--- title: Machine Shop Questions and Answers | Wolf Machine Reno url: https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/ business: Wolf Machine & Fabrication, Inc. address: 4812 Longley Ln, Reno, NV 89502 phone: (775) 359-5570 hours: Shop Monday-Friday 7:00 am-3:30 pm; closed Saturday and Sunday type: Metal and plastic fabrication and machining (custom and CNC machining, welding, metal and plastic fabrication, gearbox and part repair, align boring, metal spray) --- [Photo: Stock photo: measuring a part with a caliper at an inspection bench] - [Home](https://wolfmachinenv.com/) - Questions and answers # Questions and answers Short answers to what buyers ask most about quotes, drawings, materials, welding, metal and plastic fabrication and repairs. If your question is not here, call the shop at [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) during shop hours. Stock photo: measuring a part with a caliper at an inspection bench ## Answered in full [What makes a machined part expensive?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/what-makes-a-machined-part-expensive/) [What file types can I send with a quote request?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/what-file-types-can-i-send/) [I do not have a drawing. Can you still make the part?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/no-drawing-what-now/) [Can you machine titanium?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/can-you-machine-titanium/) [My machine is down. What should I do first?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/my-machine-is-down/) [Will you make just one part?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/will-you-make-just-one-part/) [Can you weld aluminum?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/can-you-weld-aluminum/) [Is metal spray as strong as new metal?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/is-metal-spray-as-strong-as-new-metal/) ## Quoting and estimates ### How do I get a quote for a machined part? Send your specifications, drawings or samples with the [quote request](https://wolfmachinenv.com/request-a-quote/), or call the shop at [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570). We will be happy to provide you with a prompt estimate. ### What should I include in a quote request? Describe what you need, attach the drawing or photos, and add the quantity, the material if you know it, any tolerances or finish on the print, and the date you need the part. The more the shop can see, the fewer questions it has to ask. ### Can I start with a photo of a broken part? Photos are a good place to start. Put a tape measure or ruler in the shot, show every side and the damaged area, and send them with the [quote request](https://wolfmachinenv.com/request-a-quote/). We will tell you what else we need. ### Do you charge for a quote or a consultation? Consultations are free. Call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) to talk through your project or repair, and we will be happy to provide you with a prompt estimate. ### How long does it take to get a quote back? We give a prompt estimate once we see the drawing, sample or part. Calling [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) during shop hours, Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, is the quickest way to start, because we can ask our questions on the spot. ### Why do machining quotes vary so much between shops? Setup work, material, tolerances, quantity, finish and inspection all change the cost, and shops weigh them differently. A complete print and a clear quantity make quotes easier to compare. ### What makes a machined part expensive? Tight tolerances, hard or costly materials, many setups, fine finishes and small quantities all add time. See the full answer for how to keep a part simple without losing function. [Full answer: What makes a machined part expensive?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/what-makes-a-machined-part-expensive/) ### Can I bring the part in for you to look at? Yes. The shop is at 4812 Longley Ln, Reno, NV 89502, open Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Call ahead with a large part so the unloading can be planned. ## Drawings, files and samples ### What file types can I send with a quote request? PDF, DWG, DXF, STEP or STP, IGES or IGS, JPG and PNG, up to 5 files and 12 MB in total. Larger files can be emailed to wolfmachineinc@gmail.com. [Full answer: What file types can I send with a quote request?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/what-file-types-can-i-send/) ### Do I need a CAD model, or is a PDF drawing enough? A dimensioned PDF drawing is a normal place to start for a machine shop. A 3D file such as STEP helps when the part has complex shapes, and you can send both. ### I do not have a drawing. Can you still make the part? Yes. We will gladly work from your specifications, drawings or samples, and we can also assist you in designing your product or part. [Full answer: I do not have a drawing. Can you still make the part?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/no-drawing-what-now/) ### Can you make a part from a sample or the old part? Yes. Samples are one of the three ways we work. Bring the part to the shop or send photos with sizes, and we will tell you what we need to see. ### Can you help me design a part? Yes. We can assist you in designing your product or part. See [part design and parts made from samples](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/part-design-from-samples/). ### Is a STEP file better than an IGES file? STEP is the newer and more complete format and carries solid models cleanly, while IGES is older and built around surfaces. Send STEP when you have the choice; either can be attached to the quote request. ### How do I take useful photos of a broken part? Shoot every face in good light with a ruler or tape in the frame, add close-ups of the wear or break, and photograph any part numbers. The post [How to photograph and measure a broken part](https://wolfmachinenv.com/blog/photograph-and-measure-a-broken-part/) walks through it. ### Should I send the whole assembly or just the part? Send the part that needs work, and add a photo of where it sits in the assembly so we can see how it mounts and what it mates with. ### Is my drawing kept confidential? Files