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As for material, in some cases I find that the larger pores in cast steel and stainless steel don’t take lubricant as well. Forged steel is still the best handgun material in my opinion. Use a quality lubricant such as Ballistol and you will be in good shape. Once clean, if the gun is going into storage, place the firearm where there is no exchange of air. Lightly lubricate the firearm and store it muzzle down.

If the firearm is to be stored long term, then clean and dry as possible is good with a thin layer of lubricant to prevent corrosion. AG for software updates. "At Tormach, we design our equipment to be user installed, user serviced, user maintained, and user upgradable," he says in the video. "I think in this day and age, it’s almost criminal that some manufacturers charge thousands of

dollars for software updates to their controls." One example of Tormach’s customer repair policy is, if a Tormach CNC machine requires a spindle replacement, users can buy the spindle directly from the website and replace it themselves, with technical support and documentation readily available from Tormach at no cost. Other machine tool companies not only charge for the part, but also require it be installed by a factory-authorized service person.

This service fee typically costs thousands of dollars and in some cases, takes multiple weeks of downtime to schedule the service call.

With the ability to repair one’s own machine, users not only save on cost, but can gain flexibility and autonomy in the process. "This is how Tormach has operated since its founding," said Lori Morrison Bufalo, Tormach’s Marketing Director. "Our machines are approachable and can be serviced by owners, and we help them by making detailed technical documentation, videos, free software upgrades, and free technical support readily available." Tormach Assembly Services: For shops that want it, Tormach is now offering assembly services for its line of machines, including the 1100M/MX & 770M/MX CNC Mills, the PCNC 440 Mill, and the Slant- PRO 15L.

By default, Tormach ships its machines unassembled to its customers to keep costs down, however, they’re now offering assembly for a fee in a tiered system. Customers can choose the specific accessory or upgrades they would like to have preinstalled before the machine ships, such as an Automatic Tool Changer or Power Draw Bar, or they can opt for full machines assembly.

An in-house Tormach professional will install, align, and test all pre-installed components (if partial assembly is chosen) and major systems to the machines for full assembly.

This allows customers to speed up the time to commission their new machines quickly at their shop once they arrive. "We heard from many customers that they would prefer it if we would provide our machines fully assembled or assist in installing major accessories, and the additional cost was well worth it to them," said Lori Morrison Bufalo, Tormach’s Marketing Director. "We have decided to add this service as away to make life easier for our customers and much like our philosophy with machine design, every customer has different needs, so you have the ability to pick and choose what you’d like installed by our technicians." Examples of some of the items Tormach can assemble on its machines include Automatic Tool Changers (ATC), high performance servo motors, motorized 4th axis rotary tables and fixed vises, high-performance spindles, coolant systems, enclosures (dependent upon shop door dimensions), Path Pilot operator consoles, and machine stands.

Tormach also is offering on-site installation services at customer locations. "A Tormach technician will schedule time at a customer’s facility once the machine arrives, and they will get it up and running," said Bufalo. "Every step, from stand and enclosure assembly to accessory install and dialing everything in, this is a premium service that gets you making chips really fast." In addition to their new facility in Madison, Wisconsin, Tormach has signed an agreement with CNC Machine Tools Ltd. (CNCmachine Tools. co.uk) in Snetterton, Norfolk, England.

CNC Ltd. will be Tormach’s exclusive distributor in the UK and Eastern Europe and will offer machine assembly services, training, and leasing and financing options. In addition, a UK demo showroom will soon be available for customers and prospects to see Tormach equipment in person. It will feature Tormach’s PCNC 440, 770M, and 1100MX CNC milling machines for in-person machine demonstrations. Meanwhile, virtual demonstrations will also be available. AG