Buy a CNC machine from a supplier that helps with start-up operations

Some CNC machine companies offer set-up services from delivery to technical approval of your CNC machine. Many companies also provide training and continuing service, including regular upgrades.

I recommend: DMG America will install, set up your machine and get it ready for production. They train operators at several locations. Ganesh Machinery also offers free training, setup and maintenance.

Acquire a CNC machining center to perform multiple tasks

If you run a shop that makes more than one product, you may want to get a machining center which combines several CNC machine tools. You can do CNC milling, cutting and grinding on one multi-axis machine.

I recommend: Schweda Machine Tool Sales, Inc. offers multi-purpose and universal CNC machine tools from trusted brand names like Kitamura Machinery, Danobat and Parpas America, to name a few. Tekna USA Corp. has three-, four- or five-axis CNC machining centers.

Purchase used CNC machines to save money

Used CNC machines are often as good as new, especially if someone traded them in or a company repossessed them before much wear occurred. With used machines, the price is often right. Some distributors specialize in finding the best trade-ins and repossessed CNC machining centers and offering them to their customers.

I recommend: Advanced Jones Machinery Co., a full-service machine tool distributor, offers many late-model used CNC machine tools. Used Machinery Sales Inc. features used multi-axis CNC vertical and horizontal machine centers.