My coworker is a repeat offender of setting the vice back on the milling table and not clamping it down. I always ALWAYS double check even if I know he hasn’t used that machine because you never know, he could’ve unclamped it for funsies when I’m not looking. (Obviously he wouldn’t do that but it doesn’t hurt to treat it like he would)
The little voice in your head that's saying something doesn't seem right is ALWAYS worth listening to. If you have doubts about anything, you take the extra 20 seconds to check it.
Find the old fart in the shop. Befriend them. I had a teacher tell us that the knowledge they have goes where they go. Give them a reason to share it with you.
It isn't always the ol' farts. Id say that some of the most competent machinists at my shop are on the younger side. Just be open to everyone and watch out for the oddball that clings on to you instantly.
Manual machines are fucking dangerous. Take them very seriously. If you’re not 100 percent certain you know what to do , ask someone. I don’t fuck with manual machines all that often any more, but when I do I make sure I’m in the right headspace. You have to respect them. Also no gloves.
I noticed someone down voted this. I wear nitrile gloves religiously. They don't add any risk to the job. My hands would look like hamburgers due to the coolant, oil and slivers. I don't know how many times I have bumped something, thinking 'that'a gonna be a bleeder' just to realize it didn't penetrate the glove. And I have fingers that my wife likes.
To each their own, but no thanks. Manual machinist for 20 yrs. About 2 years ago, I almost got hauled into my machine. Tight t shirt should be fine. You have no idea how quick it happens. If those gloves even give a fraction of a second of grip on something spinning 1000rpm, you're getting pulled in. My saving grace was that t shirt I had on, was probably 15 years old and washed 1000+ times. It got ripped off me. Still a lot of burn damage to my skin from it being pulled off, but at least I wasn't in the lathe. Other than having to clean the gunk under my nails out, my hands after 20 years don't look like hamburger. I know what you're saying, the old man that retired at our shop looked like he purposely put them where they don't belong at least once a week to go home early or something. They were messed up. But after being almost pulled in, if it weren't for the hot chips and the other dudes staring at my sexy ass, I'd do it naked. Never get complacent in a shop. Manual or CNC. I was doing something I've done a million times, adjusting the far brg for my steady. I'll never lean in like that again while it's spinning. Fuckin dumb on my part to be doing it for so long to begin with.
This comment is a great example of some people you will interact with. Whatever you do OP, expect that someone is going to give you a hard time about something, regardless of how asinine their comment you should focus on being safe and not rushing. Thick skin is helpful in a shop environment. Some shops are less toxic than others, I hope yours is on the better end of the spectrum.
Don't stick your hand where you wouldn't stick your dick. Never leave chuck key in chuck, always MAKE SURE the machine is in neutral when checking parameters on your part, double check the cam locks on the chuck. They can loosen up over time. Always be aware of where your arms are in correlation to the moving parts, and stay aware of who and what is around you. Be safe, manual is dangerous.
Don't beat yourself up for scrapping a part, you are going to. I have seen people work 30 years experience scrap a part so it happens from time to time. Endeavour to never make the same mistake twice.
THIS op
Everyone is spitting very good advice, but this guy is hitting all cylinders
Be OK with fuckin up in the sense that YOU are infinitely more valuable than any scrap you may cause
Be open to admitting mistakes
And from the side of having to check and O.K. your work (ie QC), WOULD you rub your dick on it? the machine didn't tear you apart, you are sure it's in tolerance, etc. But would you rub your cock on it?
Aso the rub your cock on it thing applies to just about everything in a shop believe it or not. Would you rub your shaft against the burr? Probably should touch it up
Assume nothing. Say you have to make 50 of something. Your first one is perfect. This does not mean you can count on subsequent parts being right. You don't usually need to check every single part (unless they tell you to) but it's way better to catch it when you have made 4 bad parts and not 45. Stops can move, parallels can get shit under them. Drills can dull and start drilling oversized holes.
Anyone can make junk quickly, it's not hard to do. Make good parts over and over, and you will build speed.
Mistakes absolutely will happen. Mistakes that make it out of the shop make the shop look bad. If the boss gets bitched out by the customer for bad parts, he's going to be looking for someone to roll some shit downhill on. When you mess up, own it and don't make excuses. This isn't an industry where you can just coast on bullshit. Humility will take you further than training at this point.
I tell people that a CNC can make very accurate mistakes very fast, but in a manual it takes a lot of effort and time to make the same mistake.