sent through the quote request are used to quote and do your job, and you keep ownership of your drawings, as our [terms](https://wolfmachinenv.com/terms/) say. If the job is under an NDA, call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) before you send anything and the office will confirm how it is handled. ## Tolerances, precision and inspection ### What tolerances can you hold? We machine to the tolerance on your print, and we read every print before we estimate, so the office can confirm the tightest callouts for your part. Call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) with the print, and we will talk through the job. The [tolerance](https://wolfmachinenv.com/glossary/tolerance/) entry explains how limits are written. ### What does +/- .001 in. actually mean? The size may be .001 inch above or below the number on the drawing, so a total band of .002 inch. A dimension of 2.000 +/- .001 is good anywhere from 1.999 to 2.001. ### Can you grind a plate flat within .001 in.? Blanchard grinding is one of our services, and flatness is the main reason to use it. Send the plate size, thickness, material and the flatness callout, and we will tell you how we would approach it. ### What is the difference between flatness and parallelism? Flatness controls one surface by itself: it must lie between two parallel planes. Parallelism controls a surface or axis against a datum, so it stays parallel to another surface. Both are written with [GD&T](https://wolfmachinenv.com/glossary/gd-and-t/) symbols. ### What surface finish can you get (Ra)? We machine to the finish on your print, and we do Blanchard grinding for flat faces. Ra is the average height of the tool marks on a surface, in microinches or micrometers; put the finish you need on the print and the office will confirm it for your part. See [surface finish (Ra)](https://wolfmachinenv.com/glossary/surface-finish-ra/). ### Do you inspect parts before they leave? Wolf Machine stands behind the work we perform. If your job needs specific measurements checked or a report, put it on the print or in the quote request, and the office will confirm what we can provide. ### What is magnaflux / magnetic particle inspection used for? It finds cracks at or just under the surface of iron and steel. The part is magnetized, fine iron particles are applied, and they gather along any crack. See [Magnaflux crack inspection](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/magnaflux-inspection/). ### Can you check a shaft for runout? We repair shafts and make new ones, and runout is the check that shows a shaft turns true. Put the runout you need on the print or in the quote request. See [runout (TIR)](https://wolfmachinenv.com/glossary/runout-tir/). ### Do you provide inspection reports or material certs? Tell us in the quote request what paperwork the job needs. Material certificates are issued by the mill or supplier that made the metal. ## Materials ### What metals do you machine? We are capable of, but not limited to, machining aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, plastics, stainless steel, steels and steel alloys, titanium and tool steels. See [materials we machine](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/). ### Do you machine plastics? Yes, we machine plastics, and we have made plastic parts for the medical industry. See [plastics](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/plastics/). ### Can you machine titanium? Yes. We machine titanium, and we have made titanium screws for a food processing plant. [Full answer: Can you machine titanium?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/can-you-machine-titanium/) ### Do you supply the material or should I? Tell us in the quote request whether you want to supply the material, and the office will confirm how the job is quoted. We machine aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, plastics, stainless steel, steels and steel alloys, titanium and tool steels; if you are not sure what the part needs, send photos and tell us what it does. ### What is the difference between 4130 and 4140 steel? Both are chromium-molybdenum alloy steels. 4140 has more carbon, so it hardens deeper and is common in shafts and gears, while 4130 welds more easily. See the [glossary](https://wolfmachinenv.com/glossary/). ### Is bronze or brass better for a bushing? Bearing bronzes are the usual choice for bushings because they run well against steel shafts. Brass is more common in fittings and light-duty parts. Tell us what the bushing does and we can talk it through. ### What stainless grade should I use for food equipment? 304 and 316 are the grades most often used where food touches the metal, and your plant's own specification may name one. See [stainless steel](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/stainless-steel/). ### Can you machine hardened tool steel? We machine tool steels. How the steel is cut depends on its hardness, so send the grade and the Rockwell hardness if the part is already hardened. See [tool steels](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/tool-steels/). ### Do you fabricate and machine plastic parts? Yes. We do metal and plastic fabrication and machining, and we machine plastics at our Reno shop. We have made plastic parts for the medical industry and metal and plastic chutes for the cement and mining industries. See [plastic fabrication and machining](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/plastic-fabrication-and-machining/). ## Scheduling and breakdowns ### How long will my part take? We strive to maintain our reputation for quick turnarounds whenever possible. How long a job takes depends on the part, the material and the work in the shop, so tell us the date you need it in the quote request. ### Can you rush a job? Put the date you need the part on the quote request or tell us on the phone, and we will go over the job with you. Our aim is quick turnarounds whenever possible. ### My machine is down. What should I do first? Call the shop at [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) Monday to Friday between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm, then send photos and any sizes you have with the quote request. [Full answer: My machine is down. What should I do first?