Career in machine tool tech.?

[Deleted member 159002]

My local community college has a 2-year program for this and right now there's a huge demand for people with these skills. Anyone here a tool maker, CNC programmer, machinist? How do you like your job? Would you recommend?

 

[MSK1010]

I work in a machine shop. But not directly with the machines. I'm a buyer. Big money though if your working for the right company. I work for a defense contractor similar to Boeing.

 

[Long Dark Blues]

My buddy went to a technical high school for machining or whatever it's called, he came out of high school making $35k. Did that for a few years then parlayed that into a management position for a prosthetic start-up, overseeing the production line of the machining division. He moved down to Florida, then Texas. Now he's VP of the company making really good money. Real deal money. And we're only 12 years out of high school. He's done very well for himself.

 

[Goat Meal]

If there's a huge demand for it and you want to do it, it's a no-brainer.

 

[ijustwannasurf]

My father was a machinist. Always made good money, and when he was younger, he traveled quite a bit and never had a problem finding a job. I imagine its the same nowadays- not many people are going into careers like this. Go for it!

 

[rbun]

If your mechanically inclined or very good with working with your hands than I'd say I'd go for it.

 

[DudeMan]

I work on a waterjet. I would advise you to get familiar with as many machines as possible. If you're any good at math/computers I would suggest engineering. All depends which direction you want to go. Anything in particular you like doing? My job is okay, depends skill level ( who you know) etc... Also, you can't go wrong picking up some welding as well.

 

[Chesten_Hesten]

I asked this of a Tool & Die maker I know, here's what he said:

Machine trades rarely pay much and you need thousands of dollars in tools that you will have to supply. Union plumber or electrian or vaginacoligist is the way to go. Although I wouldn't trade my skills for anything. If you can learn machining and then engineering thats worth something. I only have a job now because I can design and go to the shop and build a proto.

 

[rbun]

Machine trades rarely pay much and you need thousands of dollars in tools that you will have to supply. Union plumber or electrian or vaginacoligist is the way to go. Although I wouldn't trade my skills for anything. If you can learn machining and then engineering thats worth something. I only have a job now because I can design and go to the shop and build a proto.

Don't plumbers and electicians need thousands of dollars in tools as well?

And LOL at vaginacologist :icon_chee