helitronic Fusion from 1 to 260 mm. For the GrindSmart Nano6, Rollomatic states 0.03 to 2.0 mm, and for the corvus NGB Schneeberger states a cutting length up to 2,800 mm (manufacturer data, as of 30 September 2026). Whoever sells a machine therefore always sells to a buyer with a matching tool programme, not to ‘the market’.
Control and software: the quiet value factor
The control generation decides whether a buyer can still program the machine with current software. For tool grinders, the programming software is also a product in its own right: Walter names Tool Studio, ANCA ToolRoom (RN34 and RN35 as current versions), Schneeberger Quinto, Haas Multigrind Horizon; Vollmer, Saacke and Rollomatic (Strausak ONE) rely on the NUMROTO control and CAM system for several series.
For the value this means three things. First: if the machine still runs on an old operating system, the PC is a risk. Walter offers an upgrade to Windows 10 for machines with a Fanuc control, which includes new operator PCs with a 64-bit operating system. Second: software licences are often tied to the machine; whoever cannot prove them is selling a machine the buyer cannot simply set up again. Third: the parameter backup of the control is among the most important documents, because it eases commissioning and diagnosis after the move. The Helitronic Basic listing expressly lists such a backup in its scope of supply.
Spindle, axes and accuracy
Spindle hours alone say little. The analysed listings state 32,269 h (Helitronic Basic, 2013) and 26,721 h (Saacke UW1F, 2013); without details on spindle replacement, bearings and runout, no residual value can be derived from them. A buyer asks about the condition: was the spindle replaced or overhauled, is there a document, and what does the runout record look like? For the axes it matters whether linear motors, guideways and balance cylinders were maintained; the US listing for the Vision states an overhaul of the Y axis including linear motor, rails and balance cylinders in October 2023.
Accuracy records are the best evidence. They say more about the real condition than the year, because they show which tools the machine still grinds within tolerance today. Include sample tools with a measurement record if you have any.
Erosion and PCD option
Walter, Vollmer and ANCA offer machines that machine PCD and CBN tools as well as carbide. Walter calls this ‘Two-in-One’: eroding and grinding in one clamping. The Diamond series comprises RAPTOR DIAMOND, DIAMOND EVOLUTION, POWER DIAMOND 400 and VISION DIAMOND 400 L. For the value it matters whether the erosion unit works and what condition generator, electrodes and filtration are in. We explain the classification as a PCD machine under Sell PCD tool grinders.
Manufacturer rebuild and retrofit as a yardstick
Buyers compare your machine with what the manufacturer offers in overhaul. What the manufacturers themselves write:
- Walter names on its service website rebuild (machine overhaul with complete dismantling, renewal of the guideways, repainting, recommissioning with function and geometry check and a warranty; loan machines ‘subject to availability’) and retrofit (conversions at the factory and component upgrades on site). The pages name neither prices nor series. In a press release of 9 March 2021, UNITED GRINDING North America described the rebuild of older HELITRONIC POWER machines with a new Fanuc control and robot loader and stated that an overhauled machine costs around 75 percent of a new one.
- ANCA writes that its service department can overhaul or completely rebuild machines and supply updates to current technology; the page names no prices.
- Schneeberger names ‘machine overhauls’ with control updates. Haas describes retrofit in four categories and the purchase or rental of overhauled used machines. Saacke has its own section for used machines with general overhaul.
For you as a seller this means: an overhauled machine has advantages, but only if the overhaul is documented and the buyer sees its benefit. Before you invest ahead of a sale, ask us; often selling in the present condition with complete documents makes more sense than an investment a buyer will not pay for.
How we buy a tool grinder
We assess the machine, buy it and organise dismantling, transport and paperwork. A purchase by us is fast and plannable: one contact, and payment by bank transfer before pickup (direct purchase). On request we also sell the machine through our buyer network; this suits a machine for which a buyer with a matching programme exists. Sale through our buyer network: commission stated upfront; you are paid before pickup.
For older or heavily used machines, an online auction is often the better route. If you want, we sell your machine ourselves in an auction: reserve price set together with you, commission stated upfront, payout within 5 working days after the auction payment arrives.
You can also ask the manufacturer about a used-machine programme: Vollmer, Saacke and Haas describe used machine offers on their pages; for Walter we found no programme on the manufacturer pages we checked, so whether and on what terms they take machines back, you clarify directly.
Document checklist for sellers
| Document | Why it counts |
|---|---|
| Photo of the nameplate (series, serial number, year) | Basis of every classification; protects against name mix-ups with brands such as Saacke, Haas or Vollmer |
| Control, operating system, software version, licences | Decides whether a buyer can keep maintaining the machine |
| Parameter backup of the control | Eases commissioning and diagnosis at the buyer |
| Manuals, wiring diagrams, documentation, CE documents | A buyer prices missing documents into the offer |
| Operating hours, spindle records | Shows use and condition |
| Inspection and accuracy records, sample tools | The best evidence of real condition |
| Maintenance and repair records, overhauls, modifications | Shows the care the machine has had |
| List of accessories and wheel sets | Eases the takeover |
| Photos: overall view, grinding area, spindle, loader, control cabinet, operator interface | Allows a remote assessment without a visit |
| Weight, dimensions, access, crane lifting points | Decides the effort and cost of dismantling and transport |
Dismantling, transport and accessories
Tool grinders are comparatively compact, but heavy. The analysed listings state 4,500 kg (Helitronic Basic), 7,100 kg (Vision) and 500 kg (Vollmer CH). Add coolant tanks, filter system, oil mist separator and, where fitted, loader and control cabinet. Before dismantling, tanks should be emptied, software backed up and accessories inventoried. We organise dismantling, loading, transport and paperwork; whether the costs are included is stated in the offer upfront. Wheel sets and clamping devices can be sold with the machine when they are on the list; we do not take them individually.
How to sell to MBR
- Send details and photos: the items from the checklist above; nameplate, control, software version, operating hours and photos are enough to start.
- Receive an assessment: you learn how we classify your machine. The offer usually follows 24–48 hours on working days after we have all the details. The whole process usually takes 7–15 working days; if it is urgent, an on-site visit is possible, usually within 48–72 hours on working days.
- Dismantling and transport: we organise both.
- Payment before pickup (direct purchase): no machine leaves your site without confirmed payment.
The general process is under How it works, answers to frequent questions under FAQ. For the cluster pages on individual brands, see Walter, Vollmer, ANCA and Rollomatic. General precision grinding machines without a tool connection are covered by Sell grinding machines. For how we value machines in general, see How we value your machine.
Sources
All listing details as of 2 October 2026, manufacturer data as of 30 September 2026.
- Maschinensucher: listings for ANCA, Walter Helitronic, Saacke and Vollmer with the stated prices, years and sellers’ descriptions.
- Walter Maschinenbau: Rebuild, Retrofit and Windows 10 upgrade.
- UNITED GRINDING North America: Press release of 9 March 2021 on the rebuild of older Walter machines.
- ANCA: Support and technical service on overhaul and updates.
- Haas grinding machines (ahaas.com): Retrofit and used machines.