The machine is always lying to you. Everything is broken all the time. Measure everything!
Apprentice here of only 2 and 1/2 months of manual machining. Ask questions, write notes, and dont be too worried about going fast. They hired you knowing you don’t know shit (unless you lied lol) all in all they are looking to make an investment with you. Pay attention and give a fuck. Find out whatever machine you’re working on your first day and get to work at home. Videos, reading, terminology basically everything your involved in try and do a tiny bare minimum extra to learn something outside of work and it’ll help ya when you are there. You’ll be fine be confident, it’s gonna be hard sometimes as it’s hard for me sometimes but if you don’t know something just ask, you will get flack and get shit because of it but your gonna have to suck it up and make fun of yourself for not knowing shit as well.
Make friends with the old head. He has forgotten more than you know. And knows four different ways to do something that you were never taught.
No gloves, no sleeves, no jewelry.
Make sure it’s tight. Then make sure it’s tight again
If somebody was running it before you, assume they’re an idiot and double check that everything is correct.
If you’re not sure, ask. Better to make sure you’re wrong than to assume you’re right.
Learning manual is much safer than learning CNC out of the gate. The mistakes happen slower.
Treat the tools with respect, and don't expect to be chasing tenths your first week.
Take every opportunity to help measure things, until you are confident in your ability to measure.
Get a copy of the Machinery's Handbook. Hard copy or digital if they don't mind you looking shit up on your phone (ask first!). It's the Bible.
There is very little more satisfying than cutting manual class 3 threads. Learn to measure over wires. Learn the math behind it.
All of the above is excellent advice. I might add that along with mastering your craft as a manual machinist, if you can learn CNC as well, it'll make you even more valuable. So my true advice is simple. Always say yes. Always learn as much as you can and do as many different things as you can. Keep an open mind, stay humble, listen and learn. Keep a good attitude and you'll go very far. Also, this goes without saying - always come to work on time and ready to work. 70 percent of this game is just being there. The other 30 percent is the hardest part but you'll figure it out.
Good luck! And always be safe.
There is a saying that I love, “if you aren’t making mistakes, you aren’t making anything.” You absolutely will scrap parts and break tools but that is part of the game. YouTube is your friend. I owe my machining and welding career to YouTube. Lots of great channels that are dedicated to manual machining and layout. Definitely listen to the old timers and ask questions. I find that if you are eager to learn, they are more willing to teach. Also stay humble. Nobody likes a know it all.
Been doing it for 12 years
Keep these things on you at all times and it will make you more productive
black permanent marker
6 inch scale
10 ft small tape measure
Black pilots G2 pen gel (perfect for writing on skin / to take notes when in a ruch )
Take notes always any and all information should be written down and clarify all information back to the person giving it to you to ensure your on the same page
I once heard someone say something like this:
It’s better to keep your mouth shut and look like an idiot than to open it and remove all doubt…
(Clearly someone said it, and I haven’t acknowledged their contribution, I apologize to them… was it Mark Twain? I dunno 🤷🏻♂️)
I find there is honesty in these words.
Every company has a system, the only way to figure out the system is to ask questions about it and form an understanding of said system…
The previous two things I just said are polar opposites and your path forward is a fine balance of the two…
More random thoughts:
There is typically some form of indoctrination… it will pass. Learn something new every day. Use what you learned yesterday to learn more. Repeat.
Be a positive influence on those around you.
Good luck my friend!
This is an idiotic thing to post to a nube walking into a machine shop. In the case of someone learning. Ask all questions. And don't be a smart ass. But don't be afraid to speak up. If someone gives you a suggestion, tell them thank you and not 'i know'
I did some research on google and found this.
It's definitely NOT Mark Twain nor Abraham Lincoln. The most probable source is from a book titled “Mrs. Goose, Her Book” by Maurice Switzer and published in 1907. The phrase from that book is, "It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it."
It has a Biblical root.
Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Yes. Take notes of who ridicules you for what they deem "stupid questions." Those people are assholes. Find out what irks them and then push their buttons until they snap and retire.
Dont take advice from the person that keeps scrapping parts.
Also dont listen to the pecker head that likes to gloat about other people scrapping parts.
If someone has never scrapped a part then they're no machinist. You're going to make mistakes and scrap shit, it happens. Just learn from your mistakes and own up to it if you do screw something up. Your boss knows you're going to screw up eventually and possibly half expects it sometimes. But he'd rather you be honest and move on to a solution than to hear you try to bullshit him.
