Master Machinist CNC Multi-Axis Programmer

[machinster]

I have many years of experience as a CNC Machinist and Programmer. I am looking for work as a Senior Programmer, Supervisor or Plant Manager.

If your shop is temporarily swamped...? I am also considering part-time, off-line or contract programming work. I own my own software and I am very flexible.

I have considerable experience with a number of 3, 4 and 5 axis machine tools.

No project is too small or too large for what I do...

[hotgrips]

Can you mention what software(s) you work with at home and what CNC controls you have experience with. I'm sure others would like to know too.

Jim

[txcncman]

I have been doing this kind of work also, since I started my consulting company in 1999. I use PowerStation Pro 2006 at my home office. I have partnerships with a couple of companies that let me use their software, MasterCam X3 and GibbsCam 2004+. For machine controls, I have worked with Fadal, Fagor, Fanuc, Haas, Mazatrol, Philips, and Seimens. There is work out there, but customers won't seek you out until they have a problem. So, you know up front what kind of jobs you are going to get. And then they don't want to pay.

[wyzarddoc]

The way I get paid is to only release the 1st 1/4 to 1/3 of the code(with no tool changes or vertical tool calibration) then after payment is received the complete code. If you don't get paid it's your fault for not realizing this is business and not a popularity/prove to me you can do it contest. Also don't let greed sucker-play you, bid on one job and one job only not on the promise of repeat business (this is the easiest way to NOT get paid). Remember integrity no longer counts in American business only who makes the buck.

[machinster]

I have used several different softwares in the past, currently for CAD and design I use SolidWorks for jigs, fixtures and tooling designs.

I use SurfCam for CAM programming, VeriCut for program proofing, I write my own post-processors and I can write a post for virtually any machine or control combination, if I can't figure it out I have additional resources that I can use.

I have recent experience operating and setting up with HAAS, FADAL, Fanuc, Siemens 840D, FAGOR 850/855 and some that I can barely remember if you have or can get a copy of a programming or operation manual I guarantee that I can write a post for it.

I routinely create Multi-Axis CNC programs that machine complex molds and surfaces without making a test or set-up part. With upto 500,000 lines of 5 axis code the machines often run continuously for days.

[Chrliev]

Are you able available to provide training, such as would you be available to train a good 3 axis programmer to program and setup 4 and 5 axis CNC machines?

Also, can you train a less skilled plain operator to setup CNC machines?

We would like to increase people skills to the extent possible before hiring new employees, investing in the people we already have makes a lot of sense to us.

[dfinke]

Any experience with a Haas cnc lathe and mastercam lathe?

[machinster]

Any experience with a Haas cnc lathe and mastercam lathe?

No, but my experience with HAAS mills would lead me to believe that their entire line of CNC machines is very uncomplicated to program, setup and operate. Even though lathe machinery continues to become more and more complicated, with the addition of the 3rd Y axis and 4th spindle rotary axis, most lathe work is still relatively simple.

Given the challenge of the latest 4th and even 5th axis lathes, I am confident that I can write a post processor that would create efficient Programs. Though in very complex parts the eventual code may be programs manually edited to combine the elements of a 2 axis lathe program, a 3 axis mill/turn program and a 4 or even a 5-axis milling program.

Over the last few years I have had to re-invent what I do, the lines between turning and milling machines will continue to blur, as we already see machines that can operate as a lathe and a mill in one setup.

The question now becomes will we see tech savvy people that can keep up, with this technology...

[CMM900]

Where are you located and what areas are you considering for work?

[mkim@dynomaxinc]

Please check out Dynomax Inc. as we are a growing company and machinists agree that it's a great place to have a career at (long-term). You'll work on complex projects (aerospace) with top of the line technology and other very-skilled machinists with competent manager/supervisors.

Feel free to e-mail your resumes to me a jobs@dynomaxinc.com if you're interested and we'll be in communication with you to see if we're a good match for each other. We respect our employees and have a great culture established that the company employees enjoy.

I hope to hear from you & thanks for your guys' time & interest.

-Michael Kim

[machinster]

Thanks MKIM, I checked out the Dynomax website, it looks like an excellent facility, unfortunately it would take a large relocation fee to pack up and move to the Chicago area, in this economic climate that is virtually unheard of. I would obviously prefer something closer to home.

I see a peculiar trend that has developed that I was previously unaware of, it seems to be a phenomenon that was not a problem when most machining and programming was of a more manual nature and machine shops were more interested in a true Craftsman as opposed to a computer operator.

Many manufacturing facilities have chosen a particular software brand and are not very flexible as to the overall skills that their perspective applicants may have.

These days most Job Descriptions look like this:
ABC Machining, in Eerie PA seeks CNC Programmer, Setup Machinist, must have GibbsCam experience. This add makes the available list of qualified applicants shrink instantly as it could be that 10 MasterCAM, and 5 SurfCAM programmers are available but no GibbsCam programmers within 100 miles.

It seems that what it boils down to is that the cost of the programming system (average of $15,000) is limiting many employers to an ever smaller hiring pool leaving many highly skilled craftsmen on the sidelines.

Besides location, I have also been turned down for several positions because of the software issue, even though I have my own software, which I consider to be another "Tool" in my 'Tool Box'.

Being able to design, program and machine complex parts just doesn't seem to be enough anymore...

[machinster]

Sorry, I should have posted this earlier; I'm located in Southern California, 30 miles south of Los Angeles. I'm open to offers, but something in California, Arizona or Nevada would be suitable.

On a contract basis the location is probably less important...