taking a machinist course

[MotoriousRacing]

being a millwright could help

[bksa]

If I am being honest, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't wonder if there is a better way to make a living.

I think most people regardless of profession do that as well.

[yari]

Well if you can put up with a bunch of ego based bull S. Go for it. Every shop ive worked in all the employes were always *****ing about everything. Hence angry machinists. The only way to make $ in the CNC game is to be a programmer. And look to make 25-35 an hour. Best bid is to pay others to machine your own parts.

[kcstott]

Well if you can put up with a bunch of ego based bull S. Go for it. Every shop ive worked in all the employes were always *****ing about everything. Hence angry machinists. The only way to make $ in the CNC game is to be a programmer. And look to make 25-35 an hour. Best bid is to pay others to machine your own parts.

I resemble that remark

That profession was not healthy for me. I like working on stuff on my own terms now.

[ROOS_HAPPENS]

NTMA in Ontario would be fine. If you're in the vicinity, San Bernardino Valley College offers extensive courses in machine tool technology, and would probably be better.

http://www.valleycollege.edu/academic-career-programs/degrees-certificates/machinist-technology

If you have the time to devote to it, a community college would probably give you much more comprehensive knowledge.

I used to see so many folks who were fresh out of trade schools, like NTMA, who couldn't even sharpen a drill.

CNC is just robotic articulation of the machining process.

Learn the basics first.

[ar15barrels]

I like working on stuff on my own terms now.

Same here.
I used to work an office job for someone else making $25 an hour.
Now that I work for myself, I make more money while working less hours and do that on my own schedule.

[geedavell]

being a millwright could help

Bingo!

[1flhtk4me]

So, I eventually wanna become a gunsmith in the near future. Im also looking for a career change.

Even if you take classes,don't plan on starting out making great money being a machinist.
The manual/tool maker part of it is drying up because of CNC's.

A shop will most likely start you out by being a machine operator which involves loading and unloading of parts,deburring,and documentation(measuring).

The pay would probly about $10-$12 an hour.

It takes years to work your way up the ladder and what a shop wants to put into you has a big role.

[kcstott]

being a millwright could help

Bingo!

Could not disagree more.

Millwrights in Socal are glorified ironworkers. yes some fit the term "outside Machinist" but to get into a job like that and be able to excel at it requires extensive travel.

That won't work in this case. I don't think he wants to follow the outages for the power generation industry. Thats a hard life. Good money but a hard life.

[Ag_Surfer]

Even if you take classes,don't plan on starting out making great money being a machinist.

The manual/tool maker part of it is drying up because of CNC's.

A shop will most likely start you out by being a machine operator which involves loading and unloading of parts,deburring,and documentation(measuring).

The pay would probly about $10-$12 an hour.

It takes years to work your way up the ladder and what a shop wants to put into you has a big role.

[geedavell]

Could not disagree more.

Millwrights in Socal are glorified ironworkers. yes some fit the term "outside Machinist" but to get into a job like that and be able to excel at it requires extensive travel.

That won't work in this case. I don't think he wants to follow the outages for the power generation industry. Thats a hard life. Good money but a hard life.

Where did he say he didn't want to travel?
No one said it isn't hard work.
There are not too many places that a high school grad can make 150K a year.

[kcstott]

Yep you got to start out at the bottom unless you can come in and prove that you can back up that resume. and then that will just garner a few extra bucks at best.

[yari]

Lo ya better back it up. Had a mastercam employee write us a program once. Needless to say he couldn't back it up. Boss came in saying what's wrong with the program I say would you like to pay to watch? Broke a 250$ endmill in the first 5 seconds. I got a raise that day.

[1flhtk4me]

Well I think it's not like it was 10-20 years ago.

I do agree with the newer guys not knowing how to run manuals.
I'm in the same boat.I'm the one that has to do all the manual stuff because there is no one else in the shop that has the experience.

[kcstott]

Lo ya better back it up. Had a mastercam employee write us a program once. Needless to say he couldn't back it up. Boss came in saying what's wrong with the program I say would you like to pay to watch? Broke a 250$ endmill in the first 5 seconds. I got a raise that day.

And thats why i say every machinist needs to know manual machines first then progress to CNC

Then you'll have a better understanding of speeds and feeds and why you should not full width cut with your endmill half buried in the pocket.