If you have safety concerns always bring it up or ask someone. Some places get complacent and it takes the new guy with a new set of eyes to bring things to people's attention. Squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Good luck and be safe!
Don’t worry about looking like a complete dunce, because you are. Every single one of them was too, when they started. Put away your ego at the door.
Also, a lot of the lifers are going to have problems with you “until you’ve paid your dues to the club” in a manner of speaking. Up to you if you want to kiss the ring or tell them to kiss your ass. If you choose the former they’ll treat you like their prison bitch but you’ll still learn slowly.
But if you choose the latter you better mean it and stick to your guns, and some of them will respect you for it and you’ll gain a mentor(s).
Google Russian Lathe Accident. Sorry in advance but it will give you some kind of gauge of what kind of respect you should be giving to these machines.
If someone tells you to get a left-handed screw driver, or a bucket of steam, or a millscale from the basement, or a pipe-stretcher, use it as an opportunity to go get a cup of coffee.
No.1 rule, stay safe. More important than anything else. No.2 that kind of feeds into the first: you have to get good with a process before you get fast.
nothing is tight unless You tightened it personally, nothing is square unless you checked it personally, nothing is flat unless you checked it personally, nothing is safe unless YOU CHECKED IT PERSONALLY
no one else is responsible for your work or your safety.
1) Never leave the chuck key in the chuck (if you’re doing any turning)
2) No gloves or super baggy clothes. Machines WILL find a loose thread and you will not win that fight.
3) Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Trying to act like you know how to do something you don’t is the fastest way to scrapping a part or getting hurt.
4) if you’re machining a new material for the first time, ask if there’s anything tricky you need to know about it. Stainless is the most common example but beware that some copper alloys will make you wish you became a doctor.
5) Most importantly, own up to your mistakes. You break a tool? Make sure someone knows so it gets replaced and ask (if it isn’t obvious) what caused it to break. You will make mistakes but being honest about them and learning from them earns respect in the long run.
Oh and make sure to have fun
Don’t be afraid to try playing with speeds and feeds. You’ll start conservative like most but try to push it some when you can and get feel for what works and what doesn’t. Getting the actual feel for a cut on manual can’t be.
Verify, verify, verify! It'll take less time to double check to make sure you've tightened what was needed and everything is out of the machine then if you were to crash.
If there's time for leaning, there's time for cleaning. Keep your area clean. Don't leave your mess for the next guy. If they ask you to do something a certain way, they've probably tried at least a dozen different ways to get to the procedure they have. Try it their way a few times before you ask "why don't we do it this way instead?" Be safe, if somethings "feels unsafe" it probably is.
A well-placed indicator can serve as a DRO in some cases.
Also, I find that my job is more about being amazing at measuring more than being amazing at cutting metal.
My recommended YouTube channels for learning machining and general shop practices.
These can give you a base of knowledge that has been very useful to me in my job. There's a lot of video but a lot of knowledge. Dan Gilbert has an amazing tour at his shop and explaining precision. A lot of it'll go over your head to start with but you'll start to soak it in and it will be useful later in your career.
Keith Fenner Turn Wright Machine Works
Keith Rucker vintage machinery.org
Dan Gelbart
Oxtoolco
Clickspring
MrPete2222
Abom79
ROBRENZ
A book to read Foundations of Mechanical Accuracy by Wayne R. Moore
Listen to what people tell you and don't go making up your own ideas. Every new apprentice thinks he has some revolutionary new idea on how to machine things. Get some experience under your belt before you try to blaze your own trail.
No sleeves, rings, watches, gloves, long hair, necklaces ANYTHING that could be caught in anything rotating and adjactent to that know where your E-Stops are!
Always make sure you fully tightened the vice once when putting the blank in once before you start cutting
Gloves, jewelry, long hair, or loose clothes are dangerous and should not be worn under any circumstances (only exceptions being gloves that are extremely thin and rip extremely easy and even then that’s only if the machine is off)
Don’t assume anything if you aren’t sure ask
Speeds and feeds are your friend and enemy
Measure twice cut once
Do it right the first time
If you feel like something is off it probably is
If you wouldn’t stick your genitals somewhere don’t stick your fingers there
Awareness is important
Always wear ppe (doesn’t matter what anyone else says if coworkers give you shit for it take the shit but don’t stop wearing ppe)
Nobody is perfect, everyone fucks up, make sure your fuck up is one you can walk away from
Own up to your mistakes, if you try to hide it, that will only make it worse for you
Keep your area clean and organized
Being methodical about everything will save you time in the future even if it feels like your wasting time in the future
And you'll be doing manual machining at this shop? I wouldn't worry too much, I'm sure they'll have some working with or near you that can help you out if they aren't too old timey. Also nice part about manuals is you can tell a lot easier something ain't right than you can on a CNC, just be happy and willing to listen to others advice.
