The American Machine Tool Blog covers metalworking machinery, tools, fabrication, manufacturing and the industrial marketplace.

May, 2013:
Get to know the staff at American Machine Tools Company:
We believe everyone who wants to buy a metalworking machine wants to talk to a sales person with on-the-job experience. Experience to understand the machines they sell. Someone who used to design machinery. Someone who used to design tooling. Someone who used to be a Tool and Die maker. Someone who used to fabricate parts. That is how we decided who to hire to help our customers. The staff of American Machine Tools Company are industry professionals to these guys have many years of experience with the machines we sell.
Click to meet the sales staff of American Machine Tools Company.

April, 2013:
The low cost alternative to buying a fork lift:
What do you do if you dont have a loading dock and cant afford a forklift but you need the ability to load and unload shipping crates, skids or pallets of heavy materials? Check out the two different types of Pallet Lifts we offer. Hydraulic or winch style. Do you simply need to move and lift heavy boxes or equipment around your shop? Then you should look at Pallet Jacks. Either choice is a low cost alternative to a forklift. JET makes a line of low cost material handling equipment. Click to see our selection of JET pallet lifts and pallet jacks. If you find what you want it is easy to click the quote request form link and we will email your quote and mail you a formal quotation and catalog to the address you provide.

April, 2013:
Training your Metalworking Employees:
Managers of machine shops, fabrication shops and manufacturing companies need to remember to continually train their employees. Sure you want to train them how to do their coworkers job so they can fill in when a coworker is absent or on vacation. But you also want employees to keep up with advances in technology and safety. Employees with well-developed professional skills are more innovative and productive. Investing in the training of your workers improves the quality and productivity of their work. Many training resources are now listed ......click to finish reading about Training your Metalworking Employees

March 25, 2013:
JET Machine Tools are on sale - 10% Off:
If you were thinking of buying a metalworking machine, you are in luck. Because JET Machine Tools are having a once a year 10% off sale until April 5, 2013. Dont miss this opportunity to spend less money to finally get the machinery your shop needs. Most machines even have free shipping. Click here to read more.......

March, 2013:
An American success story: RAMS Sheet Metal Equipment Company:
There once was an owner of a machine shop in Wisconsin that was bored. He had rows of CNC Machining Centers manufacturing components for his various customers but he craved something more. One day about 7 years ago he decided to start a new company to make HVAC Machines. These machines form sheet metal into heating and ventilating ductwork The shop owner designed and engineered his machines slightly different with extra precision and a 2 year warranty. Today RAMS sheet metal machinery is among the highest quality in the industry yet they sell for just a little more than the imported machines from Asia. There are now 18 different machines manufactured by RAMS, and more are in the pipeline. A great business success story about high quality machinery made in the USA. For more information about a RAMS Pittsburgh lock machines, rollformers, slitter, powered flanger or the new RAMS plasma table, please call American Machine Tools at 773-334-5000.

March, 2013:
Check out our newest educational webpage from American Machine Tools:
Do you know which metalworking machine is sometimes called the swiss army knife of machine tools? You would if you have used one. Because this machine can do in seconds what normally takes a drill press or a saw minutes to do. Whether you want to punch holes, cut plate, cut angle iron, notch steel, bend steel, or notch pipe, you should learn about these very versatile machines. To learn more click on our educational webpage called How to use an Ironworker machine. American Machine Tools Company has 15 different educational webpages dedicated to explaining how to use a machine, how to calculate capacity, recommended bend radii, metal properties and machinery safety.

February, 2013:
U.S. Sales of Manufacturing Equipment highest in 16 years:
2012 total U.S. sales were $5.7 billion. 2012 Machinery and equipment sales are up 2.6% over 2011. This shows that manufacturing is continuing to grow at a steady pace in the USA. But the 16 year high is not as good as it looks since it does not account for inflation. Also notable is that much of the growth came from the southern states which posted a 12.2% increase year over year and western states which had a 6.9% increase. By contrast, sales in northeastern states dropped 9%. The information is courtesy of the Association for Manufacturing Technology.

