What is a Machinist?
A machinist, sometimes called the manual machinist is a skilled person trained to operate by hand, machine tools: milling machines, lathes and grinders in order to make or alter metal parts. They follow blueprints, sketches or even verbal instructions as a guide to make these parts. They make adjustments by turning finely calibrated dials of the machine tools by hand in order to follow these instructions. The parts can range from very simple to extremely complex and reflects the required skill level of the machinist to make the part. The problem with the manual machining is it can be a long and rigorous process, it’s also the way of the past, don’t get me wrong, the manual machine and machinist are still needed but in a more limited capacity. These days, the modern machine shops incorporate CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) machines. The advantage of the CNC machine over the manual machine is that once they are programmed they can make the same part over and over again at a mush fast
Machinists are trained professionals that have been certified in the operation of specific types of machine tools. Generally, this certification involves working with metal to produce a wide variety of tools, metal implements such as engine parts, building materials and sculpting and shaping metal plating. Here is more about how the role of a machinist in various industries, as well as why the need for training is essential before obtaining certification. The machinist often is charged with the responsibility of producing a product that will meet with certain industry standards. In many cases, those industry standards are in place to ensure that the finished product meets or exceeds any standards that have been imposed by a government agency. One example of where this is true is the shipbuilding industry. Machinists will be called upon to shape and structure such items as bulkhead materials, rivets, and metal plating that will result in a strong infrastructure for any type of boat or s
The phrase, “I am a machinist.” is often very misunderstood. There are two types. One is a manual machinist, the second is a CNC machinist. Both are highly skilled trained individual who has more than likely been working in the world of machine tool/advanced manufacturing for as many as 7 or more years. A machinist is an individual who can perform without assistance operations/techniques as well as all facets of advance machining operations/techniques. In addition most machinists have been through some type of apprenticeship. Through the apprenticeship experience, most have taken educational classes to learn in detail about critical manual machining and CNC operations/programming. Most apprenticeships include 8,000 of work experience along with 576 hours of educational programming. Becoming a machinist, is a great stepping stone to the next phase of career development in the industry. After becoming a season machinist, you could move up into management as a floor supervisor, then opera
