Expectations vary from one person to the next. The choices we make throughout our life are the ones that define us the most. If you have a great interest in a specific area, you should consider pursuing a career in that field as a professional. If you have a passion for becoming a machinist, you can attain professional success by following your goals in that field. Whatever subject you are passionate about, you must be informed of the most effective ways to become a professional in that field. This article’s major focus is on how to be a machinist. We invite you to read this article. You will get a comprehensive understanding of how to be a machinist through this article for sure.
Home Machinists Handbook Paperback – February 1, 1984
The author of this book is Doug Briney. And this book consists of everything you need to know to set up and operate a handyman’s guidebook for a machine shop. Areas covered range from shop requirements and proper lighting to buying, using, and storing tools. Even if you become a professional hoping to become an employee, the insights this book can provide would indeed be pretty useful for you. Because of that, we suggest you read this book.
What are the duties of a Machinist?
Before knowing how to be a machinist, it would be so important to know what machinists do. This would be helpful in understanding the career background of a machinist. To create precise metal components, instruments, and tools, machinists and tool and die makers set up and run a range of computer-controlled and mechanically operated machine machines. This is the basic scope of work that a machinist has to carry out. But this is just a general outlook. There is obviously a lot more. Let us get to know them.
Initially, machinists would have to read blueprints sketches, or CAM and CAD files. You might most probably know. CAM refers to Computer-Aided-Manufacturing and CAD refers to Computer-Aided-Designing. These technologies are pretty necessary in the current world for tasks of this sort. Parallelly, setting up, operating, and disabling machine tools are also part of your job to start with.
All the same, machinists have to ensure that cutting tools and workpieces are properly aligned, secured, and adjusted. And you need to keep an eye on the machine feed and speed. Further machine components need to be turned, milled, drilled, shaped and ground to specifications. In the latter part of the process, you need to measure, inspect, and test finished items for flaws. Here, you need to make sure that the surfaces of parts or products are smooth. Eventually, you can show the completed workpieces to your clients and customers. If the request any changes, you can do them.
The Milling Machine for Home Machinists (Fox Chapel Publishing) Over 150 Color Photos & Diagrams; Learn How to Successfully Choose, Install, & Operate a Milling Machine in Your Home Workshop Paperback – Illustrated, April 1, 2013
This is a comprehensive guide to the milling machine. Even if you choose to become an employee or choose to start up your own workshop, we are pretty sure that this book would be an immense help for you. Over 150 color images and diagrams depict necessary accessories as well as the distinctions between the various alternatives in this book. Additionally, this book has received favorable reviews and ratings from its readers. So, this is surely a book that you must go through.
What are the Fields available for Machinists?
Here, we are going to discuss the fields that machinists can engage in. The majority of the jobs for machinists are in machine shops. That is an obvious fact. Also, many machinists also work in the machinery manufacturing industry. Apart from that, transportation equipment and employment services also require the services of machinists big time.
Engineers Black Book – 3rd Edition Inch. Machinist Reference Manual (Large Print Edition) Ring-bound – Unabridged, January 1, 2018
The author of this book is Pat Rapp. This book contains all of the reference data a machinist may ever need on a daily basis. All the details in this book would be immensely essential for all your work. And therefore, we think that this would be really advantageous and useful for you as well. “Everything you need in a machine shop in a form that will stand up to being actually in the shop. Every shop should have one.” This is how a reader of this book has reviewed it on Amazon.
Work Environment of Machinists
No doubt, it would really be worth it if we take a look at the work conditions of machinists. Many machinists and tool and die makers work full-time during regular business hours. Anyhow, some work evenings and weekends since certain facilities are open 24/7. Some people put in more than 40 hours every week depending on the sector that they are involved in.
Because machinists and tool and die makers deal with potentially hazardous machine equipment, they must take measures to avoid injury. Workers must, for example, wear safety eyewear to guard against flying metal fragments, earphones to muffle mechanical noise, and masks to minimize their exposure to pollutants. If you care to follow all the safety procedures, you do not have to worry about any harm that can happen to you. So, it is basically up to you to follow all the safety procedures to make sure that you are possibly on the safe side here.