February, 2013:
Information How to Become a Machinist or Tool and Die Maker:
Are you mechanically inclined, like working with your hands and are good at making things and repairing stuff? Then maybe a career as a Machininst would be good for you. These are good paying jobs that dont involve sitting in an office cubicle. You actually get to make things on the job by using a lathe, a milling machine, and other machine tools to cut and shape metal. How to get one of the jobs?........click to read more about Training How to Become a Machinist or Tool & Die Maker.

January, 2013:
JET Tools Company introduces RED ASSURANCE:
Is your company in the USA? Then make sure you consider a JET machine when you are looking to buy a new lathe, mill, drill, saw or belt sander machine. Jet's RED ASSURANCE is the name they give to their philosophy of extra helpful service and support after the sale. Designed to be the industry's most dependable service and support guarantee, the RED ASSURANCE philosophy is designed to give you extra peace of mind that you are making a good choice when you choose JET......click to finish reading about JET Tools RED ASSURANCE

January, 2013:
2013 brings changes to the U.S. Section 179 Tax Deduction for Machine Tools:
Good news! The American Taxpayer Relief Act passed January 1, 2013 and has extended Section 179 of the IRS Tax Code to allow a business to deduct, for the current tax year, the full purchase price of business equipment purchased, financed or leased up to a total of $500,000 in 2013. The $139,000 limit for 2012 was also retroactively increased to $500,000. This of course includes metalworking machine tools. For 2013, 50% Bonus (accelerated) Depreciation is still available, but only for new equipment (not used) and can be deducted by large businesses spending more than $500,000 on new capital equipment. This also effect businesses that have a net loss in 2012 to qualify to carry-forward the Bonus Depreciation to a future year. When applying these tax deductions, Section 179 is generally taken first, followed by Bonus Depreciation - unless the business has no taxable profit in 2012. There are certain limitations that apply to the Section 179 deduction including a $2,000,000 cap on total equipment purchases. Additionally, the Section 179 deduction may not exceed taxable income for the year in which it is taken. Ask your accountant.

December, 2012:
Check out one of the educational webpages from American Machine Tools:
Our most popular educational webpage is How to use a Lathe. This section has explanations and 108 different diagrams and charts covering the types of lathe designs, lathe safety, turning operations, speeds, feeds, taper turning, thread cutting, carbide tooling, tool sharpening, chucks, collets, cutting oils and attachments. We recommend reading it, even if you are an experienced machinist. There is more information there than even the most experienced machinist could remember. It is 2 huge long webpages full of information plus references to machinist tables. Also visit our Lathe Diagram webpage which names all the different parts of the typical engine lathe.....a good place to start if you are a beginner.

December, 2012:
Only a few weeks left to lock in your IRS Section 179 Tax Deduction for 2012:
• The machinery must be purchased before the end of 2012!
• The American Equipment deduction limit for Section 179 is now $139,000.
• The 2012 Umited States Section 179 Deduction threshold for total amount of equipment that can be purchased is now $560,000.
• New machinery, and CNC software, qualifies for the Section 179 Deduction.
• New equipment purchased in 2012 qualifies for the "50% Bonus Depreciation".
• To maximize the deduction, Section 179 is taken first, followed by Bonus Depreciation.
• To learn more about how this applies to you, call your accountant or visit the IRS website.
• Hurry because time is running out! We are closed for the holidays after December 21.

November, 2012:
Are Manufacturing Tax Credits Coming to an End?:
Important tax write-offs used by manufacturers for machinery and equipment purchases, research and development and to keep jobs in the United States are scheduled to expire at the end of the year. Bonus Depreciation, the R&D Tax Credit and Section 199 Domestic Production are just a few of the manufacturing tax credits that are set to expire next month unless renewed by Congress. Which of these tax credits will survive depends upon you. Call or write your congressman and senator!

