As the weather gets colder and icier, you will have to take extra care of items you have stored outdoors. Some of them may need to be brought indoors, while others, if properly stored, can remain outdoors. Machine tools specifically, require specialized care for longevity, but may also require additional care in colder weather states. During the winter months, ensure that your machine tools are properly stored and maintained.
Have machine services completed before and after cold weather The cost of rebuilding tools can be extremely high, so it is important to take proper care of them from the beginning. If you are preparing to store your machine tools in a weather prone area, you will want to have inspections and maintenance done twice. The first maintenance visit should occur before storage. The machine shop will make any necessary repairs and will then place your items in protective coating.
The second time should be when you are ready to bring the machine tools out again. Machining services will be more affordable when they are properly stored and then properly maintained again before use. It is likely that your tools will not actually require any type of repairs when you take them out of storage. However, you want to have them inspected for use, ensuring that they are ready.
If possible, keep away from extreme weather elements Keeping your machine tools dry, and away from the elements can help you to keep them in better working order for a longer period of time. If you have the ability, it can be more financially wise to store them in a temperature controlled room. This is especially necessary if you plan on using your machine tools year round. Some projects and businesses need their machine tools, even in the coldest of areas.
Regular cleaning Regular cleaning is the best thing that you can do for your machine tools. Regular cleaning practices will reduce the amount of machine services it requires, and will likely make them last longer. Properly cleaning your machine tools on a regular basis can prevent build up that could result in damage, or cause the machine to function poorly. Regular cleaning of machine tool is especially necessary when they are used frequently.
Treat all tools differently Some tools will require different, specialized care. A genie material lift, for example, is used for lifting and is not as likely to get as dirty. However, the parts needed for lifting can get frozen and stick, which can make lifting heavy items very dangerous. When this occurs, machine services are needed, and you will probably have to pay for replacement parts. Machine tool parts that regularly rub together should be well lubricated at all times to avoid damage. Understand all of your tools and the specialized care that they require.
Keep all owner?s manuals Most people throw away owner?s manuals, assuming they can just figure out the machine themselves. Although this may be true, the owner?s manuals contain a lot of necessary information for when problems occur. They will also include information regarding machine tool services and temperature storage requirements. The owner?s manual can be extremely helpful when a unique problem occurs with one of your machine tools, and it can save you money in repair and replacement costs.
Machine tools are a necessary part of many industries. However, they are often very large and expensive machines that require proper care, regular cleanings, and careful storage in colder temperatures. Ensure that you understand each of your machine tools and how often they should have inspections, cleanings, and maintenance. If you must store your machine tools in cold weather, properly seal them and have them stored professionally by a machine services company.