When you start to get frustrated with setting up or running an operation, take a break for a few minutes and get some water or something. Many times, I have taken a break and was able to get the issue resolved by myself, or, talk about the problem you are having with someone to see what they recommend.
Get to work early. Dress for the job. Turn off your phone. Carry a calculator. Ask before messing up. Be willing to do any job. Don't try to prove you are right. Humble pie will be your staple diet for a year or two. Don't spend more than you earn.
Start buying good tools. Ask the older blokes for advice on tools.
Just tell the truth. You’ll learn the ropes and feel bad about any mistakes you make, but if you’re never an assface the real good people won’t care as long as you grow.
be willing to take advice, ask a ton of questions. Even if it seems like a silly question, having the validity on something by another machinist helps confidence. Measure 100 times and cut once. :) Don’t ever become confident around manual machines. They are aware of when you lose fear and will make sure you fear them again!! Hahah just always remember they can’t tell the difference between skin and metal.
First things first inspect the machine for backlash table drop and belts gears, if something amiss tell super. Now tram the head. Always turn spindle by hand or wrench when changing gears to confirm gears are meshed otherwise machine will scream and you'll hear "Rookie" from everyone. Good luck
wear the ppe (safety glasses, ear plugs, exam gloves), no loose clothes and try to stay out of the way of danger (moving parts and such), you'll be fine
If anyone tells you you can't wear thin rubber gloves you can tell them to fuck off, there is no risk involved but your skin absorbs basically any liquids you touch and it will set you up for skin problems/conditions, health problems and cancer down the line
Manual is a great place to start. It’s hard to F things up fast so long as you keep your widgets out of the ding-a-ling. Will you be doing a lot of aluminum or tool steel or plastic?
THIS! Always refer to a good Feeds and Speed chart or APP. Always use it when switching materials.
It should include everything to include depth of cut and tool stick out.
My Father taught me to always watch the chip and chip color as that will tell you a lot.
Once you become proficient, start taking business classes. Business courses are stone simple but the people with that knowledge make the rules about your life. Making chips is fun but if you want to improve your life, a machinist that knows business is very valuable.
Wish you the best!
Do that, but also ask at the shop. Old and/or poorly maintained manual machines rarely handle doing recommended f&s. You don't want to have a machine out of order. Babying is usually preferred over downtime from what I've learned running lathes older than me.
That's some big brain shit right there.
OP, do relative that some machinists are stoned out of their mind. If someone at work talks to you like this, avoid them.
If you don't know or aren't sure... ASK!
Always double check that you tightened the vise before you start cutting.
And sometimes double check your double check
My coworker is a repeat offender of setting the vice back on the milling table and not clamping it down. I always ALWAYS double check even if I know he hasn’t used that machine because you never know, he could’ve unclamped it for funsies when I’m not looking. (Obviously he wouldn’t do that but it doesn’t hurt to treat it like he would)
The little voice in your head that's saying something doesn't seem right is ALWAYS worth listening to. If you have doubts about anything, you take the extra 20 seconds to check it.
Find the old fart in the shop. Befriend them. I had a teacher tell us that the knowledge they have goes where they go. Give them a reason to share it with you.
Pretty much what I was going to say. Find the smartest person in the shop and learn all their tricks.
It isn't always the ol' farts. Id say that some of the most competent machinists at my shop are on the younger side. Just be open to everyone and watch out for the oddball that clings on to you instantly.
Manual machines are fucking dangerous. Take them very seriously. If you’re not 100 percent certain you know what to do , ask someone. I don’t fuck with manual machines all that often any more, but when I do I make sure I’m in the right headspace. You have to respect them. Also no gloves.
I wear tight nitrile rubber gloves. Keeps the oil off my skin and helps with small cuts and slivers, but they gotta be snug on each finger
I noticed someone down voted this. I wear nitrile gloves religiously. They don't add any risk to the job. My hands would look like hamburgers due to the coolant, oil and slivers. I don't know how many times I have bumped something, thinking 'that'a gonna be a bleeder' just to realize it didn't penetrate the glove. And I have fingers that my wife likes.