November, 2012:
American Machine Tools Company develops new bore Facing Tool:
Are you in the business of reboring pivot holes on backhoes, endloaders, excavators or machinery frames? We have designed a new facing tool that attaches to our boring shafts. The tool is an aluminum disc that is engineered to spin at speeds up to 350 RPM and faces an 8 inch diameter area. This optional tool comes with replaceable coarse and medium grit round sand paper discs that attach via sticky back. The sand paper is stuck onto the disc and spins around while pushing against the rough spots that need facing. Since we have priced the whole kit for under $200 you can now afford to perform a facing operation quick and easy. This facing disc is just the latest addition to our full line of portable line boring tools. Our portable boring equipment is still made in the USA, but without being too expensive.

October, 2012:
Are you running criminal background checks on your shop personnel?:
If you are conducting a criminal background check on propective employees before you hire them, it can now be no-win situation. You want to avoid hiring a dangerous criminal but now you have to worry about what you do with the information. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued a new warning to discourage manufacturing companies from .......click to finish reading EEOC guidelines for Criminal Background Checks

October, 2012:
Are you ordering a machine tool for use in Canada?:
To our Canadian customers, we want you to know that buying from us is not a problem. We can help. We have shipped hundreds of machines to Canada over the years. We have trucking services that can deliver to most of Canada. Not just BC, Alberta, Sasketchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec......click to finish reading how to buy a machine for Canada

September, 2012:
Ever been to the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago?:
IMTS. What a place! Right on the Chicago lakefront of Lake Michigan just south of downtown. It is over now until 2014 but make plans to attend if you are looking for ideas to increase productivity. Formerly known as the International Machine Tool Show, IMTS happens every even numbered year. There were thousands of machinery and equipment companies in 4 huge buildings that took more than one day to see even if .......click to finish reading about IMTS

September, 2012:
Current slowdown caused by Europe or the election?:
Worrisome new statistics show that American Manufacturing has declined slightly for the third straight month as new orders, production and employment fell in August. Weak consumer spending and declines in business orders for large machinery and other capital goods are slowing factory output. Export orders increased but new orders, a sign of future production, dropped. The report adds..........click to finish reading about Manufacturing Slowdown

August, 2012:
Some Companies Cant Find Qualified Workers?:
You may not of heard this but some machine shops, fab shops and manufacturers are claiming they cant find qualified people ready to fill some job openings. Is this true? Then we need to send all our kids to Trade School to learn machining and fabrication, not to a university to learn political science. Perhaps the problem is not what it seems. Maybe one of the qualifications some machine shops, fab shops and manufacturers are looking for is the willingness of skilled craftsmen to accept a lower wage than they used to get. Wages for these jobs have fallen in most parts of the USA due to the recession and due to the competition from workers in other countries. The invention of the shipping container and lowering of trade tarriffs have created a huge economic problem. If foreign competion can bring things into the USA with little (China) or no (Korea) trade tarriffs, how can American workers compete? And now with some software, some cameras and an internet connection, a company can have their CNC machines programmed from workers in China or India. The highly skilled machining jobs in the USA may not be as valuable as they used to be. This is a worrisome thought if you are a dedicated CNC Machinist with kids and a mortgage. Our politicians made outsourcing too easy and too profitable. Meanwhile, the Home Depot and some other stores are now pushing shoppers to use the self service cashier machine. American jobs are being replaced by people in foreign countries and automated machines here in ours. Should we only use the human cashier to save their jobs? Should we send our kids to trade school to learn a skill or to a university to learn political science? What do we do? Will any of our politicians in Washington help us?

August, 2012:
Consider a Digital Read Out for your Machine Tool:
You may be surprised at all the machines that we can add a Digital Read Out to. Or an Automatic Feed with Digital Readout. A great way to improve the ease at which you can turn out accurately made parts and do it repeatably. Such as +/- .001 inch. For a little extra money, we can add a 2 axis DRO to a........click to finish reading about a digital readout for your machine

July, 2012:
Educational webpages from American Machine Tools:
Want to read about How to use a Band Saw machine? Our educational webpages include diagrams, blade selection charts, recomendations for cutting speeds and feeds, plus special cutting methods for both horizontal and vertical band saw machines. There is more to it then you probably realize. You will find our HOW TO webpages to be a helpful resource for both the novice and expert user. Click on the link provided. The How to use a band saw webpage and others like that we offer for free are another example of our helpful commitment to the manufacturing community.