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/my-machine-is-down/) ### Are you open on weekends? The shop is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, and closed Saturday and Sunday. A quote request sent any time is read when the shop opens. ### What are your hours? Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, at 4812 Longley Ln, Reno, NV 89502. ### Can I schedule work around a planned shutdown? Send the work you need done and the shutdown dates in the quote request, or call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) to talk it through. ### Do you work on one part at a time or only production runs? Both. We make prototypes and production runs and do repair work. ### Can you do a production run after the prototype is approved? Yes. Prototypes and production runs are both services we list. See [From one prototype to a production run](https://wolfmachinenv.com/blog/prototype-to-production-run/). ## One part or a production run ### Will you make just one part? Yes. We make prototypes and do repair work, and many jobs are a single part. [Full answer: Will you make just one part?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/will-you-make-just-one-part/) ### Do you do production runs? Yes. We machine production runs. See [production runs](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/production-runs/). ### Can you do hobby or personal projects? We work from your specifications, drawings or samples, whether the part is for a plant, a contractor's machine or a personal project. Send the drawing or photos with the quote request. ### Do you build machines and fixtures? Yes. We fabricate automated machines and fixtures, and we have built automated welding fixtures for the telecommunications industry. See [automated machines and fixtures](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/automated-machines-and-fixtures/). ## Welding ### What kinds of welding do you do? Welding, all types. The [welding page](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/welding/) covers the work, and the [glossary](https://wolfmachinenv.com/glossary/) explains the common processes. ### Can you weld aluminum? Yes. Our welding covers all types, and aluminum has its own page with what to send. [Full answer: Can you weld aluminum?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/can-you-weld-aluminum/) ### Can you weld cast iron? Yes, welding is all types. Cast iron needs preheating and a slow cool, so send photos and the part's function. See [cast iron welding repair](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/cast-iron-welding/). ### Can you weld stainless steel? Yes. Stainless steel welding is part of our welding work. See [stainless steel welding](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/stainless-steel-welding/). ### What is the difference between MIG and TIG? MIG feeds a wire electrode continuously and is quick on moderate thicknesses. TIG uses a tungsten electrode and hand-fed filler for clean, controlled welds on thin metal, stainless and aluminum. ### Can a cracked part be welded or does it need replacing? Many cracked parts can be repaired. The crack is located first, often with Magnaflux, then prepared and welded. Whether to repair or replace depends on the load and the part. See [repair or replace](https://wolfmachinenv.com/guides/repair-or-replace/). ### Do you do on-site welding? Millwright and field work and portable align boring are done at your site. Call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) with the machine, the location and photos so we can talk through what the work involves. ## Repair or replace ### Is it cheaper to repair or replace a part? It depends on the part. A worn seat or bore on an expensive housing is often worth repairing, while a part that is cracked through or badly worn may not be. See [repair or replace](https://wolfmachinenv.com/guides/repair-or-replace/). ### What is metal spray and when is it used? Metal spray melts metal and sprays it onto a prepared surface to build up a worn area, which is then machined to size. It is used on bearing areas and seal diameters. See [metal spray](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/metal-spray/). ### Is metal spray as strong as new metal? Metal spray is a coating that adheres to the surface, so it is chosen for wear and seal surfaces rather than structural loads. See the full answer for the details. [Full answer: Is metal spray as strong as new metal?](https://wolfmachinenv.com/faq/is-metal-spray-as-strong-as-new-metal/) ### Metal spray or sleeve - which is better for a worn bearing seat? Both are used for bearing and seal areas. The choice depends on how much material is missing, the load and the metal. See [metal spray, sleeve or weld](https://wolfmachinenv.com/guides/metal-spray-sleeve-or-weld/). ### What is align (line) boring? Boring several bores on one common center line so a shaft or pin runs straight through all of them. See [align boring](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/align-boring/). ### Can you line bore on site? Yes, through portable align boring at your site. Call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) with the machine, the location and photos. See [portable align boring](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/portable-align-boring/). ### Can you rebuild a gearbox of any brand? Gearbox repair covers any brand and size. See [gearbox repair and rebuilding](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/gearbox-repair/). ### What are the signs a gearbox needs rebuilding? Noise that is new or louder, heat, oil leaks and metal particles in the oil are the usual signs. See [a gearbox rebuild: what to expect](https://wolfmachinenv.com/guides/gearbox-rebuild-what-to-expect/). ### Can you repair a hydraulic cylinder? Yes. Hydraulic cylinders can be repaired, or new parts machined for them. See [hydraulic cylinder repair](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/hydraulic-cylinder-repair/). ### Can you repair a pump? Yes. We do pump repair and fabrication, and shaft, turbine, pump and related parts repair. See [pump, shaft and turbine repair](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/pump-and-turbine-repair/). ### Can you fix a worn shaft or keyway? Yes. We machine shafts, threads and keyways, and pivot shafts are repaired or machined for undersized