That $220 book press from eBay turned out to be a rusty trap

Picked up a cast iron book press off eBay for $220, seller said it was 'lightly used'. Got it in and the whole screw was seized with rust, plus the platens had deep gouges that would have wrecked any cover leather. I spent 3 hours in my garage in Cleveland trying to free it with penetrating oil before giving up and ordering a new one from a proper supplier for $340. Anyone else gamble on used finishing gear and regret it, or do you have a trick for salvaging old presses without losing a weekend?

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