I have a new job in EDM-what do I need in my toolbox?

[xyzeugene]

Hello,

I have a new in EDM(my first machining job) I will start in two weeks, the shop is a prototype shop for the oil and gas industry. They make parts $90,000 and up. Any input is appreciated as I will be buying used on ebay and new on amazon. I already have a toolbox.

Thanks

Eugene


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[KilrB]

Sinker or wire?

[xyzeugene]

Both

[KilrB]

To start, you should have what every machinist (imo) should have at the very least:

Calipers, dial or digital, 0"-6" and 0"-12"
Outside micrometers to 3"
Depth micrometer set, blade preferably
Dial indicator (.0001")
Precision squares
Protractor
Radius gauges
1-2-3 blocks
Measuring tape
Multimeter
Hex wrenches, standard and metric
Wrenches, standard and metric
Screwdrivers
Small mallet, dead-blow, or brass hammer
Needle file set
"Kant-twist" clamps ... NOT c-clamps (you can never have too many Kant-twist clamps)

For working with EDM machines:

Particle masks ... for when your machining graphite electrodes
Good sharp scissors and/or a lighter ... for when you need to cut wire because the machine can't or won't

You say this is your first job in machining.
Most of the precision measuring instruments are expensive (or at least good ones are) so don't expect to run out and buy them all at once.
Start with the calipers and hand tools and buy the others as you can afford them.

[xyzeugene]

Update:

This is what I got since start off with:

3 Dead blow hammers 1 to 4 lbs

brass hammer

set of 5 ball peen hammers - use the small one once the rest not yet

Mitutoyo Dial Caliper 8 inch - second most important tool

Mituoyo .0005 test indicator with Noga base - most important tool

I use both metric and standard hex wrenches depending on edm machine

DeWalt 20 volt rachet impact driver - i use standard/metric hex sockets - they make removing machine bolts easy.

Pass through sockets for long threads...not so useful/

Notebook

HP 36x calculator to figure out stuff like chords of circles. ie machining to depth on an ID.

Magnetic LED flash light

Angle block set - we super glue it to sides to indicate at an angle

starrett Pocket level...very useful level.

starrett 4 inch level...saves alot of time indicating.because of the extreme sensitivity.