machine tool sales

[CompositeEngr]

I was wondering if anyone is familiar with a machine tool outlet in the Minneapolis area, or within a couple of hours driving distance?

I find it difficult to look at the specs for a lathe or mill for sale without actually seeing the machine in person. Can't imagine the people who buy cars over the internet!

[Oso]

Polar Tool I have been referred to, it is up in North Mpls suburbs.
Have not been there, as I only come up there to see family now. (used to live there).

[Tree]

What kind of stuff are you looking for?? New? Used? Big? Little?

[CompositeEngr]

Yes.

http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net//smile.gif that's the short answer.

The only exposure I've had to machine tools etc are the worn-out ones in the shop at work. When I do get around to prying my wallet open, I want to have a better idea of what I'm looking at. I've been keeping an eye out for tools at auction, but nothing has come up locally, with the small exception of a lathe/mill combo that worked on a 3" cube... pun intended.
When I go down toward Branson to visit my dad, I'm going to go check out the Grizzly show room. I can't believe I didn't know about that place when I lived down there!
Anyway, my plan is to eventually get a bench lathe on the small end of the scale, like a 7X12, unless a good deal on a better/larger lathe comes up.
I'm also looking at the 3in1 types, mainly because I'm too dumb to know the difference in ease of use and set-up. After I learn more about what's what (or run out of small projects), then I can always trade up.

[This message has been edited by CompositeEngr (edited 06-05-2002).]

[Thrud]

CompositeEngr:
Maybe you should attend the big show in Chicago in September (Internet address is listed in another thread about this show). It is the biggest in the world, and every manufacturer is usually there (free stuff too!). I think you would find it interesting.

One year Seiko was demonstrating a CNC 5 axis bar fed machine - they turned out stainless steel divers watch bodies and handed them out with their contact information engraved on them to anyone that stopped by the booth.

[SGW]

Yeah, go to a machine tool show sometime, just to be amazed. I've been to EASTEC a few times. Seven large buildings full of machinery and related stuff! Most of it is way beyond anything one would have in a home shop, but it's fun to look.

[Tree]

Well then...there are a number of places in the twin cities to check out-I'm most familiar with the ones who deal in used equipment. They are (in no particular order);
Harris Machinery in Minneapolis, Tried and True tools in Fridley, Polar Tool in Minneapolis, Gladwin Machinery in Minneapolis, Midwest machinery in Minneapolis, Naab Sales in Hopkins(this is actually in a place where a couple of acres of building are shared by about 5 used equipment dealers-the most bang for your buck in one stop). Those are the ones that come to mind at the moment and I think you should be able to find them all in the phone book with the exception of Midwest Machinery. The name on their building is actually Midwest Machinery Movers and they are on South Grand Ave. about a block or so north of Lake St. but I don't know exactly what they call themselves-I'll try and find out and post info later along with some new equipment dealers. Some of the places I listed are not open weekends so they may be harder to get to. Hope that helps.

[martin_vanmeter]

CompositeEngr -
don't beat up on yourself about Grizzly in Springfield, MO - they just opened the store a year or so ago.

[SteveC]

I recently visited the Grizzly tool store in Missouri and found it very interesting. They do have quit alot of metal cutting machines and tools.

[matteo]

because of the automotive industry, detroit
and its suburbs had at least 200-500 small
tool shops! groesbeck hwy. ran about 12 miles long, and was nothing but small 10-100
man shops! today it looks like a war zone,
better than half the shops are closed, the
machinery dealers are so full of equipment
that they actually talk nice to you! one of
the best is northern tool in warren michigan
cant go wrong there! matteo!

[witkowbj]

What cross roads is Northern tool at, is it new and used, or only used?

Thanks.
Brian

[matteo]

they are at 9-mile and van dyke about one
block east! ask for raymone!!!

[JCHannum]

You will be right around the corner fom Wholesale Tools at 12155 Stephens Drive, so you might as well stop there too.
Open 8:30-noon on Sat's.

[matteo]

if you go to wholesale tool, check out the
tubs of surplus tools [ drills, cutters, taps
etc,] sold by the pound!! verry verry cheap!
you got to love it!!