July, 2012:
Manufacturing Activity slows in June:
A surprise contraction in U.S. manufacturing activity in June is a worrisome sign during this difficult economic cycle. Many had thought that manufacturing was leading the way out of the recession in the USA. While the decline in manufacturing was unexpected, the weakness was not across the board. There are still jobs available in some segments of manufacturing and some employers are having difficulty filling some skilled labor jobs. The shortage of skilled manufacturing workers in some sectors could be encouraging businesses to hold off on new orders until they get better idea of what the future holds. Meanwhile, construction spending in the U.S. increased a better than expected 0.9 percent in May which is a bright spot that will hopefully continue.

June, 2012:
Ethics in the Machine Tool Business:
Some customers worry that machinery dealers may not be ethical in their business practices. This can be a real worry for someone trying to buy a dependable new machine tool. The perception is even worse for dealers of used machinery. As if they had the reputation of used car dealers. If you are a customer what can you do?
What should you look for? Before you buy, look for.........finish reading about ethical machinery dealers.

June, 2012:
U.S. Manufacturing Activity Expanded Again in May:
That is 34 straight months of economic growth in the manufacturing sector. The growth was measured to be a little slower than in past months. Perhaps as a result of the slower growth, the prices of raw materials have fallen since April. Hopefully the combination of continued growth and lower material costs will spur higher profits and more hiring. The manufacturing industries reported the most growth in May: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Furniture; Apparel, Leather Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; Textile Mills; Paper Products; Electronics; Printing; and Chemical Products. Meanwhile, sales of metalworking machinery at American Machine Tools Company are steady, which could be seen as confirmation of the continued growth in manufacturing.

May, 2012:
Another new Boring Cutter Positioning Tool:
We are now manufacturing a special Magnetic Mouting Bracket to firmly position a customized Dial Indicator against the carbide cutter in our boring bars. This new measuing set includes a Dial Indicator with .001 inch increments, a flat pusher disc (that the carbide cutter pushes against), and a Magnetic Mounting Bracket with multiple threaded hole positions to screw the Indicator into. Our L shaped Magnetic Mounting Bracket clips on next to any of our boring bar bearings. This solid mounting system takes the place of the flimsy rods normally used with a dial indicator.

May, 2012:
BUY NOW - PAY LATER by Leasing or Financing your machine:
We have partnered up with Marlin Leasing and Financing Company to provide you with money to buy machinery now and pay for it in small monthly payments. This allows you to take on a new job with a new machine and pay for it with the money you will make on the new work. This will free up money needed now for other purposes. For more information visit our Machinery Leasing & Financing webpage where we explain it in more detail and have a link to our Quick Quote Monthly Payment Calculator where you type in the estimated machine cost and the calculator will show you an estimate of what the monthly payment will be. Marlin is a well known respected equipment finance company, which is why we suggest them. We receive no benefit if you choose Marlin, our only benefit is your repeat business.

April, 2012:
Important information about the IRS Section 179 Tax Deduction for 2012:
• The USA Equipment deduction limit for Section 179 is now $139,000.
• The 2012 Umited States Section 179 Deduction threshold for total amount of equipment that can be purchased is now $560,000.
• Most new machinery, and CNC software, qualifies for the Section 179 Deduction.
• Only new equipment purchased in 2012 qualifies for the "50% Bonus Depreciation".
• When taking the deduction, Section 179 is generally taken first, followed by Bonus Depreciation.
• To find out more about how this specifically applies to you, ask your accountant or visit the IRS website.

