Newbie- NIMS, certifications, study guides and free learning resources

[jbt411]

Started this thread to post information on gaining knowledge and credentials needed to become a Machinist. Accumulation of good books, free resources, study guides and certifications is the main goal of the thread.

During my research, still new, it seems like the NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) is the most widely accepted and taken certification for Machinists. Thanks to littlebrewman that posted a link to toolingu, this seems to be the best one for the $$$ so far. I haven't started the classes yet but it seems to be complete. I haven’t been able to find any hard copy books used as study guides for the NIMS that weren’t way too expensive.

Any suggestion on good books that cover a lot of ground would be very help full as well. Information on widely accepted certifications would be great too.
And of course free resources are also great.

Reviewed a few other threads and have compiled a list of links to free resources. (I haven’t necessarily gone to all links yet)

Thanks charger19690:
http://www.cncbasics.com

Thanks dumptruck:
http://www.cncprogramdeveloper.com/
http://www.sme.org/cgi-bin/getsmepg....me.html&&&SME&
http://www.emastercam.com
www.metalwebnews.com
http://w3.uwyo.edu/~metal/
http://www.metalwebnews.com/
http://metalworker.org/
http://www.moldmakermag.com/index.html

Thanks Switcher
http://www.cncezpro.com/

Hope some people find this info help full or have good info to contribute!