Skip Machine Tool Bluster

Machinists are a unique bunch of people. Ask 10 machinists the same question about machining, and you’ll get 10 different answers — each delivered with the vigor and conviction of those who rarely change their position on a subject.

Such entrenched opinions have given rise to many of the comments we hear about machine tools. Phrases like “that’s a throwaway machine” or “you can’t take a cut with those things” reflect a machinist’s unshakable opinion about a machine tool brand they don’t like.

Machinists also have strong opinions about the construction of machines. You can hear them denounce the guideway structure, spindle interface, CNC control, type of tool changer, and more.

Grumpy curmudgeon machinist attitudes aside, every brand and style of machine tool has its place. Matching the machine tool to the application is critical for success. Machines get saddled with a bad reputation when they fail to perform as expected, which is pretty much guaranteed when machines are not matched with the right application.

In short, there are some basic elements to a successful machine tool purchase that some shops fail to consider.

Key Considerations

1. Price shouldn’t be the primary factor.

Try not to use price as a significant factor in the selection of the machine. Of course, most shops have budget constraints that ultimately influence purchasing decisions. Guard against the instinct to let money drive your purchase because the reality is that an expensive machine tool isn’t always the better choice, just as a less expensive machine purchased to save money could be disastrous.

2. Match the machine to the work.

Consider the type of work that is being done with the machine.

If you’re running close-tolerance aerospace parts made from expensive materials, it probably makes sense to invest in a high-end machine with features designed for producing tight-tolerance parts.

Likewise, if you’re making commodity parts with looser tolerances, then a high-end machine may not be necessary.

3. Standardize CNC controls when possible.

CNC controls are a feature that is highlighted in the selling process. However, if you have a shop full of brand X controls, it may not make sense to buy brand Y. When you buy a new control there is a learning curve that can result in training expense and lost production. Having multiple types of controls in a shop also creates a situation that limits the number of people that can use the machine. I have seen situations where “the guy” running a key piece of equipment left the company and no one else knew anything about his machine.