April, 2012:
Visit our Youtube Channel:
Click to visit the American Machine Tools Youtube Video Library on Youtube. Subscribe to our Youtube channel. We have many videos of machines from AMT Line Boring, Birmingham, Chicago Dreis & Krump. JET, and others. We have many more coming soon. These videos show holes being welded, holes being bored, lathes, CNC and and CNC mills, bending rolls, hydraulic shearing, hydraulic metal bending machine and many many JET fabricating machines.

March, 2012:
Our Machine Tool Blog is 2 years old:
Now that we have been writing about the business of machine tools and its users for two years, is there something you think we should write about? We eat, sleep and breath machine tools everyday. We can research ideas and write a paragraph or more about them in a short and concise manner. We would like to hear your suggestions. Email us by clicking this link.

March, 2012:
Our Q150 Line Boring Equipment now includes extra measuring tools free:
Order a Q150-S, Q150-L, Q150XLS or Q150E from us and we now include a telescoping gauge set free and an extension set for the digital caliper that we already include. These tools allow you to accurately measure inside holes without pulling the boring shaft out.

March, 2012:
Newly changed Fein Auto-feed Magnetic Drill Press for our Q150 Line Boring Equipment:
American Machine Tools Company and Fein Power Tools USA are proud to announce that Fein is now manufacturing a special KBM-80U-Auto-LB magnetic drill press specifically for our Q150 line boring equipment. The Fein mag drill now comes with a slower auto-feed rate. This allows you to bore larger holes up to 8 inches (200mm) diameter using the autofeed without having to compromise cutting tool depth. The Fein magnetic drill press is designed and manufactured in Germany, with tech support from Fein USA in Pennsylvania. This powerful machine has auto-feed, manual-feed, variable speed, adjustable position base, 3/4 inch (19mm) chuck, Morse Taper#3 slugger bit holder and comes in a strong plastic case with dolly wheels.

Febuary, 2012:
The manufacturing ecomony is really picking up!
2011 orders for machinery and manufacturing equipment were up 66% compared to 2010. December orders were up 12.2% from November and up 12.7% from December 2010. This information is according to the Association For Manufacturing Technology and the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association. Tracking of machine tool consumption gives us a reliable leading economic indicator as manufacturing industries purchase machinery and metalworking equipment to increase capacity and improve productivity.

Febuary, 2012:
Becoming a customer:
When you become our customer, you get sales people with nearly 100 years of industry experience between them. Get our experience working for you. We can help you choose amoung the many different machinery choices to do your work. Our sales staff has worked designing machinery, building machinery, designing dies, working as a machinist, tool and die making, metal parts forming, etc. There is no substitute for actual experience.

January, 2012:
American Machine Tools customer SpaceX to fly to International Space Station:
When SpaceX flies its Dragon spacecraft on an unmanned mission to the International Space Station in 2012, our customer will be the first company to do so. In December 2010, SpaceX became the first commercial company to send a spacecraft into orbit and back. The commercial effort is part of a competition between private companies including SpaceX, Boeing and Sierra Nevada to be the first to create a spacecraft capable of replacing the US space shuttle which retired earlier this year. The first manned mission by a private company is not expected until at least 2015. In the meantime the only way for the world's astronauts to get to the Orbiting Space Station is via one of the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Another customer of American Machine Tools Company has been to space: NASA.

December, 2011:
American Machine Tools offers more machines made in USA:
We now offer over 500 different models of metalworking machines made in America. Our recent additions include Belt Grinding machines from Burr-King, Abrasive Saws from Everett and Beveling machines from Heck Industries. If you are an American, buying a machine made in the USA is good for many reasons:
1. Get a better quality long lasting machine.
2. Good for our economy by keeping your money ins the USA.
3. Feel good about your patriotism.
4. Get tech support direct from the factory.
5. Future spare parts are easy to get.

