The home renovation continues and I just realized the deck is way higher than I like being on a ladder. The more I thought about it, it seems to be worthwhile investment to go ahead and get a good scaffolding setup. Where would you expect to find used material for a good price?  I have trolled Craigslist and have not had any luck. I looked in the paper for companies doing auctions and nothing there either. My thoughts are that painters would be the ones to use them most....

what kind of scaffold are you after.
 if its the aluminium fold out tower type i would reconmend bouing from someone you know or buy new, i have seen several(albe it on this side of the pond) that have started cracking at the weld areas and on joints from being abused and thrown around too much.
no matter what type you get make sure you put it together first in all positions.

About a year ago I was going to buy  about $1,000 worth from here Scaffold  Express I ended up renting instead.  After looking at a bunch of internet places they seemed pretty good price wise factoring the free shipping. And they have all the bits and pieces  as well as all the frame types and sizes.

If you buy or rent traditional frame type scaffolds..... be sure to get the screw type leveling feet.  I have used it with and with out leveling feet. They make it sooooo much easier than trying to shim things level.

 The actual scaffold planks , instead of trying to use boards are absolutely the way to go too. They are the right length and hook right on.

Seth

I actually think I will use them quite a bit.

I bought a home from a builder that came highly recommended. Now, I find I am doing a lot of replacement/repair work around the home. The guy was/is a super nice guy, the problem was he did not manage his subs well.

So.. I have a deck to fix, I need to paint several areas and I need to restain the outside decorative timbers(maybe better to just go ahead and paint them). The interior has several areas that are two story and I just don't do ladders( I am such a fozzy bear when it comes to heights ). And, as I get better as this woodworking thing, I would not mind doing a few side gigs where I can. Thus, I had thought about renting them, but then I started adding up the projects and the number of days I would need them and then I thought well heck might as well buy some good ones and keep them around.

Thanks for all the replies. I did find one place: http://www.scaffoldmart.com/contact.html. They are only a few hours away.. Might go visit Scott Meeks and shoot over there.

Since you are listed as being in an urban area, I would suggest contacting one of the bigger scaffold rental places. Around here that's where some guys buy scaffold (including me) cheaper prices, all the available parts, etc. Sometimes they have perfectly good scaffolding they want to get rid of because it looks funky, i.e. last renter spilled paint on it etc. Scaffold planks are nice and safe. I tend to use 2x's and stretch planks though, far more versatile when not using with a scaffold. Put a clamp at each end at it doesn't go anywhere.