A quality new hydraulic shear will set you back upwards of $8,000. Even the most affordable punch press machines will cost you more than $1,300, while the latest lathe models can cost $15,000 and up.
Metal working machines break down for a variety of reasons, but our Phoenix machine shop sees some of the same problems over and over. Occasionally a worker will just get careless, and you should never underestimate the damage caused by human error. Poor lubrication can damage crucial parts when you need them most, and sometimes regular cleaning and maintenance gets forgotten during busy periods of the year. Then, of course, there’s the natural wear and tear that comes from prolonged use of any welding machines, lathes, and other metal working equipment.
No matter the reason, every machine shop will eventually need new machines. When this inevitably happens, it’s absolutely critical to perform a cost benefit analysis. In most cases, the cost of machine tool repair service is far less expensive than purchasing new machines. Don’t throw money away on new equipment when minor machine tool or lathe repair could solve the problem.
This is doubly true when it comes to lathe repair. When your shop’s lathe breaks down, work can come grinding to a halt, literally. But if you act fast, there’s no reason you can’t get your tools up and running again in record time.
Like most machine shops, we work with a huge variety of different machinery and manufacturers, and when parts broke down, it wasn’t always possible to find replacement parts quickly or at all. We know the frustration and opportunity cost of waiting days, weeks, and often months for outside machine tool repair services to replace, re-create, or repair damaged components.
Today, the best lathe repair shops should be able to re-create complex parts, and fast. Before you start browsing for new or used machines for sale, look for local lathe repair shops with a proven reputation for fast turnaround time. An experienced technician should be able to work with you to get your machines running again.
Don’t let a sales rep talk you into paying more than $13,000 for a new lathe when a local lathe repair service could accomplish the same thing for a fraction of the price. Finally, use broken machinery as a learning experience. If you aren’t certain what caused the problem, work with your machine tool repair service to diagnose the source of the problem. Then, schedule regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent a repeat of the damage. If you hear jarring or grinding noises, don’t hesitate to stop work and fix the problem.
