What are some things to consider when deciding to use free weights or machine weights

Some things to consider: safety, Money, and specific muscles you want to work.

Explanation:

Free weights cost less money. People have used free weights on a weight bench and have not used a spotter. The free weights have fallen on them and killed them. A universal machine is more expensive. You can not drop a universal machine on yourself. The machine's aslo require little to no maintenance. A machine will basically always hit certain muscles, not due to you but down to how the machine is made. However free weights allow you to hit a larger variety of muscles as it's not isolated.

Free weights cost less money. People have used free weights on a weight bench and have not used a spotter. The free weights have fallen on them and killed them. A universal machine is more expensive. You can not drop a universal machine on yourself. The machine's aslo require little to no maintenance. A machine will basically always hit certain muscles, not due to you but down to how the machine is made. However free weights allow you to hit a larger variety of muscles as it's not isolated.