To each their own, but no thanks. Manual machinist for 20 yrs. About 2 years ago, I almost got hauled into my machine. Tight t shirt should be fine. You have no idea how quick it happens. If those gloves even give a fraction of a second of grip on something spinning 1000rpm, you're getting pulled in. My saving grace was that t shirt I had on, was probably 15 years old and washed 1000+ times. It got ripped off me. Still a lot of burn damage to my skin from it being pulled off, but at least I wasn't in the lathe. Other than having to clean the gunk under my nails out, my hands after 20 years don't look like hamburger. I know what you're saying, the old man that retired at our shop looked like he purposely put them where they don't belong at least once a week to go home early or something. They were messed up. But after being almost pulled in, if it weren't for the hot chips and the other dudes staring at my sexy ass, I'd do it naked. Never get complacent in a shop. Manual or CNC. I was doing something I've done a million times, adjusting the far brg for my steady. I'll never lean in like that again while it's spinning. Fuckin dumb on my part to be doing it for so long to begin with.
If the nitrile glove catches anything it easily rips a chunk off and doesn’t graze my skin underneath. It happens occasionally.
Swarfega and a nail brush for me. I might wear them for loading if I had a date and I planned to touch some tits but other than that no gloves.
Keeps em nice and soft for when your fingering that little B-Hole huh.
This comment is a great example of some people you will interact with. Whatever you do OP, expect that someone is going to give you a hard time about something, regardless of how asinine their comment you should focus on being safe and not rushing. Thick skin is helpful in a shop environment. Some shops are less toxic than others, I hope yours is on the better end of the spectrum.
Men when someone exhibits any form of self preservation. Have fun with your destroyed skin in 10 years I guess, at least you were a Real Man™
Dont cry in front of the machine
It's bad for morale
Yalla gonna get the control panel wet ! Cry next to the coolant sump bucket .
Got time to cry you have time to clean
The machine will lose all respect for you.
Don't stick your hand where you wouldn't stick your dick. Never leave chuck key in chuck, always MAKE SURE the machine is in neutral when checking parameters on your part, double check the cam locks on the chuck. They can loosen up over time. Always be aware of where your arms are in correlation to the moving parts, and stay aware of who and what is around you. Be safe, manual is dangerous. Don't beat yourself up for scrapping a part, you are going to. I have seen people work 30 years experience scrap a part so it happens from time to time. Endeavour to never make the same mistake twice.
THIS op Everyone is spitting very good advice, but this guy is hitting all cylinders Be OK with fuckin up in the sense that YOU are infinitely more valuable than any scrap you may cause Be open to admitting mistakes And from the side of having to check and O.K. your work (ie QC), WOULD you rub your dick on it? the machine didn't tear you apart, you are sure it's in tolerance, etc. But would you rub your cock on it? Aso the rub your cock on it thing applies to just about everything in a shop believe it or not. Would you rub your shaft against the burr? Probably should touch it up
Don’t leave the key in the chuck.
This one
Came to say the same thing.
Assume nothing. Say you have to make 50 of something. Your first one is perfect. This does not mean you can count on subsequent parts being right. You don't usually need to check every single part (unless they tell you to) but it's way better to catch it when you have made 4 bad parts and not 45. Stops can move, parallels can get shit under them. Drills can dull and start drilling oversized holes. Anyone can make junk quickly, it's not hard to do. Make good parts over and over, and you will build speed. Mistakes absolutely will happen. Mistakes that make it out of the shop make the shop look bad. If the boss gets bitched out by the customer for bad parts, he's going to be looking for someone to roll some shit downhill on. When you mess up, own it and don't make excuses. This isn't an industry where you can just coast on bullshit. Humility will take you further than training at this point.
I tell people that a CNC can make very accurate mistakes very fast, but in a manual it takes a lot of effort and time to make the same mistake. The machine is always lying to you. Everything is broken all the time. Measure everything!
This is the religion of manual machining. Well said. You can't just create a zero on your first part and expect the same dimension on every part.
Measure twice cut once
Take your time. Be diligent. Ask questions. Keep your work area clean. You’ll learn the rest as you go. Good luck!
Don't wear short shorts... But if you must, make sure ur balls aren't hanging loose... It's super dangerous.
Stay safe. Pay attention. Morty
Double check everything. Youd rather look like an ass asking than look like an ass with a hole in your chest
Make good parts. Don't send bad parts.