Metal Lathe for Home Machinists (Fox Chapel Publishing) Project-Based Course, Reference Guide, & Complete Introduction to Lathe Metalworking & Accessories, Including 12 Skill-Building Turning Projects Paperback – June 1, 2012
The author of this book is Harold Hall. To learn comprehensively about the metal lathe, this is a perfect guide for any machinist. It is not a problem whether you are a home machinist or an employee. This guidebook would be a lot of help for you for sure. There is no issue with regard to the quality of the information this provides. This has received excellent ratings and reviews from its readers.
How much money do Machinists make?
This sounds like an interesting question. Let us refer to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. In May 2020, the median annual pay for machinists was $45,840. Half of the employees in a given occupation earned more than that amount, while the other half earned less. The lowest 10% of earners made less than $29,240, while the highest 10% earned more than $69,050.
It is as follows if we consider how machinists earned considering the field that they were involved in. These are according to the statistics in May 2020. Those who worked in machine shops earned a median wage of $44790. And those who earned in the field of machinery manufacturing earned a median wage of $45800. All the same, those who worked in the transportation equipment manufacturing sector earned about $49370. And those who worked in the employment services sector earned about $34250.
We think that these details were helpful for you to get a general understanding of how much machinists make per year. There is a lot more to discuss. Let us go ahead with the article.
How to be a Machinist?
Now, we have come to the most crucial part of the article. Here, we are going to tell you how to be a machinist descriptively. Here are the steps to become a machinist to start with.
- Get a high school diploma or an equivalent
- Follow a program in a technical school or community college
- Complete an apprenticeship program
- Earn certifications
- Advance as a professional
These are the basic steps that you would have to follow if you want to be a machinist. In fact, you would like to know a little more about these, especially in detail. Let us get to know more. In the next part of this article, we are getting into comprehensive explanations under the topic of how to be a machinist.
1. Get a high school diploma or an equivalent
A high school diploma is essential for starting off any job. Even this does not give you any specific training for the job, having high school graduation is required for this job. If you graduate from high school, you will have a fundamental grasp of the bulk of academic disciplines. High school graduation, in particular, signifies that you have a basic grasp of maths, science, reading, and writing. You do not, however, need to be an expert in any of these. All that is required is a basic understanding of them.
To succeed in this field specifically, you should take math classes in high school, particularly trigonometry and geometry. If available, you should also take classes in blueprint reading, metalworking, and drafting. Advanced applied mathematics and physics are required for some advanced professions, such as those in the aircraft manufacturing sector. Because of the growing usage of computer-controlled machinery, machinists and tool and die manufacturers must have prior computer expertise before enrolling in a training program. So, it is better to have prior knowledge of all that if possible.
2. Follow a program in a technical school or community college
Two-year programs in machinists or tool and die makers are available at certain community colleges and technical institutions. These programs often cover design and blueprint interpretation, as well as how to handle a range of welding and cutting equipment, as well as CNC machine programming and operation.
This way, you can get some knowledge of this field specifically. In high school, you would not be able to get knowledge of this field specifically. But here, you get some training and learnings that have a direct relationship to the field that you are going to enter into. Hence, it is really necessary to follow a program in a technical school or community college. This would help you big time in your journey toward success.
3. Complete an apprenticeship program
How should you proceed further if you want to be a machinist? Mainly, you can complete an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs, which are usually sponsored by a company, are really a good option for you for becoming a machinist or tool and die maker, although they can be difficult to get into. Apprenticeships typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, and the majority of them have attended algebra and trigonometry coursework.
Apprenticeship programs often span many years and include paid shop training and related technical teaching. Technical training is usually delivered in collaboration with local community colleges and vocational-technical institutions.
Apprentices work 40 hours per week on average and receive technical training in the evenings. Typically, trainees start off as machine operators and work their way up to increasingly challenging tasks. To operate with CAD/CAM technology, CNC machine tools, and computerized measurement equipment, machinists and tool and die manufacturers must have prior computer knowledge. Tool and die makers are machinists that specialize in making tools and die.