bearings. See [shafts, threads and keyways](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/shafts-threads-and-keyways/). ### Can you repair an electric motor shaft or endbell? Yes. We repair electric motor shafts and endbells. See [electric motor shaft and endbell repair](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/electric-motor-shaft-and-endbell-repair/). ### Can you repair rock crusher and screen parts? Yes. We repair rock crusher and screen parts. See [rock crusher and screen parts repair](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/crusher-and-screen-parts-repair/). ### Do you rebuild airlocks / rotary valves? Yes. We rebuild aerolocks and rotary valves for dry product and food plants. See [rotary valve and airlock rebuilding](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/rotary-valve-and-airlock-rebuilding/). ## Threads, keyways and finishing work ### Can you do threading, including large threads? We cut threads. Send the thread size, pitch and length, or the mating part, with the quote request. ### Can you cut keyways and splines? We key shafts. For splines or other shaft features, send the drawing or the part with the quote request. See [keyway and keyseat](https://wolfmachinenv.com/glossary/keyway-keyseat/). ### Can you balance a rotor after machining? Balancing is arranged with an outside balancing shop after machining. Tell us in the quote request if the part needs it. ## Payment, accounts and paperwork ### Do I pay sales tax on repair labor in Nevada? Nevada's rule generally treats separately stated repair labor differently from parts. Ask how your invoice will be set out when you request the estimate. See [Nevada sales tax on repair work and fabricated parts](https://wolfmachinenv.com/blog/nevada-sales-tax-repair-vs-fabrication/). ### Can I buy for resale with a resale certificate? Tell us when you ask for the estimate, or call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570), and we will go over the paperwork you need. ### Do you take credit cards? Yes. We accept all major credit cards. Please call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) for details. ### Can my company open an account? Yes. We can open an account for your company. Please call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) for details and credit terms. ### Are you a member of the Nevada Manufacturers Association? Yes. Wolf Machine is a member of the Nevada Manufacturers Association. ## Location, pickup and the service area ### Where are you located? The shop is at 4812 Longley Ln, Reno, NV 89502, open Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. See the [contact page](https://wolfmachinenv.com/contact-us/) for the map. ### How far is the shop from Sparks / Carson City / TRIC / Fernley? By free-flow route estimates from the shop, Sparks is about 17 minutes, the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRIC) about 35 minutes, Carson City about 36 minutes and Fernley about 42 minutes. See [drive times and business counts](https://wolfmachinenv.com/data/service-area-drive-times/). ### Do you serve Carson City? Yes. Carson City is in our service area, about 36 minutes from the shop by a free-flow estimate. See [Carson City](https://wolfmachinenv.com/service-areas/carson-city/). ### Do you serve Truckee, California? Parts from Truckee, California can be brought or sent to the shop at 4812 Longley Ln in Reno. For anything else, call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) and the office will confirm what we can do. ### Do you work for companies at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center? Parts from the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center area come to the shop in Reno, and millwright and field work and portable align boring are done at your site. See [the TRIC area](https://wolfmachinenv.com/service-areas/tric-storey-county/). ### Can I ship a part to you? Call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) before you send it, so we can tell you what to include with it and how to label it for the shop at 4812 Longley Ln, Reno, NV 89502. ### Do you hire machinists or welders? Wolf Machine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes a safe, drug-free work environment. For questions about work at the shop, call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570). ### Can you come to the job site or mine? Millwright and field work and portable align boring are done at your site. Call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) with the location, the machine and photos so we can plan the job. See [millwright and field work](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/millwright-and-field-work/). The shop is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm at 4812 Longley Ln in Reno. Questions are grouped by topic below, and a few have their own page with the full answer. You can also send a drawing or a photo of the part with the [quote request](https://wolfmachinenv.com/request-a-quote/) and we will come back with questions or a prompt estimate. ### Sources - [Wolf Machine & Fabrication services list](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/) (2026-10-18) - [Wolf Machine & Fabrication contact page](https://wolfmachinenv.com/contact-us/) (2026-10-18) ### Talk to the shop [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) | Monday to Friday | 7:00 am - 3:30 pm | |---|---| | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Request a quote](#quote) [Photo: Stock photo: a lathe turning a bar, hot chips flying] ## Request a quote Tell us what you need, attach a drawing or photos of the part, and we will get back to you during shop hours. Free consultations; prompt estimates. [Call (775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) - From your specifications, drawings or samples. We can also assist you in designing your product or part. - Free consultations and prompt estimates - Stands behind the work: Our rates are very competitive and our quality is second-to-none. Wolf Machine stands behind the work we perform. - Company accounts: all major credit cards, or we can open an account for your company Shop hours Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Send your request any time and we will get back to you during shop hours. Stock photo: a lathe turning a bar, hot chips flying