What is a Seal 500T worth?

[Jim Miller MCPF GCF]

My old Seal 500T drymount press still works well, but I never use it anymore. A framer has offered to buy it, but I honestly don't know what price to ask. I'm thinking $1,000 + packing & shipping would be a fair price. Yes? No?

 

[Gregory K. Norris CPF]

I sold mine through a distributor for $375. It was probably over 20 years old, but clean and well maintained with a good sponge. There seem to be a lot of them on the market. I think $1000 might make it slow to move. By using my local distributor, I didn't have to do anything, even pick it up since they picked it up on a delivery day. I don't know if all distributors are that generous. I think the commission was 20%, but it was out of my way the day I decided and the check came about a month later after it was sold.

I know that Mayne Framing Supply frequently takes used equipment on consignment for their customers. When I have used them, I usually set a floor on the price and let them determine what the market with pay. You might want to look at their website--and some others--to get a feel for what they are selling for.

 

[Jim Miller MCPF GCF]

Gosh, Gregory. I think the buyer of your machine got an exceptional deal, unless the distributor marked it up about 3X. Previous listings on The Grumble range from $1,000 to $1,300 for used 500 T presses. However, we don't know if any of them actually sold for those prices.

 

[Gregory K. Norris CPF]

They only mark it up about 20%. It may be the limited market near me. But I sold it for just a little less than I paid for it 15 yrs ago. The one I am using now is the better of the two I owned, and about 10 yrs newer. I paid even less for it. But I have seen them selling for considerably more in other markets. By the time it is crated and shipped common carrier, it would of course be considerably more. But that is about what they are goin' for in these parts. (Southern WV, Eastern Ky, & Southern OH)

There is almost a glut of equipment in this area as more and more shops close.

 

[Rick Granick]

Just out of curiosity, what is the difference between a Masterpiece 500 and a 500T? Is there a way to tell which you have by looking at it? I bought mine used (about 35 years ago) :eyebrows: and it did not come with a manual. It's not a frog-eye style, but does have the solid black upper bar.
Rick

 

[Randy Parrish CPF]

I bought a dirty old used one for $250, 17 years later its still works.


You can go here and compare prices. http://skylinepictures.com/Mounting_Equipment.htm

 

[Gregory K. Norris CPF]

Randy, I have been trying to think of the name of that company for days. Thanks.

 

[Steve Shafer CPF]

SEAL Masterpiece 500T

Just out of curiosity, what is the difference between a Masterpiece 500 and a 500T? Is there a way to tell which you have by looking at it? I bought mine used (about 35 years ago) :eyebrows: and it did not come with a manual. It's not a frog-eye style, but does have the solid black upper bar.
Rick

Rick, I got a SEAL Masterpiece 500T in good shape for $850 recently from a local framer, who didn't use it much, but the thermostat is not accurate and I don't know how to make adjustment on the arm. Where can I get a manual (pdf) for it? Thanks.

 

[Mike Labbe]

I believe you can find a manual at http://www.thepaperframer.com/manuals/Seal500TX-210m-210m-x=160mManual.pdf or from D&K. (formerly Hunt, Seal, Elmer, Bienfang)

The thermostats seem to wear every 10 years or so, and are easily replaced. Ours went a year and a half ago, and here were my findings: (repost from something I researched/shared with someone else on TPFG in Feb 2011)

The prices may be slightly higher, over a year later, but this will get you going in the right direction.

Wendy Harris is the current Sr Service Specialist at D&K, and has been there over 19 years (was Hunt/Bienfang/Elmer/Seal) Sherri is also still there, with a new email address. Wendy wrote to me today, with some great advice and information. I'll post the info here, to save research for anyone searching for it in the future:

My particular model requires part TS100897KIT (or 10089) which is about $41. This was the most common thermostat for the 500t, and has screw on terminals for the power leads. They distribute them through ON-SITE at 1-866-667-4836 (option 2 for parts).

The very first 500T presses used an older thermostat style 133108 and it has slip on terminals. These are much harder to find, although ON-SITE carries them. I believe they are over $100 each. They distribute them through ON-SITE at 1-866-667-4836 (option 2 for parts).

The newest models use an ELECTRONIC temperature control, and have completely different parts.
For the newest models, which have the temperature control on the TOP bar (instead of on the upper part of the clamshell assembly), here are some common symptoms and advice, with approximate prices as of today:

No heat, if heat light not on: need a new temperature board $220.28.
If heating, but not seeming to get up to temperature, light is blinking, not holding steady: could be a loose sensor or bad sensor $51.61.
Machine overheats, uncontrolled heat: output module $24.12.

They distribute them through ON-SITE at 1-866-667-4836 (option 2 for parts).

I hope this is helpful for anyone searching in the future.

Mike Labbe

PS: Thanks again to Wendy at D&K, for the helpful advice! D&K can be reached at 888-240-6021. They are still marketing these machines under the new brand name of Expression.

I'll also copy this to the Framer's Corner TECH HELP/EQUIPMENT forum, for anyone searching in the future.

Best regards,
Mike Labbe
Get The Picture

 

[Sarah Beckett MCPF]

I bought mine used this year for $500. I picked it up locally. I jumped at the price.

 

[Gregory K. Norris CPF]

Replacing a thermostat is not a difficult chore, and should take only a few minutes. I paid about $30 for the last one about a year ago. One of the things I have learned is that the thermometer is as likely to be off as the thermostat. When it is the thermostat, there are very wide fluctuations in the temperature reading. For less than $20 you can purchase a laser thermometer that makes it very easy to get an accurate temp reading.

Chris Paschke's Laminating & Mounting Handbook, available from the PPFA Bookstore is a good reference to have around, and describes the correct way to set up and maintain most machines. While you will only need Mike's description to change a thermostat, I find that I use mine fairly frequently as questions come up.

 

[Steve Shafer CPF]

Seal500

Thanks Mike and Greg for the info. Very helpful!

 

[Jim Miller MCPF GCF]

Thanks for all the useful replies.

If you know anybody who wants to buy a good, clean Seal 500T for $500, have them contact me. Hey, that's only $1 per T. What a deal.:thumb:

 

[Ellen Collins MCPF]

Here is my theory. If I have something I have fully depreciated (business) or is collecting dust and otherwise long since forgotten, and someone wants to buy it, I let them set the price.

Sometimes I am just grateful to have it have a new life, and gain the space where it was parked, whatever 'it' is...