Learning Metal Machining

The best possible way to learn is through an official apprenticeship program.

School is dependent on the instructor as well as the program. I have known a few instructors that fully met the "Those who can do and those how can't teach" theory as well as a few that were very good.

Learning through working is good but slow, the companies you will work for need to make a profit and will pigeon hole you into what you can do best. For this route I suggest working for a couple of years at a time in several different shops to gain exposure to the different environments that each has.

It's better to learn the basics in school. You will still be considered a beginner when you get that first job, but you will out pace anyone who has no training.

You will already know something about such things as tap drill sizes, threading, tool grinding, feed rates and materials, thread cutting on a lathe, making band saw blades, etc.

Machining is not something to learn by trial and error. The tools are expensive, and time is money. You can get hurt badly by these machines, the time spent in an apprenticeship is well worth it.

If a shop is really hurting for employees, they may start you on simple chores and gradually move up to the cutting machines, once you have had enough exposure to the safety rules and proper procedures to operate the machines.

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Kaymor Machining & Welding Ltd.

Kaymor Machining & Welding Ltd.