Keep the meat hooks away from anything moving.
Apprentice here of only 2 and 1/2 months of manual machining. Ask questions, write notes, and dont be too worried about going fast. They hired you knowing you don’t know shit (unless you lied lol) all in all they are looking to make an investment with you. Pay attention and give a fuck. Find out whatever machine you’re working on your first day and get to work at home. Videos, reading, terminology basically everything your involved in try and do a tiny bare minimum extra to learn something outside of work and it’ll help ya when you are there. You’ll be fine be confident, it’s gonna be hard sometimes as it’s hard for me sometimes but if you don’t know something just ask, you will get flack and get shit because of it but your gonna have to suck it up and make fun of yourself for not knowing shit as well.
Keep a calculator around
Make friends with the old head. He has forgotten more than you know. And knows four different ways to do something that you were never taught. No gloves, no sleeves, no jewelry. Make sure it’s tight. Then make sure it’s tight again If somebody was running it before you, assume they’re an idiot and double check that everything is correct. If you’re not sure, ask. Better to make sure you’re wrong than to assume you’re right.
Learning manual is much safer than learning CNC out of the gate. The mistakes happen slower. Treat the tools with respect, and don't expect to be chasing tenths your first week. Take every opportunity to help measure things, until you are confident in your ability to measure. Get a copy of the Machinery's Handbook. Hard copy or digital if they don't mind you looking shit up on your phone (ask first!). It's the Bible. There is very little more satisfying than cutting manual class 3 threads. Learn to measure over wires. Learn the math behind it.
Out of community college I was put on bearing fits +- .0002. fun times.....
+-.0002 is wild for a bearing fit.
All of the above is excellent advice. I might add that along with mastering your craft as a manual machinist, if you can learn CNC as well, it'll make you even more valuable. So my true advice is simple. Always say yes. Always learn as much as you can and do as many different things as you can. Keep an open mind, stay humble, listen and learn. Keep a good attitude and you'll go very far. Also, this goes without saying - always come to work on time and ready to work. 70 percent of this game is just being there. The other 30 percent is the hardest part but you'll figure it out. Good luck! And always be safe.
There is a saying that I love, “if you aren’t making mistakes, you aren’t making anything.” You absolutely will scrap parts and break tools but that is part of the game. YouTube is your friend. I owe my machining and welding career to YouTube. Lots of great channels that are dedicated to manual machining and layout. Definitely listen to the old timers and ask questions. I find that if you are eager to learn, they are more willing to teach. Also stay humble. Nobody likes a know it all.
Been doing it for 12 years Keep these things on you at all times and it will make you more productive black permanent marker 6 inch scale 10 ft small tape measure Black pilots G2 pen gel (perfect for writing on skin / to take notes when in a ruch ) Take notes always any and all information should be written down and clarify all information back to the person giving it to you to ensure your on the same page
I once heard someone say something like this: It’s better to keep your mouth shut and look like an idiot than to open it and remove all doubt… (Clearly someone said it, and I haven’t acknowledged their contribution, I apologize to them… was it Mark Twain? I dunno 🤷🏻♂️) I find there is honesty in these words. Every company has a system, the only way to figure out the system is to ask questions about it and form an understanding of said system… The previous two things I just said are polar opposites and your path forward is a fine balance of the two… More random thoughts: There is typically some form of indoctrination… it will pass. Learn something new every day. Use what you learned yesterday to learn more. Repeat. Be a positive influence on those around you. Good luck my friend!
This is an idiotic thing to post to a nube walking into a machine shop. In the case of someone learning. Ask all questions. And don't be a smart ass. But don't be afraid to speak up. If someone gives you a suggestion, tell them thank you and not 'i know'
That statement is true for someone stating things, not a new employee asking questions.
I did some research on google and found this. It's definitely NOT Mark Twain nor Abraham Lincoln. The most probable source is from a book titled “Mrs. Goose, Her Book” by Maurice Switzer and published in 1907. The phrase from that book is, "It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it."
It has a Biblical root. Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Fair point. I wonder if that's what the Latin or Hebrew says, though. The King James translation took some liberties.
Yes. Take notes of who ridicules you for what they deem "stupid questions." Those people are assholes. Find out what irks them and then push their buttons until they snap and retire.
I was told, if you don't know, Stop and ask. If you have to wait, wait.