December, 2011:
U.S. manufacturing still growing, but at slower pace:
Factory orders fell by 0.4 per cent in October, the Commerce Department reported, for the second straight month. But business activity, prices paid, and new orders all posted gains. The Commerce Department report showed demand for so-called core capital goods, a good proxy for business investment, fell 0.8 per cent. Still, that's after two months of solid increases in that category, caused by increased demand for computers and heavy machinery. Manufacturers increased their stockpiles by 0.9 per cent in October after more modest increases in previous months, which normally shows they are optimistic about future sales.

November, 2011:
Manufacturers order more Machine Tools:
September U.S. manufacturing technology orders added up to $606 million according to figures from the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association and the Association For Manufacturing Technology. This was up 23% from August and up 52% when compared with the total of $399 million reported for September 2010. So far, the year to date total is $4,074 million, so 2011 is up 92% compared with 2010.

November, 2011:
Tax Law Gives Manufacturers a boost:
The tax law enacted President Obama's proposal to increase bonus depreciation to 100% for new equipment purchased and placed in service through December 31, 2011. The new law also includes important provisions that reduce business costs and incentivize innovation and R&D. So, what are you waiting for? It is unlikely there will ever be a better time to buy a new machine. If you want to get a 100% tax write off, you can start by requesting a quote for your next metalworking machine.

October, 2011:
Read our new safety webpage:
Please read our newly created webpage about machinery safety. Nothing is more important the in the metalworking industry that preventing horrible accidents. Though we always had a links to the OSHA machinery safety website to help the customers, our new safety webpage is written to help you understand the dangers if you ignore safety. Because fingers, hands, and lives are more important than the short term profit made from ignoring safety.

October, 2011:
CNC Machinists report low job satisfaction:
According a survey of many thousands of employees conducted in 2011, CareerBliss determined the 10 most hated jobs, rated on a scale of 1 to 10. In almost all cases, respondents reported that the factors causing the most job dissatisfaction were not lousy pay. It was found that limited growth opportunities and lack of reward seemed to drive the misery index up more than anything else. The 9th most disliked job was CNC machinist. CNC machinists operate computer numerical controlled machines such as a CNC Milling Machine and CNC Lathe. Basically, a lathe or a mill with a computer attached. On the upside, it can render obsolete processes that used to be performed by hand, at a slow pace and with high risk to quality and safety. Now that the operator has had most of the physical hazards of manufacturing replaced by a computerized machine, there's not a lot to do but push buttons and perform equipment inspections, change tooling and maintain the coolant at a safe level. Since it's a specialized skill, the job offers less room for advancement, which apparently caused respondents to report a high degree of dissatisfaction.

September, 2011:
The August Manufacturing Numbers are in:
Companies ordered more machinery, computers and communication equipment in August, a positive sign for the slumping U.S. economy. An increase in demand for those kind of longer-lasting factory goods suggests businesses are sticking with their investment plans, despite slow growth and weak consumer spending. Though overall orders for durable goods slipped 0.1 percent last month, shipments of longer-lasting factory goods rose 2.8 percent, the fourth consecutive gain in this category. In July, demand for those goods surged 10.2 percent which is largest increase in eight years. But Economists look more closely at a 1.1 percent increase in a key category that measures business investment plans. Those are core capital goods that are neither used for defense nor transportation. The National Association for Business Economics is forecasting 2.2 percent growth in the second half of this year.

September, 2011:
Consider an American Car:
Rarely do we purchase something that creates jobs more than a car. Especially for those of us who work with machine tools. The next time you care looking to buy one, make sure you visit a GM, Ford or Chrysler Dealer to look at the American made choices. We Americans make good cars. When you buy an American car, it usually was designed in the USA, engineered in the USA, fabricated in the USA, and assembled in the USA. Also most of the spare parts, machinery, computers and software used to produce the cars is purchased from American companies. Back in the 1970s, General Motors Corporation was responsible for nearly 1% of the Gross Domestic Product of the whole USA. Imagine that. Think about the huge contribution you make to the American economy when you buy a new car.

