I presume the person who asked the question is running a business and taking income from it.

As indicated above if turnover exceeds the Vat threshold then the business must be registered.

However even if your turnover is below the threshold you can still register. I did this for many years because it simplified getting invoices paid by bigger customers.

It would appear that the purchase of the new equipment is imminent so I would doubt if registration could be obtained in time to benefit.

I also doubt that the Vat people would allow such an obvious sleight of hand.

Under normal circumstances Vat can only be reclaimed by off setting against Vat added to invoices.

Forget about it would be my advice.