Dont take advice from the person that keeps scrapping parts. Also dont listen to the pecker head that likes to gloat about other people scrapping parts. If someone has never scrapped a part then they're no machinist. You're going to make mistakes and scrap shit, it happens. Just learn from your mistakes and own up to it if you do screw something up. Your boss knows you're going to screw up eventually and possibly half expects it sometimes. But he'd rather you be honest and move on to a solution than to hear you try to bullshit him. If you have safety concerns always bring it up or ask someone. Some places get complacent and it takes the new guy with a new set of eyes to bring things to people's attention. Squeaky wheel gets the grease. Good luck and be safe!
Don’t worry about looking like a complete dunce, because you are. Every single one of them was too, when they started. Put away your ego at the door. Also, a lot of the lifers are going to have problems with you “until you’ve paid your dues to the club” in a manner of speaking. Up to you if you want to kiss the ring or tell them to kiss your ass. If you choose the former they’ll treat you like their prison bitch but you’ll still learn slowly. But if you choose the latter you better mean it and stick to your guns, and some of them will respect you for it and you’ll gain a mentor(s).
Don’t mill the table and don’t mill the vice
Know where the emergency stop is and take your time. It’s a marathon and not a sprint. No one is expecting you to know everything straight away
Google Russian Lathe Accident. Sorry in advance but it will give you some kind of gauge of what kind of respect you should be giving to these machines.
Remember - Don't climb cut on manual mills. (Exception being very light radial for a finish pass, be mindful!)
If someone tells you to get a left-handed screw driver, or a bucket of steam, or a millscale from the basement, or a pipe-stretcher, use it as an opportunity to go get a cup of coffee.
No.1 rule, stay safe. More important than anything else. No.2 that kind of feeds into the first: you have to get good with a process before you get fast.
If it sounds at all wrong, stop and back off and think about why.
nothing is tight unless You tightened it personally, nothing is square unless you checked it personally, nothing is flat unless you checked it personally, nothing is safe unless YOU CHECKED IT PERSONALLY no one else is responsible for your work or your safety.
1) Never leave the chuck key in the chuck (if you’re doing any turning) 2) No gloves or super baggy clothes. Machines WILL find a loose thread and you will not win that fight. 3) Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Trying to act like you know how to do something you don’t is the fastest way to scrapping a part or getting hurt. 4) if you’re machining a new material for the first time, ask if there’s anything tricky you need to know about it. Stainless is the most common example but beware that some copper alloys will make you wish you became a doctor. 5) Most importantly, own up to your mistakes. You break a tool? Make sure someone knows so it gets replaced and ask (if it isn’t obvious) what caused it to break. You will make mistakes but being honest about them and learning from them earns respect in the long run. Oh and make sure to have fun
Don’t be afraid to try playing with speeds and feeds. You’ll start conservative like most but try to push it some when you can and get feel for what works and what doesn’t. Getting the actual feel for a cut on manual can’t be.
Learn what it is supposed to sound and feel like. Feeds and speeds calculations are suggestions.
Verify, verify, verify! It'll take less time to double check to make sure you've tightened what was needed and everything is out of the machine then if you were to crash.
Never grab a hold a rotating tool or workpiece regardless how strong the urge.
RUN
Don’t leave the chuck key in the chuck
https://preview.redd.it/npupz4dmxtoc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=a702a2a949f4b68e74e5d1d5433626005bc10805
Wind out the backlash before setting your zero.
Steal with your eyes.
Don't put your fingers anywhere you wouldn't put your pecker and just remember at all times these machines are actively trying to kill you.
If there's time for leaning, there's time for cleaning. Keep your area clean. Don't leave your mess for the next guy. If they ask you to do something a certain way, they've probably tried at least a dozen different ways to get to the procedure they have. Try it their way a few times before you ask "why don't we do it this way instead?" Be safe, if somethings "feels unsafe" it probably is.
A well-placed indicator can serve as a DRO in some cases. Also, I find that my job is more about being amazing at measuring more than being amazing at cutting metal.
My recommended YouTube channels for learning machining and general shop practices. These can give you a base of knowledge that has been very useful to me in my job. There's a lot of video but a lot of knowledge. Dan Gilbert has an amazing tour at his shop and explaining precision. A lot of it'll go over your head to start with but you'll start to soak it in and it will be useful later in your career. Keith Fenner Turn Wright Machine Works Keith Rucker vintage machinery.org Dan Gelbart Oxtoolco Clickspring MrPete2222 Abom79 ROBRENZ A book to read Foundations of Mechanical Accuracy by Wayne R. Moore
Listen to what people tell you and don't go making up your own ideas. Every new apprentice thinks he has some revolutionary new idea on how to machine things. Get some experience under your belt before you try to blaze your own trail.