Apart from completing an apprenticeship, you have another option here. It is that you can get on the training. This is also a good option. Here, you can be sure that you have the ability to get the job right after you get the proper training as well.
4. Earn certifications
Certification programs are available from a variety of organizations and schools. For example, the Skills Certification System is an industry-driven initiative that attempts to match education with job paths. Additionally, after completing an apprenticeship, state apprenticeship boards provide journey-level certification as well. Completing a certification program improves career prospects for machinists and tool and die makers, as well as allowing companies to assess the talents of prospective recruits.
You may possess the required talent at times. You also have a sufficient understanding of the subject. The issue is that you lack the capacity to demonstrate it. Certifications are required to demonstrate to others that you have the necessary degree of expertise in a certain profession. That is why obtaining credentials is so crucial. Regardless, obtaining these sorts of qualifications would allow you to increase your earning potential. By nearly all accounts, it would be beneficial to you.
So, if you are reading this article on how to be a machinist, keep in mind thoroughly that earning certifications is actually of immense importance. At the very first chance that you get to earn certifications, you should go for it. It is very important to you, both financial-wise and professional-wise.
5. Advance as a professional
Alright. We have already discussed how to become a machinist. And now you know all about that. However, your life does not finish here. As a professional, you must progress. It is possible that you can keep on getting greater heights. You will only be able to succeed in your job if you keep on stepping ahead to inform your career.
So, surely, you must try to move ahead by getting promotions. And perhaps, you would be able to get into managerial positions as well. Of course, you can get to all these with experience over the course of time.
Qualities you need to have as a Machinist
It is not just theoretical knowledge that matters. There are lots of important qualities that you need to have as a machinist. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics focuses on some of those important qualities. Here are them.
- Analytical skills
- Manual dexterity
- Math skills and computer application experience
- Mechanical skills
- Physical stamina
- Technical skills
It is only if you have all these skills that you would be able to succeed in this field. So, let us look into each of those broadly.
1. Analytical skills
Analytical abilities are the capacity to gather and evaluate data, solve problems, and make judgments. Employees with these talents can assist a firm in resolving difficulties and increasing overall productivity and success.
When finding patterns, brainstorming, observing, analyzing data, integrating new knowledge, speculating, and making judgments based on the many elements and alternatives accessible to you, you have to utilize analytical abilities.
Clear-cut, systematic procedures or more imaginative ways can be used to find solutions. Both approaches to issue solving need analytical abilities.
To produce precision tools and metal components, machinists and tool and die makers must grasp highly complex drawings, models, and requirements. Therefore, it is highly important for machinists to have very high analytical skills.
People Skills for Analytical Thinkers: Boost Your Communication and Advance Your Career – and Life Paperback – September 26, 2020
2. Manual dexterity
Manual dexterity is the ability to grip and operate items with your hands in a skilled, coordinated manner, as well as exhibit small, exact motions. A person’s manual dexterity is developed through mastering skills such as writing, grabbing and releasing items, and building puzzles and construction toys from an early age. Adults who need excellent manual dexterity for their work can improve their abilities as well.
Certain occupations value manual dexterity abilities big time because their motions must be precise and repetitive. Various tests can be used to assess a person’s ability to perform the motions required by their job. This can help with pre-employment screening and determining a candidate’s suitability for a position.
Precision is highly required of machinists. Machining parts, for example, may need precision of.0001 of an inch, which necessitates employees’ focus and skill. Hence, if you want to be a machinist and think you lack essential dexterity skills, you need to improve them. Of course, it is possible to improve manual dexterity skills. By doing so, you can ensure that your hand-eye coordination is at a superior level.
Exercises for Manual Dexterity of the Left Hand: Cello Closed and Open Hand Position Paperback – May 21, 2008
The author of this book is Paul M. Fleury. This book is well laid out and easy to read. Every possible mathematical combination of fingers 1-4 is given here, in all positions up to fourth. Detailed guidelines on how these exercises are to be accomplished are given, including precise speed of practice. If you are looking for a way to improve your manual dexterity, this book can provide you with an ideal approach.
