[EricH]

Step 1: Find local company that does machining.
Step 2: Ask if you can get some notice when they're retiring a machine.
Step 3: Arrange transport and shop power.

We picked up a couple of good manual machines that were on the "chopping block" that way. In our case, a Bridgeport (yes, a genuine one) and a lathe of a brand I can't remember offhand but recognized, because an alumnus had his eyes open when his company wanted to get rid of them.

Pretty much it's a case of keeping your eyes open for used-tool sales/giveaways.

Can't speak for the CNC-type machines, though.