3 Reasons You Need Manual Machinery Now

Due to the perverse proliferation of technology in industrial machinery, fabrication shops and companies have found themselves at crossroads, deciding whether to shift from manual to CNC machining. The inception of CNC milling, turning, grinding etc. has continued to put pressure on machining experts to move from manual machinery to more automated systems. 

However, even though CNC machines come with a broad range of benefits, any experienced machinist will tell you that manual machining still plays a pivotal role in the world of fabrication and chip making machinery. So, even if you need an advanced milling machine in your workshop, you should also ensure that you still have a manual mill, manual lathe or manual grinder in your arsenal. 

What are Manual Machines?

Manual machines are pieces of equipment or tools in the machine & fabrication shop that are operated by hand; by pressing buttons, rotating knobs, squeezing triggers, or many more functions. These machines require no computer control but rather, rely on the skill and the intellect of the operator. Some of the typical manual machines you are likely to find in a fabrication shop include mills, drills, saws and lathes. Manual tools are ideal for simple tasks such as milling a flat, drilling a hole, grinding a precision block, and turning a shaft. They are excellent at making quick work simple without the indeed for programming and complex setups. 

The Benefits of Manual Machines

There are many benefits of using manual machinery from dedicated one-off setups to simple, quick and precise machining operations however the top 3 reasons are: 

1. Relatively Affordable - Cost is one factor that puts a manual machine ahead of a CNC equipment. CNC machining and fabricating is a highly sophisticated technology that requires a significant amount of money to acquire and set up. It requires the addition of complex programming systems and computer aided drafting and design systems as well. On the other hand, manual machines are relatively affordable to purchase and operate.  For individuals who are starting, it makes more sense to purchase a manual machine than a CNC machine tool. This is because manual tools are not only cheaper but also aids a fabrication shop in controlling its overhead. Having a manually operated machine allows a manufacturer to take on extra tasks at a relatively affordable price. The reduced cost of operation can be transferred to the customer, and thus improve a shop’s competitiveness.
2. Perfect for Small Projects - Manual machines are ideal for small projects that require some form of circumspection and a lot of human intervention. Using a manually operated machine is the best approach if you have a project that you want to complete in a cost-effective and detailed manner. This is because manually operated tools have a shorter turn-around time. While CNC machinery is efficient when it comes to large projects, manual machinery works well with smaller tasks that involve intricate designs and techniques. Additionally, using CNC equipment consists of a series of events for it to start working. Rather than wasting a lot of time setting the programs up to complete a single task, it is more feasible to use a manual machine to do the same. 
3. Great Backup - Manual machine operators spend several years perfecting and crafting their skills. As such, they are conversant with the intricacies of industrial machinery. When operated by individuals with such knowledge and experience, manual machines can act as viable backups for CNC machine tools. If the CNC machines fail, you will rest easy knowing that you have a cutting-edge manual tool at your disposal and an expert who understands the milling process after doing it countless numbers of times. 

Choosing the Right Industrial Machinery

From the benefits we have discussed in this article, it is vividly clear that even if your fabrication shop can comfortably invest in CNC machining, this doesn't mean that you should get rid of manual machines. The manual machinery should be retained as backup and valuable second-op options. However, this brings us to another integral point; how do you select the best machine for your fabrication shop?

Although today's manual machines have undergone multiple design changes, the type of tool you choose for your shop entirely depends on the kind of projects you’ll be undertaking. If you are a beginner and the manual machine you seek will be handling all the tasks in your workshop, you should opt for more sophisticated pieces or universal style equipment. However, if you want the manual machine to be a backup or for performing smaller tasks and emergency repairs, you should choose smaller equipment that meets your specific needs and saves the floor space.

At Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales, Inc. we are experts in machining, turning and fabricating machinery. Both manual and CNC options can be discussed to fit the best solutions to your needs and budget. Call us at 813-444-4555 today to discuss your needs or visit us on the web at www.southernfabsales.com