Because everything has to be shipped in this kind of moronic behavior is close to the norm in Alaska. Folks want top dollar for any hunk of junk they have. I'd hate to say it but I could have gotten 2 snogos in the same condition for the price I payed for mine in the lower 48........and it took 4 months of searching to find it!
On the other hand you'll find folk that will give ya stuff too, IF your in need! I got a shotgun and my first lathe because freinds found out I was broke but needed them. Another traded a truck for work on there house.
PS I passed on the old Rockwell to a co worker of my wife's......he just moved here has wanted to turn since he was a youth and he was flat broke......got tired of him hangin around the shop watchin me work!