3. Math skills and computer application experience
To operate with CAD/CAM technology, CNC machine tools, and computerized measurement equipment, workers must have strong arithmetic abilities and computer knowledge. This is a must to enter this field in the current era. Having this understanding has now become one of the most fundamental necessities for this field.
Math for Machinists First Edition, Textbook
This book is by Mark W. Huth. Arithmetic for Machinists is designed to provide students a refresher on basic math operations (whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages), measures, and other math topics relevant to machining and manufacturing, such as precise measurements, angles, area, volume, and gear calculations. Students improve their arithmetic abilities as well as their trade knowledge by working on creative puzzles and activities. The answers to the odd-numbered practice problems may be found at the end of the book. Going through this book would be a great help for you to prepare yourself for this career as a professional.
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (3rd Edition) 3rd Edition
The authors of this book are Tien-Chien Chang, Richard A. Wysk, and Hsu-Pin Wang. This book gives a current definition of CAM from an engineering viewpoint, including design specification, process engineering, and manufacturing, using a strong science-based and analytical approach. New information on CAD drafting, 3D CAD, surface modeling, solid modeling, feature-based modeling, variational and parametric modeling, tools for PLC logic design, and NC machine kinematics is included in this book. So, we think that this would be an ideal book for you to refer to.
4. Mechanical skills
This is a profession that requires a lot of mechanical and technical skills. Because of that, there is no question that you will require strong mechanical skills.
Milling machines, lathes, grinders, laser and water cutting machines, wire electrical discharge machines, and other machine tools are used by machinists. Hence, you must have the proper ability to use these tools correctly. If you fail in that, you will fail in your profession. How can you allow yourself to fail in your work life? If you let your professional life collapse, the odds are that your entire life will fail as well.
So, mastering the mechanical abilities that are necessary for this sector is a requirement. That is really what you should be concentrating on. No machinist can survive without having a basic grasp of mechanical skills. This is something you should bear in mind. So, polish your craft, particularly your mechanical abilities.
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design (Mcgraw-hill Series in Mechanical Engineering) 9th Edition
Richard Budynas and Keith Nisbett are the writers of this book. This book is intended for students who are just starting out in a field that requires mechanical skills. Students will naturally gain an understanding of both the basics of design decisions and the standards of industrial components as a result of the text. It combines a traditional emphasis on principles with a modern focus on design and cutting-edge applications. We think this would be a good read for you because machinists need mechanical abilities.
5. Physical stamina
The capacity to maintain a high degree of physical or mental activity for an extended period of time is known as stamina. Working as a machinist necessitates constant physical activity. As a result, physical stamina is unquestionably important. And it is mainly repetitive movements that you would have to perform. Because of that, you can survive in this field if you lack physical stamina. It is that critical. Therefore, if you think that your level of physical stamina is not quite adequate for an industry like this, what you must do is do the needful to improve your physical stamina in the main.
30 Minutes to Fitness: Strength & Stamina with Kelly Coffey-Meyer
If you want to enhance your physical stamina, this DVD by Kelly Coffey-Meyer is a great resource to use. This would not necessitate a lot of work on your part. It will take you only 30 minutes to finish. As a consequence, you will discover some techniques for boosting your physical stamina and strength if you refer to this. That is why we advise you to do so. It is without a doubt worthwhile for you to give it a go.
6. Technical skills
And the last critical type of skill that you need to have is technical skills. Machinists and tool and die makers must be familiar with computerized measurement equipment as well as metalworking techniques including stock removal, chip control, heat treatment, and plating. If you do not have sufficient technical skills, there is no way you can arrive at the successful completion of any of these work. Hence, make sure that you have sound technical skills if you are planning on entering this industry.
Conclusion
This article focused on how to be a machinist. And we think that this helps big time in pursuing your career. All the same, if you wish to know about the pathways to becoming a bicycle mechanic, marine mechanic, and so on, you can go through them and get an idea. To conclude the article, we wish you the best of luck in your career.
