Newbie- Just saying Hi

[big_mak]

hoidal,

Them operators you speak of have no interest in what the machine does. Their only focus is that check every two weeks. The hardest thing for any machine shop to do today is to find people who are genuinely interested in metal cutting/machining. That seemed to be what set me apart from the competition when applying for work. Never been out of work, for that matter, just found some time to see how it's done at some other shops from time to time. Now I have my own. Cause it's what I like to do. Especially when I'm the one calling the shots.

If it's something that you are genuinely interested in and you apply yourself, and you align yourself with some good mentors such as Geof and the gang, you will be in good hands. Be open, don't be affraid to ask questions, and number one LISTEN!!!!!!

[tikka308]

There are lots of video's on youtube too! Some are more eye-candy versus instructional, but if you're really "new", they may be helpful.

[automizer]

Originally Posted by tikka308 There are lots of video's on youtube too! Some are more eye-candy versus instructional, but if you're really "new", they may be helpful.

Or here in the zone, in the video section. Your post reminded me about this post here
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...ight=learn+cnc
some nice videos in there

[timf]

Originally Posted by hoidahl One thing that I think seperated me from the other operators when I was starting out. When your machines running and your finished part is deburred and finished. Don't just stand there or talk to the next door operator. Watch the code on the screen and try to understand what its doing. Maybe get a basic list of g and m codes from the programmer. To many operators in my experience just don't seem to care why there machine is doing what its doing. They either stand there and go duh or their bsing with the next guy.

i agree 110 % with this statement.
anoyone can be shown how to load parts and push buttons, but to understand how and why things are happening will set you apart from the crowd.
i have climbed to the top of every shop i have been at with that attitude.
i believe in getting my money the old fashion way, to make you so much you feel guilty not giving me some.
people will surround themselves with others that make them look good be the person that cares and wants to understand and tries and you will go far.
the tries is real important because i can cut you some slack if you are really giving me an effort, you will get where i need you to be as long as you don't stop trying.

[mystie]

Just wanted to say thank you for the advice you all have given me. Its helped alot to have a place to start from. I very much enjoy what I am doing and it seems I have a very lot to learn. So thanks for helping me on my way, its very much appreciated.

[MikeOD]

Originally Posted by automizer Or a miss placed offset, or bad entry of wear or....or...or... the worst is first thing in the morning when you haven't finished your coffee yet; run the first cycle of the day and the coolant comes on after the bit is an aluminum lollipop.

Along those lines, I say run the coolant pump while you run the spindle warmup program before cutting a part...and make sure the y-valve to the washdown hose is closed...it helps keep the coolant from draining back out of the head when the pump is off.

I also say if there's "free time" at the beginning or end of the shift, run the program through in single block with no part in it (or move the work offset WAY up) and even have the machines manual open, that way you can read through the code on the controller, look up what the machine is going to do, and then press cycle start and watch it do that...that helped me learn a lot about g-code when I was getting started. It's not difficult to learn if you're willing to try, I bet you'll do just fine.