All posts by NTM Inc.
How to Repair Your Commercial Tools
In any precision-driven machine shop or manufacturing environment, well-maintained cutting tools are essential for efficient production, consistent part quality, and reduced downtime. Whether you’re working with drills, reamers, end mills, or specialty tooling, understanding how to repair and restore these assets can save time and money while extending the life of your tooling investment. At […]
Carbide vs. Non-Carbide Tool Sharpening
Sharpening isn’t one-size-fits-all. Carbide and non-carbide tools behave differently under heat, pressure, and wear, so your approach should match the material and the job. The goal is simple: restore predictable cutting without introducing new variables. Use the guidance below to choose when to sharpen, when to replace, and how to keep production calm—whether you’re dealing […]
How CNC Services Can Help Your Business – and Your Tools
CNC isn’t just a way to remove metal—it’s a way to remove uncertainty. When programs, fixtures, and inspection are planned as one system, parts run calmly, schedules hold, and teams spend less time firefighting. The right partner turns designs into predictable, repeatable results while treating tooling as a first-class input, not an afterthought. That combination […]
A Look Inside a Machine Shop
A modern machine shop is less about lone genius and more about calm, repeatable systems. Jobs move through a predictable flow—intake, planning, setup, cutting, inspection, and shipping—so parts leave on time and to print. If you’ve never toured a shop, here’s what actually happens between “send RFQ” and “ship date,” and why seemingly small details—stable […]
5 Signs Your Tools Need Critical Care
In production, tools rarely fail without warning. They whisper first: finish turns hazy, offsets creep, a cut starts to sing. Knowing which signals matter lets you pull a tool early enough to save the part—and late enough to capture full value from each edge. Below are five signs your Cutting tools need critical care, plus […]
Grinding vs. Sharpening Tools: Best Practices
“Grinding” and “sharpening” get used interchangeably, but they solve different problems. Sharpening restores the cutting edge so a tool can make clean, predictable chips again. Grinding is controlled material removal to change geometry, correct wear beyond the edge, or refine a surface finish. Knowing which path to choose—and how to set up the job—keeps people […]
How Often Do Tools Need to Be Sharpened?
How Often Do Tools Need to Be Sharpened? Short answer: it depends. Fixed calendars ignore what actually wears a tool—material, setup, feeds and speeds, coolant, and how rigid your workholding is. A safer, more productive approach is condition-based maintenance for your Cutting tools and a simple rhythm for inspection. The goal isn’t to polish rules; […]
Benefits of Choosing a Local Machine Shop
Choosing a local machining partner is about more than mileage. Proximity turns complex work into a faster, clearer process: questions get answered in hours, not days; design changes can be reviewed at the machine; and accountability is obvious because the people doing the work are close enough to see and solve issues with you. For […]
The Importance of Proper Machine Shop Safety
In a machine shop, safety isn’t an extra step. It’s how people, parts, and schedules stay predictable. Accidents usually come from surprises: a part that shifts, a tool that grabs, or a setup that wasn’t quite dialed. The fix is a culture of calm, repeatable steps. Keep the guidance simple, avoid promises you can’t verify, […]
The Advantages of Using Stubby® Boring Bars
At NTM Inc., we understand that precision and efficiency are paramount in any machining process. That’s why we want to highlight one of the most effective tools in the industry: Stubby®, or stub-length boring bars. As a distributor, you play a crucial role in helping your customers make informed choices, and understanding the advantages of […]
The Advantages of Using Magnetic V-Blocks
In the world of precision machining and manufacturing, tools that enhance accuracy and efficiency are some of the most important. One such tool is the magnetic V-block. Not only do these blocks simplify the setup process, they also improve the quality of work being done. With these key advantages in mind, you’ll want to have […]
What Nearly 50 Years in the Business Have Taught Us
At NTM Inc., we’re proud to celebrate nearly 50 years as a leader in the tooling and machining industry. Since 1976, we’ve evolved from a small machine shop in Fridley to a trusted manufacturer for the Twin Cities and beyond. As a family-owned business, our journey has been guided by our core values: dedication, innovation, […]
What Are the Advantages of Buying Spare Boring Bars?
In the manufacturing and machining business, time is money. As a distributor, ensuring that your customers have the right tools when they need them isn’t just a service; it’s a necessity. One of the most effective ways to meet this demand across industries is by investing in spare boring bars. Let’s dive into why stocking […]
NTM Celebrates 45th Anniversary with Open House
On November 3, 2021, NTM Inc. celebrated the 45th anniversary of its founding by hosting an open house and plant tour for customers, suppliers, local businesses, elected officials and employees’ families. Visitors enjoyed light refreshments while they toured the plant and learned about NTM’s operations and capabilities.
NTM in Humans of Manufacturing
See SME's latest Humans of Manufacturing article featuring Barb Dorumsgaard and Cynthia Blue of NTM.
NTM INC Receives National Certification as Women Owned Business
NTM is proud to be a Women Owned Business. See the article from PR News Wire.