The real life of an American police officer: Winning over others with virtue

Chapter 126 Purchase
This store is like a huge warehouse, comparable in size to a large shopping mall.

Several pickup trucks and vans were parked in the square outside. Several workers wearing overalls and boots with oil stains were working together to load and unload equipment from forklifts and lift it into the vans with tools.

"It seems that they do offer home delivery service."

Upon seeing this, Eric knew he had come to the right place. He glanced at the large door in the center, which was covered with rows of transparent soft curtains, and stepped inside.

The automatic door behind the soft curtain was opened.

As Eric stepped inside, a wave of cold air mixed with the smell of metal and rubber hit him, and he looked up.

The huge storefront unfolds before you, with rows and rows of twelve-meter-high shelves looming over you like a steel canyon. The counters are filled with all kinds of tools, including power tools such as electric drills, angle grinders, and sanders.

The overall feel is similar to that of a large supermarket.

There was a row of cash registers blocking the way, and there were quite a few customers.

But in Eric's eyes, most of these people were there to buy consumables, such as building materials and tools, sandpaper, drill bits, cutting discs, or a few cans of spray paint.

It was far from what he wanted to buy.

Eric discreetly found a side passage and walked inside.

There were many staff members inside, either loading or unloading.
Or they would use a forklift to move the goods.

Alternatively, it involves introducing new products to customers who don't understand them.

In short, it was quite lively.

Eric looked at the LED signs above and walked deeper into the heavy equipment area.

When he saw one small lathe after another appear before him, there were two workers unloading the newly arrived lathes with a forklift. The wooden crates on them had not been completely unpacked, revealing the metal bodies and rust-proof paper.

"Sir, are you here to buy machine tools? Do you need any assistance?"

Before he could even go inside, the staff member in charge of the area spotted him.

Upon hearing this, Eric looked in the direction of the sound and saw a middle-aged man wearing a dark blue work shirt walking over.

A quick glance down revealed his name tag read "Manager Tom," and he was holding a tablet computer in his hand and had a walkie-talkie clipped to his waist.

Eric raised an eyebrow: "Excuse me, do you sell Precision Matthews PM-1236T here?"

Precision Matthews is a professional American machine tool brand known for its high-performance entry-level to mid-range machine tools at competitive prices.

The PM-1236T lathe produced by them was exactly one of the things he wanted to buy.

He knew that although the lathe could not directly process gun parts, it could be modified into the perfect tool he wanted.

Tom carefully examined Eric, and his first impression could be summed up in two words: handsome and young.

These two initial impressions were quite different from that mechanical style.

He nodded.

"What do you intend to use it for?"

Upon hearing this question, Eric calmly replied, "Making models, just a personal hobby."

Although the PM-1236T lathe is a medium-sized precision lathe, belonging to industrial grade, it can also be used in home workshops.

“I set up a small studio,” Eric continued.

"I heard this lathe is pretty good?"

Tom raised an eyebrow, instantly assessing that Eric was a customer with purchasing intentions, and said without suspicion, "Please come with me."

Eric nodded and followed behind him into the building.

After passing a row of shelves displaying industrial air compressors, the back half of the store suddenly opens up.

This space displays various heavy equipment, with five different models of lathes neatly arranged in a specially designed exhibition area. Each machine is placed under a shock-absorbing rubber pad. The cheapest used manual lathe is priced at 1799.

The most expensive CNC lathe costs 12999, and the metal nameplate below it gleams coldly under the overhead light.

Finally, the two stopped in front of one of the machines.

Even without the manager's introduction, Eric immediately recognized the machine as a PM-1236T lathe.

He glanced at the price tag below: nine thousand dollars.

"As expected, DIY isn't something just anyone can handle," Eric thought to himself.

"This is the PM-1236T you need. This lathe uses a high-grade cast iron bed and hardened guideways, with an overall weight of 680 kg and stability far exceeding similar products."

Even when processing stainless steel or titanium alloys, it can effectively suppress vibration and ensure surface finish.

It is ideal for machining small to medium-sized metal parts, such as shafts, flanges, and the mold inserts you mentioned.

Upon hearing Tom's words, Eric nodded. He had come specifically for this machine tool, so how could he not know that?

"Well, not bad."

"If you frequently process precision bushings or mold inserts, we recommend purchasing the DRO kit, which can help you reduce errors from manual measurements," Tom continued.

"If it's a home studio, we can also provide you with a single-phase power conversion solution, without the need to install three-phase power."

Eric stroked the machine in front of him and asked, "Can you deliver to my door?"

Tom nodded and said, "Of course, this is a free service. If you can confirm your order today, in addition to a one-year spindle warranty, we will also give you a set of Carbide inserts worth $200."

“Alright.” Eric withdrew his hand. “Then let’s order this one.”

Tom's heart skipped a beat, and under his extremely surprised gaze, Eric continued.

"Do you still have the Grizzly G0709 metal lathe?"

Grizzly Industrial is also an American brand. Although its G0709 is not as precise as the PM-1236T, it has more comprehensive functions. More importantly, it is one of the few affordable lathes on the market that offers a 40-inch machining length.

If the PM-1236T can perform precision thread machining such as barrel threads and rifling correction, then the Grizzly G0709 metal lathe can turn the barrel outer diameter, machine rifling, and modify the trigger mechanism.

These two sets can be combined into one.

Tom's breathing became heavier. Although this young customer might only be ordering one unit, two units could still make a deal worth over ten thousand, from which he could earn a decent commission.

“Yes!” he nodded immediately.

"Shall I take you to see it?"

Eric nodded and followed the manager who was leading the way. They walked through the corridor and continued inside, eventually stopping in front of a machine.

It was exactly the G0709 metal lathe he wanted; this machine was larger than the PM-1236T.

Eric glanced at the price tag below; it was $1,500 cheaper than the more refined PM-1236T, totaling $7500.

With this sudden expenditure of 16,000, Eric suddenly felt that even the 10 million he had on him wasn't enough for him to squander.

Tom observed Eric's reaction and said, "The G0709 is a classic Grizzly model, and it has been out of stock four times in the past six months. If you sign up for this machine today, I can try to get you an additional 5% discount."

Upon hearing this, Eric nodded and said, "Then let's start signing the contract."

Although he could find what he needed here, he only planned to buy two units today.

Because buying everything at once would be too conspicuous, and he needs too much equipment in one go.

Tom's expression immediately brightened: "Please follow me, I'll take you to sign the contract! If possible, I'll help you apply for a 95% discount."

"Let's go then." Eric patted the machine tool in front of him and said calmly. His wallet was bulging, so he didn't need to worry about the price or dragging things out.

(End of this chapter)