Newbie- Essential self-learning material for newbie?

[polarbeer]

Hi,

I'm taking a local course to become a machinist. At the moment I'm concentrating on G-code programming for a machining center. As there seems to be very limited amount of literature in my mother language (Finnish) I thought I could find much more info in English. That way I also could learn the basic terms in english for the future.

First of all. Has anyone found really good books and/or Windows software and/or web sites that lists the most common data that a machinist might need in the every day work in the workshop. Like
- Thread info for metric and inch based screws and nuts
- Cutting speed recommendations for the most common materials and tools. I know that there are many tool manufacturers and different kind of tools. Just to be in the right "ballpark" with almost zero experience.
- Other vital info?
Having all this ready when actually trying to manufacture something would speed up things.

I have succeeded in getting a minor work experience from machinist's every day work and many work places seem to have one common factor: Hurry. So depending on how well organized my future work place is, I might have to seek this info myself. So I'm trying get as much knowledge as I can during my studies, to not be a total "newbie-idiot" at the shop floor.

The most hard to find up-to-date info are all the different fixtures and good work habits that are used in machining centers nowadays. Any good resources on this area? I understand this is actually the valuable info that companies don't easily share. But maybe there is some interesting books written for this area of manufacture also?

I can do basic trigonometric calculations, draw with 2d/3d-cad-software and also do some g-code programming. Now I'm in need of good guidelines what to focus on next to really rise my value as a good-to-hire-employee? (I'm getting my hands on MasterCAM basics during this course also.)

It's so easy to forget many once read/learned skills if you don't keep yourself busy and well motivated.

Anyone in the same situation?


-pb

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Here in the USA, Canada and probably Britain, the first tool to purchase is "Machinery's Handbook". Readily available from internet book sellers.

Dick Z

[KilrB]

#1. Machinery's Handbook

#2. Machine Shop Trade Secrets by James A. Harvey ... ISBN 0-8311-3227-2

[corgano]

ASM handbooks. Pricey for the full set but pretty much every table, formula, and information on any and every metalworking process.

[polarbeer]

Just wanted to say thank you for these tips already.

-pb