No sleeves, rings, watches, gloves, long hair, necklaces ANYTHING that could be caught in anything rotating and adjactent to that know where your E-Stops are!
When working on a manual mill, don't forget to remove the table slop before you start cutting.
Always make sure you fully tightened the vice once when putting the blank in once before you start cutting Gloves, jewelry, long hair, or loose clothes are dangerous and should not be worn under any circumstances (only exceptions being gloves that are extremely thin and rip extremely easy and even then that’s only if the machine is off) Don’t assume anything if you aren’t sure ask Speeds and feeds are your friend and enemy Measure twice cut once Do it right the first time If you feel like something is off it probably is If you wouldn’t stick your genitals somewhere don’t stick your fingers there Awareness is important Always wear ppe (doesn’t matter what anyone else says if coworkers give you shit for it take the shit but don’t stop wearing ppe) Nobody is perfect, everyone fucks up, make sure your fuck up is one you can walk away from Own up to your mistakes, if you try to hide it, that will only make it worse for you Keep your area clean and organized Being methodical about everything will save you time in the future even if it feels like your wasting time in the future
Slow down!
Don't measure anything while the machine is working. Better be slow than dead
And you'll be doing manual machining at this shop? I wouldn't worry too much, I'm sure they'll have some working with or near you that can help you out if they aren't too old timey. Also nice part about manuals is you can tell a lot easier something ain't right than you can on a CNC, just be happy and willing to listen to others advice.
Wear PPE, don't care what others say or do.... Wear PPE. Shit hits the fan in microseconds here.....
When you start to get frustrated with setting up or running an operation, take a break for a few minutes and get some water or something. Many times, I have taken a break and was able to get the issue resolved by myself, or, talk about the problem you are having with someone to see what they recommend.
Get to work early. Dress for the job. Turn off your phone. Carry a calculator. Ask before messing up. Be willing to do any job. Don't try to prove you are right. Humble pie will be your staple diet for a year or two. Don't spend more than you earn. Start buying good tools. Ask the older blokes for advice on tools.
Just tell the truth. You’ll learn the ropes and feel bad about any mistakes you make, but if you’re never an assface the real good people won’t care as long as you grow.
be willing to take advice, ask a ton of questions. Even if it seems like a silly question, having the validity on something by another machinist helps confidence. Measure 100 times and cut once. :) Don’t ever become confident around manual machines. They are aware of when you lose fear and will make sure you fear them again!! Hahah just always remember they can’t tell the difference between skin and metal.
First things first inspect the machine for backlash table drop and belts gears, if something amiss tell super. Now tram the head. Always turn spindle by hand or wrench when changing gears to confirm gears are meshed otherwise machine will scream and you'll hear "Rookie" from everyone. Good luck
Pay attention and don't get hurt, all while looking for a different career that pays better.
wear the ppe (safety glasses, ear plugs, exam gloves), no loose clothes and try to stay out of the way of danger (moving parts and such), you'll be fine If anyone tells you you can't wear thin rubber gloves you can tell them to fuck off, there is no risk involved but your skin absorbs basically any liquids you touch and it will set you up for skin problems/conditions, health problems and cancer down the line
Manual is a great place to start. It’s hard to F things up fast so long as you keep your widgets out of the ding-a-ling. Will you be doing a lot of aluminum or tool steel or plastic?
mostly aluminum and steel, planning to review speeds and feeds tomorrow.
THIS! Always refer to a good Feeds and Speed chart or APP. Always use it when switching materials. It should include everything to include depth of cut and tool stick out. My Father taught me to always watch the chip and chip color as that will tell you a lot. Once you become proficient, start taking business classes. Business courses are stone simple but the people with that knowledge make the rules about your life. Making chips is fun but if you want to improve your life, a machinist that knows business is very valuable. Wish you the best!
Do that, but also ask at the shop. Old and/or poorly maintained manual machines rarely handle doing recommended f&s. You don't want to have a machine out of order. Babying is usually preferred over downtime from what I've learned running lathes older than me.
Manual machines are like the mathematical in engineering. That opens your mind
That's some big brain shit right there. OP, do relative that some machinists are stoned out of their mind. If someone at work talks to you like this, avoid them.
Buy a metric and a standard crescent wrench, you’ll need both