August, 2011:
Our Machine Tool sales are up in August:
The number and size of machines ordered from American Machine Tools Company grew significantly in August compared to previous months. Some rather large machines were ordered. This probably indicates an upsurge in manufacturing. Is this jump in purchases the beginning of a long term trend for metalworking machinery? Or is it just one big month of pent up demand being released? Only time will tell. Normally the month of August is very quiet due to many managers taking their vacation time.

July, 2011:
Manufacturing is still growing:
The economy expanded at faster 1.3 percent annual rate in the April-June period after a meager 0.4 percent increase in the January-March period. But manufacturing output, employment, and prices paid my manufacturers all grew more slowly in July than in June. The manufacturing sector has expanded for 23 straight months. In a separate report, the Commerce Department said builders began work on more projects in June, pushing construction spending higher for a third straight month.

June, 2011:
Se Habla Espanol!
Hemos añadido muchas categorías individuales en español. Si desea hacer preguntas acerca de nuestra maquinaria en español, llame a nuestra oficina. Nosotros podemos ayudarle.
tornos metal, plegadora de mano, guillotinas hidraulicas, maquinas trabajo hierro,

May, 2011:
Measuring Tools for boring cutters:
We now manufacture and sell a Cutting Tool Adjuster that mounts on our square carbide boring cutter to set the height within .001 inch.

April, 2011:
Habla Espanol?
Hemos traducido algunos de nuestro sitio web en español. Clic para ver nuestra página web máquinas para trabajo metal en español. Todas las semanas vamos a añadir una nueva sección en español.

March, 2011:
Our website has added more:
If you ever need a CNC plasma table visit our website. We have added the EasyCut CNC line of pasma cutting table with your choice of Hypertherm or Thermal Dynamics plasma cutting torches to give you high definition plasma cutting capability. Sizes available go from a small 4 x 4 feet table up to the large 6 x 12 feet table model. All 4 sizes are made in USA.

February, 2011:
Do you have a video of you line boring with our Q150 system?
If you do, American Machine Tools is offering a reward of up to $300 for a video over 1 minute long showing you setting up, using a Q150 portable line boring machine. Our new customers are interested in seeing how other customers used our Q150 system to rebore pivot holes. Videos must be shorter than 5 minutes long. If you have some photos you would like to share, we offer a bunch of free carbide cutting tools in exchange.

January, 2011:
Our website has grown:
In the past few months we have added extra webpages dedicated to metal cutting Cold Saws and Dake Arbor Presses and Pipe & Tube Notchers and educational information and this blog. Check back regularly as we add more to serve you better. Have a suggestion? Contact us.

December, 2010:
Section 179 End of Year Machinery Purchase Tax Deduction:
If you are thinking of waiting until next year to buy the metalworking machine you want, think again. The United States government is allowing an immediate 50% to 100% business tax deduction (section 179) on machinery up to $500,000 if purchased before December 31, 2010 under certain conditions. To qualify at the 100% deduction level, check with your accountant to prevent any technicalities from changing part of your immediate tax write off into a gradually depreciated tax write off.

November, 2010:
Machine Tool Sales up:
The first nine months of 2010 show U.S. sales of machine tools and related equipment are up 74% over the same nine months of 2009. At this rate, we should quickly return to 2008 levels. U.S. factory output grew for the 16th straight month in November. Manufacturing has been one of the strongest sectors of the economy since the recession ended. After slowing over the summer, factories have picked up in recent months as consumer demand for autos, computers and other goods has rebounded.

October, 2010:
Quantitative Easing:
The Federal Reserve of the United States is currently flooding the financial markets with easy money to stimulate the U.S. economy. This should drive down interest rates and make it easier for banks to lend money. The downside to the U.S. Dollar is inflation which can be seen in the runup in gold prices and commodities important to manufacturing such as steel, aluminum, oil, etc.

September, 2010:
New Line Boring Tools:
We now manufacture several tools to assist with reboring holes using our portable boring equipment. Our Centering-Measuring Tool will accurately measure holes while the boring bar is still in the hole. Our custom made Grooving Cutting Tool is an inexpensive way to cut a retaining ring groove inside a hole.

