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How to Save Money When Buying manual clipping machine

Aug. 26, 2024

A Quick Guide on Buying Your First Manual Milling Machine

Before buying any type of industrial or manufacturing equipment, you should read up on it first. If you're fairly unfamiliar with manual milling equipment or don't know what a milling machine is, you would do well to read through this quick guide on buying your first manual milling machine.

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What Is Manual Milling?

Manual milling refers to the process of using milling machinery to break materials down into smaller pieces. Unlike other machinery, manual milling equipment involves manual labor and is not automated. This means that milling equipment requires an operator and thus requires some skillset to operate safely and correctly yet also poses a unique advantage of being able to process small jobs very quickly.

Milling equipment can be used to remove material from larger pieces to create detailed grooves, edges, and slots. It can also drill, mill, bore and ream holes to precise accuracy.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Manual Milling Machines

One of the greatest variations in milling equipment is that of vertical versus horizontal milling machines. Each variety has its own specific purpose and range of applications. A horizontal milling machine for example, has cutters that approach the workpiece table linearly. They are more adept at making long straight cuts such as slots or squaring material then performing precise drilling operations. They are also more suited for heavier cutting as the design presents a much more rigid machine frame.

Vertical milling machines are equipped with a spindle that approaches the work table vertically and can be tilted to the left or right and forward and backward making these machines indispensable for universal applications yet lighter duty then their horizontal counterparts. The vast majority of manual milling machinery are of this universal vertical type design.

Also note there are machines that provide a combination of these two designs. These combination machines are also very popular and ensure you have the right machine for whatever manual milling job you might run into.

How to Choose the Best Milling Machine

Now that you know more about milling machines you have a choice to make and it's an important one. When it's time to purchase a milling machine for your business, you'll need to choose between new and used milling equipment. The most compelling benefit to buying a used milling machine is that you'll save money. Keep in mind however, milling machines bring costs down which means it might be worth buying a brand new milling machine.

If you want equipment that will get the job done and last a long time look for the more common brands associated with milling as these machines have proven to outlast many others in the field. Brands like Bridgeport, Lagun, Deckel and Sharp for example offer a reliable machine, good quality and ease of finding replacement parts and upgrades. Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales has a wide selection of milling machines that can work for your needs.

Tips to Maximize the Potential of Your Manual Milling Equipment

The single most effective way to maximize your milling equipment is to have highly skilled operators. The more experience the operator has with manual milling machines, the fewer mistakes will be made. Another benefit to having a skilled and experienced milling machine operator is that they will be able to detail work pieces to perfection.

You should also add a few options to the machine to make it easier to use and better at providing exacting tolerances. Definitely add the power feed attachment for the X-Axis (the long axis as this feature can semi-automate the milling process and allow your operator a little freedom to prepare the next job or tool. Absolutely add the Digital Read Out (DRO) option to your milling machine as having the precise reading of where your tool is located is paramount to making quality and accurate parts. Make sure you add a quality tooling and work holding package as well. A vise should be made for milling and not the workbench and a toolset should be new and undamaged to ensure your tools rotate exactly in line with the spindle. Use an indicator that has a vertical dial to reduce strain on the operator's neck..

Find the Finest Selection of New and Used Milling Machines at Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales

Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales has a reputation for uncompromising quality that keeps customers coming back each time they're in need of more equipment. Whether you want to save some money by purchasing a used milling machine or if you want a brand spanking new one, you can find it all right here at Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales.

Get the best deal on the milling machine that's right for your shop, with Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales!

Don't Buy a Die Cutting Machine Until You've Read This

Don't Buy A Die Cutting Machine Until You've Read This

If you are in the market or think you may be in the market to buy a die cutting machine, you probably have some questions. A die cutting machine (sometimes called a card making machine) is a revolutionary tool for crafters. It truly changes lives.

However, because of their importance, logistics, and price, purchasing a die cutting machine can make a crafter uneasy and even hesitant. Ladies and gentlemen, cast your fears aside - we have the information you need to help you make the best choice for your new-and-improved creative arsenal.

Here are 6 must-know tips for buying a die cutting machine.

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1. Think About What You Need

First and foremost, you need to have an idea of not only what you're going to be creating, but how you'd prefer to go about doing so. There are two main schools of die cutting: Manual and Electronic/Digital. Do you want to get a machine that you manually and physically put material and dies into, then turn the lever to make your cut? Or, are you computer-savvy and hoping to hook your machine up to your desktop or laptop and cut from there?

Some of the top makers of manual die cutting machines are Sizzix, Spellbinders and Crafter's Companion. Electronic machine makers include Silhouette, Brother and Cricut.

Note: Some manual die cutting machines have an electronic option. These ones are motorized (or have options for motorized accessories). Technically, they are manual - meaning you place the materials to be cut and the die into the machine and make the cut yourself. However, instead of turning the lever, you can press a button and the machine will function electronically for you. This is perfect if you have arthritis or limited mobility. Do note, however, that a manual die cutting machine with electronic/motorized functionality is not the same as an electronic digital die cutting machine, the ones you hook up to your computer.

2. Consider the Size of Your Projects

Do you plan on creating large projects, super small projects, projects weekly, or just for special occasions?

Because of the varying types of machines and their sizes, these are all important questions as to which machine might work for you!

If you want a durable, manual die cutting machine and a few dies to start, there are entire bundles created to help new die cutters or seasoned pros who are ready to upgrade.

3. Know What You Need to Cut

Are you just interested in cutting out your stamped images or are you planning on quilting an army of unique blankets? The next consideration is the material you plan to cut. If you are just planning to cut paper, a manual or electronic standard die cutting machine is fine (popular options are the Sizzix Big Shot, the Spellbinders Platinum 6, and the Gemini).

However, if you're looking to cut thick and heavy materials like multiple layers of fabric, craft metals, and more, you will want to invest in a large, heavy-duty machine such as the Sizzix Big Shot Pro.

Tip: Make sure you read the product reviews, descriptions, and watch a video if able to so you know exactly what each machine will or will not do!

4. Consider Your Space

When buying a new machine, you need to assess space. Not your head space or personal space, but your crafting storage and functional space: Do you have room for a big pro machine that is around 24" x 15" x 17"? What about a long (over a foot and a half), but skinny electric one? Or do you literally only have one 12" x 12" square foot of space left in your studio so you need to pick the smallest machine possible?

Die cutting machines come in a wide variety of sizes, and many of the smaller options can pack an impressive, unexpected punch. No matter what you plan to do with your new die cutting machine, you need to actually have a space for it to live!

5. Review the Die Cut Comparison Chart

Know the differences between machines. Just like laundry machines, toaster ovens, and bicycles, die cutting machines may all serve the same purpose, but they differ in features and functions. This handy chart will give you some of that information about the most popular die cutting machines on the market.

As you read through it, ponder all you have considered in the previous tips - what are you planning on making? What materials would you most like to use? And how much space do you actually have in your studio (be honest with yourself!).

6. Read the Reviews

Last, but never least, read the reviews. This can seem like a no-brainer, but it's vital. The information you can get from other crafters like yourself is invaluable. It's important to read both the 5-star reviews and the 1-star reviews to see exactly what people like about the machine and what critiques they may have. Most product pages have reviews near the bottom.

At the End of the Day...

At the end of the day, a die cutting machine purchase is a big one, but a life-changing one. Your crafts will forever be altered in a way that gives you more control, more creative possibilities, and more designs to add to any and all of the creations that you choose to make.

If you liked this article, you might also like the Must-Have Manual Die Cutting Accessories.

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