Starting out...

How did you get your start doing machinist work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

i took an entry level job in a shop and took a class at night, "basic machine shop theory". I work hard and never missed work. It cost money for a shop to train folks and the raises were nickle and dime, so I learned what they would teach me and after a year or two I went to the next machinist job I could find. I got a dollar raise each time I changed Jobs. I have 25 years in the trade now and the last three companys over the last ten years have said I was as good as they ever seen. remember your atitude will carry you far past your abilities and they will catch up later.

I like being able to make things I want or need. I learned manual machining by reading books and using the small machine that I bought. Your knowledge always increases 10X faster than your paycheck. I have hopped from shop to shop for a long time. That seems to be the only way to get paid for your knowledge. Production machinig does tend to be very boring. Learn how to set-up and program quickly and efficiently and how the machine works. Learn to use whatever built in features the machine provides and how to make your own (parametric). I can program most simple parts faster than most guys can draw it in CAD. Be creative. I have done some pretty strange things with CNC machines. You are only limited by your imagination.

very helpfull.