August, 2010:
Made in USA is making a comback:
Manufacturing products in America is making a comeback. The recession has held wages down in the US, making them more competitve. Meanwhile Chinese labor costs are going up and so is the value of the Chinese currency compared to the US Dollar. Also, some people are trying to buy American made products for patriotic reasons to help our economy as well as the usual reasons of quality, safety, tech support and spare parts availabilty. Expanded tax cuts for Research and Development work should also promote more purchases of the kind of capital equipment often made in USA.

July, 2010:
New Fein Powerfeed Magnetic Drill Press for our Q150 Line Boring Equipment:
American Machine Tools Company and Fein Power Tools USA are proud to announce that the Fein KBM-80U-AutoLB is now available as a Magnetic Drill Press option to drive the Q150 line of portable hole boring bars from American Machine Tools Corp. The Fein KBM-80U-AutoLB allows line boring in Manual or Auto-Feed mode. Unlike other Fein magnetic drill presses, the KBM-80U-AutoLB is specially equipped with a 3/4 inch chuck for driving the Q150 boring shafts. The German made quality is remarkable and will provide many years of use. The Q150 portable line boring tools enable your magnetic drill press to rebore pivot holes in cranes, backhoes, endloaders, excavators, tractors, machinery frames, steel mill ladles, bridge support pivots, etc.

June, 2010:
Chinese labor costs going up, currency value going up:
The Chinese have finally uncoupled their currency (Yuan) from the US Dollar. They are allowing it to rise in value from the long time rate of 6.83 Yuan per Dollar. This should quickly cause Chinese made machine tools and other equipment to cost more in the US. Simultaneously, Chinese manufacturers are reporting that employees are very unhappy (with some resorting to suicide). The Chinese workers are demanding higher pay, better working conditions and less brutal work hours. This will raise costs for Chinese factories and their customers. While this is good news for many American manufacturers whose prices should soon be more competitive, it is bad news for American importers of Chinese made machinery and equipment since they will lose some of their pricing advantage.

May, 2010:
Industrial Rebound Taking Hold with Inventory Replacement, Exports:
The Institute for Supply Management reports that its Purchasing Managers Index was 59.7 percent in May. At that level, the index is well above the 50 percent growth threshold. Replacing of depleted inventories seems to be driving an improved domestic demand. Healthy gains in exports is another reason to hope for an industrial rebound.

April, 2010:
Our New Q88E Boring Equipment:
American Machine Tools Company introduces its newest boring setup using a small 7/8 inch diameter boring shaft capable of boring holes down to 1 inch diameter and up to 1 1/2 inch. The Q88 includes a manual feed drill press mechanism and is driven by a Milwaukee drill. As with all line boring equipment from American Machine Tools Company, the Q88 includes everything you need including enough carbide cutters to complete your job. We also offer a lower cost Q88A add on option for use with our Q150 equipment.
Coming soon: New Fein Magnetic Drill Press with Auto-Feed for our Q150!

March, 2010:
Economic Climate for Manufacturing in the USA:
Lets face it. We are still struggling to work our way out of this recession. But this recession was deeper than any other we have seen in our lifetime. Do you remember the past few recessions? The 2001 recession started out bad and just as things started to improve September 11 knocked us down again. The stock market took a much longer time to recover than this time. The 1991 recession cost the first President Bush the election to Bill Clinton. My father almost lost his consulting engineering company. The 1981 recession was a very scary time for me. I remember working for a machine builder far from home who paid extra low wages since there was so many good people out of work. The 1973 Arab Oil Embargo caused a recession with very high gas prices, shortages and long lines at gas stations while the US was still recovering from the expensive Vietnam War. Currently our problems seem to stem from a real estate bubble and all the debt our country took on to fight two wars after a big tax cut. But the stock market has recovered quicker than last time. In retrospect things don't seem so bad if you aren't one of the unemployed Americans whose home is in foreclosure. We feel optimistic. If we work hard, invest in productivity and buy American (when still possible), manufacturing can help lead us out of this recession.

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