That sounds like a good idea, at least at first thought. But as a seller what if someone walks off with a lathe tailstock after forking over a minimal deposit, and then I never see him again? Potentially bad situation coming or going.
Typically I would pay full amount or if it's a deposit, then I just take a couple things with sellers full permission, about the value of the deposit and that we're both on the same page but a key part to the machine from operating.
It's not like giving them a $20 as a deposit and taking off the tailstock with you; it's more like leaving a $400 deposit or paying in full. Of course if we're talking about a Hardinge tailstock, then that's different; I would expect to pay full amount before walking off with one of those; they go for big money and in huge demand.
I've also have paid for a machine and agreed on a time to come back and pick it up and find out the seller had been using the machine on projects without asking after I've inspected it and paid for it which isn't too cool.
The biggest thing is to be open, honest and fair without waisting either ones time or assets. I have made some very good friends and clients from buying machinery/tools. There's a lot of good people out there and had some amazingly pleasant transactions. One including waking up the next morning in the sellers guest house with a serious hangover and wife making both of us a killer breakfast. Ended up dating his daughter for while and we're still friends.
To OP, there's all kinds of nice vises to be had at great prices but it's random and have to be quick and creative to find them or you can pay crazy silly high prices on ebay and pay the $100+ shipping to you.
