CNC Machinists
- Thread starter indy_500
- Start date
tealracing16
Member
The first rule of thumb I figured out after listening to my parents for 22 years: Do what you want to do, not what will make them happy. If you have to work somewhere that you don't like you won't last there long. Your parents may be happy with the job but if you are let go because you aren't putting effort into the job are they going to let you move back in with them? Probably not. Do what you want to do. There is some awesome advice above about the trade you want to get into, but like someone said, learn not just what a CNC operator does, learn what manufacturing is all about. And no matter what anyone says LEAN manufacturing is here to stay.
Amen to that...I started in a shop of around 120 on the floor in 96...went thru a lot...and I mean a lot of 70+++ hours a week...then went thru the slow time of being laid off for a bit...and barley getting 40 a week for a few months...we leaned down to about 35 on the floor and probably aint ever going back up...but we still kick as much if not more work out then any of our busyest years...and turn around is in weeks and not months on top of that...
skeeter2010
Member
Indy I was the type of kid that was always taking things apart just to see how they worked and then put them back together. Sometimes they would work sometimes they didn’t. There is nothing wrong with being a machinist, they are defiantly a needed. Quite often a machinist stands at a machine most of the day and run parts the good ones can program but you are still standing still running parts. I would at least look into the industrial maintanence mechanics program at the local tech school. Maintenance mechanics / machine tool repair the mechanics are not tied to a machine and can typically work throughout the building repairing the machines and systems. It is a large field and the schooling will get you in the door for many types of jobs
indy_500
Well-known member
Well, went to an open house last night with my parents, get back home and theres a message for me on the answering machine, they already want to set up an interview! I tried calling him back 3 times already, no answer he must be done for the week. I'm 1/3 who's sent a resume, about 15 kids from all different schools were there. A lot of them dressed worse than I do when I go to school. I also have a friend there (who i worked with at fleet in my dept. and goes to school with me) who put in a good word for me. He said they constantly are asking him about me, hopefully all goes well! Me and my parents talked to one of the owners a lot last night while taking a tour (my 2nd time there). The owner is a really cool guy, knows every single guys name out on the floor, still helps on tougher projects. There's actually 4 owners of the place all former machinists who wanted to start a shop that focuses on quality and cleanliness. There isn't a single metal shaving on the floor, you could eat off the floor. And the best part, I was even on the news last night!
700classic
New member
Way to go Indy! Good Luck!!
Awesome news Indy! Keep us posted.
I'd say go for it. School/work try it out. Worse that can happen is you dont like it after months of trying. But with that said i also would also consider that 4 year college and degree. 1 thing ive learned is when you drop all your eggs into 1 basket and 20 years later the economy is down well what do you do? Back when i was 18 i went into the electricial field did the apprentiship and life was good for the next 15 years
then things went south real quick work dried up and pay went back to days ive never seen and there you sit with no 4 year college degree to fall back onto. It may seem like a waste of time and money but a person can never have to much education and who knows what the job market will be like in 20 more years. Guess my point is with the 4 year degree your options will allways be easier for when times change. At 36 and a familly i cant just up and go get my 4 years degree now because my work field is in the tank.
then things went south real quick work dried up and pay went back to days ive never seen and there you sit with no 4 year college degree to fall back onto. It may seem like a waste of time and money but a person can never have to much education and who knows what the job market will be like in 20 more years. Guess my point is with the 4 year degree your options will allways be easier for when times change. At 36 and a familly i cant just up and go get my 4 years degree now because my work field is in the tank.
borderstaff
New member
Indy,
I would have to agree with Arctiva. Although running CNC's isn't that bad and its a trade that there SHOULD always be work on don't overlook the importance of a 4 year degree. Try it, see if you like it, but DON'T put a job in front of school TRUST ME I speak from experience.
That being said, I am a moldmaker in a small shop. We now have 4 CNC's and should be getting a new YCM high speed machining center within the next month. We have 2 sinker EDM's and a newer Wire EDM along with a few grinders and Bridgeports, lathes and Jig grinder. Our shop only has 4 people on the floor so its nice that I get to run every machine. I've been in the trade for 16 years and have seen the highs and lows...and was laid off from a shop that nearly closed its doors 10 years ago when the trade really slowed down (75% of the employees were let go and with 7 years in I didn't make the 10 year cutoff). Almost 30% of the shops around me closed down in the last 10 years. Now things are picking up again and we are overloaded until July with work. The best thing about my job is the variety - I rarely ever make the same thing twice so every day is a new challenge and every day you are on your toes to make sure that every program and setup is correct.
