We rely on machine tools for a variety of different projects. Machine tools are often used in both woodworking and metalworking, which means that they can take quite a beating over the years. Of course, these are not minor investments; we would ideally like our machine tools to last as long as possible. However, none of them last forever.
There are certain techniques that you can use to attempt to make your tools last for as long as possible, though. Keeping them dry and storing them away from the elements can make them last a bit longer. But what you really need to do is find a machine shop repair specialist.
A machine shop repair specialist not only works with machine tools but repairs them, as well. You needn’t throw a machine tool away as soon as it is no longer working perfectly. Rather, you should take it in to get repaired so that it will as good as new and usable again. However, this needs to be done quickly to ensure the longevity of the tool and the quality of the end product Continuing to use a tool that has even minor damage can result in you creating products that are subpar and easily broken (or perhaps not functional at all). But what are the signs that you need to find machine tool repair services? Let’s look into them below.
1. Tool Age
Whether or not your machine tools are showing signs of wear and tear, you should still have them regularly inspected. Then, as needed, they should be repaired. Generally speaking, the frequency with which you have your tools inspected will depend on the types of tools they are and how often you use them. But if you use your machine tools on a regular basis, you should have an expert look over them every six months. The important thing about this frequency is that it means that you can catch most problems before they become serious. This will also ensure that if problems do arise, they probably won’t be catastrophic and you won’t have to replace your machine tools prematurely.
2. Strange Noises
You know your machine tools better than anyone else, so you’ll probably recognize the signs that one is not acting as it normally should. But if you observe an excessive amount of creaking or even squealing noises when you use your machine tools, you’ll probably need to get in touch with a machine shop repair specialist. At that point, you should really stop using your machine tools yourself, as this could be a sign that they’re breaking down and need to be repaired or even replaced. Remember that if you keep using tools beyond this point without securing an inspection, you could be creating subpar products while endangering yourself in the process.
3. Difficulty of Use
A major sign that you need to take your tools to a machine shop repair specialist is that your tools aren’t working correctly. If they’re stiff or sticking on certain points of the product that you’re working on, you need to consider trading out your tools for alternatives. The worst thing that you can possibly do is a push a machine tool that is caught on something or that has otherwise stopped for some reason. This can result in the tool breaking down or causing injury to you and others, as mentioned above. Remember that these tools can be difficult to use properly even when they are in good working order. You need to be careful about how you proceed with one that is possibly damaged.
4. Obvious Buildup
Ideally, when putting a machine tool away for an extended period of time, you’ll clean it carefully and return to find it in good working order. However, if you retrieve a machine tool only to find that it has accrued buildup of some kind, like rust or something unrecognizable, you should put it aside and have it examined by a professional before using it.
Machine tools can help you create, but they also can cause a good bit of damage if not maintained. Take yours seriously and have them examined and repaired regularly.