I like my job but its not for everyone. In our shop we are so busy that, honestly, except lunch, nobody talks to each other. And, lately, with every machine on its really loud - so, if your shop is the same, wear ear protection - you'll thank yourself in 20 years. Good luck in your endeavor - you've always been a go-getter from the posts I've seen and have good mechanical apptitude (a must in this trade) but, as has been said before, don't overlook a 4 year degree - in 10, 15 or 20 years you might really need it.
I would have to agree with Arctiva. Although running CNC's isn't that bad and its a trade that there SHOULD always be work on don't overlook the importance of a 4 year degree. Try it, see if you like it, but DON'T put a job in front of school TRUST ME I speak from experience.
That being said, I am a moldmaker in a small shop. We now have 4 CNC's and should be getting a new YCM high speed machining center within the next month. We have 2 sinker EDM's and a newer Wire EDM along with a few grinders and Bridgeports, lathes and Jig grinder. Our shop only has 4 people on the floor so its nice that I get to run every machine. I've been in the trade for 16 years and have seen the highs and lows...and was laid off from a shop that nearly closed its doors 10 years ago when the trade really slowed down (75% of the employees were let go and with 7 years in I didn't make the 10 year cutoff). Almost 30% of the shops around me closed down in the last 10 years. Now things are picking up again and we are overloaded until July with work. The best thing about my job is the variety - I rarely ever make the same thing twice so every day is a new challenge and every day you are on your toes to make sure that every program and setup is correct.
I like my job but its not for everyone. In our shop we are so busy that, honestly, except lunch, nobody talks to each other. And, lately, with every machine on its really loud - so, if your shop is the same, wear ear protection - you'll thank yourself in 20 years. Good luck in your endeavor - you've always been a go-getter from the posts I've seen and have good mechanical apptitude (a must in this trade) but, as has been said before, don't overlook a 4 year degree - in 10, 15 or 20 years you might really need it.
yamahauler
Active member
Good news Indy.
There is some truth to the 4 yr degree because it is unfortunate that the people that run businesses use that to narrow the field. There are some fields where there is no doubt that the 4 year degree and then some it needed. BUT there are a lot of fields that is not the case, BUT to get through the hope you have to have something. IF you are a quality machinist (not a button pusher) a true machinist, you will do fine in the machining world. There is a HUGE need for a quality machinist everywhere there is mfg. The other thing is that the retirement of these of a lot of these quality machinist is picking up steam fast. One other big piece of advice is to learn as many machines as you can. If you can master them all, you will basically be able to go anywhere you'd like. Good Luck.
There is some truth to the 4 yr degree because it is unfortunate that the people that run businesses use that to narrow the field. There are some fields where there is no doubt that the 4 year degree and then some it needed. BUT there are a lot of fields that is not the case, BUT to get through the hope you have to have something. IF you are a quality machinist (not a button pusher) a true machinist, you will do fine in the machining world. There is a HUGE need for a quality machinist everywhere there is mfg. The other thing is that the retirement of these of a lot of these quality machinist is picking up steam fast. One other big piece of advice is to learn as many machines as you can. If you can master them all, you will basically be able to go anywhere you'd like. Good Luck.
hemi_newman
Active member
It does make sense as I initially went into engr, altho it was mechanical and others asked me why didn't I go manuf engr, but I still did not like the engr side from any perspective and wanted to make stuff with my hands. I'm in Process Engineering right now and everyday I miss turning handles or actually pressing the start button as I'm a little bummed since every day that passes by I lose a little bit of my programming skills but it does come back when needed I'm just not as sharp as in the past.
And what was your answer?
Funny this thread came back to life. Just the other night there was a pretty long story on the local news how the colleges in our area are pushing the "trade" classes a lot more. How so many shops (Berrien and Cass county) are looking desperately for qualified people to work in them. No experiance and they will train you and expect to start out around $10 and with experiance expect to start around $15...I thought the last part was pretty funny..If you think I am taking my $5000+ tool box and years of college somewhere else for $15 your nuts...lowes will pay ya close to that. It is a sad day when a trained trade is worth so little. Just to hear employers saying they can't find anyone with good work ethic....
Wish ya the best indy and learn all you can. A good machinist makes for a better engineer anyday in my book.
Wish ya the best indy and learn all you can. A good machinist makes for a better engineer anyday in my book.
Indy - grab this opportunity, learn all you can, but make plans to get an engineering degree also. That will help to keep opportunities open later. I'm guessing you're dreaming of going on lots of snowmobile trips later in life, and you'll need to make a few bucks to do so...