Learning CNC

[HTRN]

If memory serves, entry level machining pays a lot more than what I make right now(<$15/hr)

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...

If you're serious about learning CNC, learn SolidWorks backwards and forwards.

No. The by far most common piece of CAM software they want as requirement is Mastercam - probably on the order of 3 or 4 to 1 over the next most common - Virtual Gibbs. You occasionally see "Surfcam experience preferred", but that's generally only in tool & die, and Mold shops. Solidworks? I can count on one hand the number of job openings I've seen in the last 15 years looking for Solidworks.

Mastercam lists a variety of resources for learning.

[HTRN]

I understand that.

Note the "but the machine shop" there. He wants to get a job as a CNC machinist. Mastercam is what's used(with V Gibbs and Surfcam to much lesser extent) Being able to put down "Mastercam certified" goes alot farther than "Well I know solidworks, and that's sorta like Mastercam..".

[HTRN]

The by far largest manufacturer of controls is Fanuc, with Haas(who make their own controls, and is the largest CNC builder in the West) and Siemens in second and third.

Controls are easy. Once you get down in your head how it supposed to work, and what good production practice is, picking up the control methodology is a cakewalk. I went from running Haas VMCs to running Citizen CNC Swiss machines(a machine who's actual mechanics I only had a vague idea on) in six weeks. It all boils down to "Code is code, subroutines are subroutines, and setup is setup". It's the equivalent to buying a new car and learning where the blinkers are. I for example, am waiting to hear back on a job involving running a Hurco for a shop in Queens - I haven't even SEEN a Hurco since, oh, 98 ish? But give me a week to figure out how the shop does things, and how the controller actually handles things like background editing.. and it will be like old times. This is one of the failures that I see in alot of places looking for help - "Must know Yasnac control" - it's shortsighted..

[Mud_Dog]

If memory serves, entry level machining pays a lot more than what I make right now(<$15/hr)

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...

Wow, is it that bad? Must have been a bit skewed by hearsay while working in Michigan, why am I not surprised by that.

So I could learn Solidworks online, use a CNC Simulator that Steamforger posted about(or similar one for linux if available), then once I figured all that out & gotten used to it, learn how to apply that knowledge to MasterCam & go to something like a 3 day learning course for a certification?

I think the simulator is an outstanding idea, as it is way more interactive than a book. Anything I would be missing this route?

[HTRN]

Wow, is it that bad? Must have been a bit skewed by hearsay while working in Michigan, why am I not surprised by that.

"Entry level machining" You mean no experience? That means minimum wage. Or at most 10 bucks an hour. "entry level CNC machinists" have either a fair bit of experience, either in the classroom(IE an actual degreed program) or a year or two in the shop, and even then don't expect 15 bucks an hour.. Give me a sec..

Take a look at this ad. That's fairly typical, with wages between 16-22 bucks an hour. To get that higher wage, you better hit everything on their wish list, and have over 5 years in the shops.

I personally think it's a waste of time and money to bother with Solidworks - it's just not seen on the shop floor. I think your best off taking a Mastercam course, and then once your hired, if they do TIG on hand, take a TIG welding course, and get certified. That makes you much more valuable. If they don't have welding there, I would still think about taking the TIG course when you have the time and money..

[Steamforger]

I think the supervisors in my old shop were making $15-19 per hour. I hired in at $6.50 and got to almost $11 before heading off to school again. Mind you, this was almost 8 years ago in Louisiana. As a comparison, parking lot attendants in MI started at $10.70.

[Mud_Dog]

I found a recommendation for a book on CNC machining on another forum, has anyone checked it out?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/082734 ... GQP3QUGQ36

Looks to be exactly what I'm looking for as far as getting started at least.

[HTRN]

340 bucks?!

For that kind of money, I'd look into taking a programming class. I know Haas runs week long programming classes for startups, but I have no idea on cost. Try calling your local Haas factory outlet.

Frankly, this is really something you need hands on experience for.

[McClarkus]

I know nothing in regards to CNC compared to a real McCoy. Just doing the little stuff I provide for the local tourist industry I find it difficult to 'splain what I am capable of. That hurts my sales capacity big time unless they can touchy feelly on some examples. A lot of people I deal with, especially women, have trouble envisioning spatial, 3D things - no offense intended towards women. I had a few big parties when I had the machine running, and crowds of people would cluster near it, just mesmerized by the motion of the spindle as is moved. "It's bettern' TV!" Then they would say - "Oh, ..... Now I get it..." Hence HTRN's comment - "Frankly, this is really something you need hands on experience for." Well spoken.

[HTRN]

just mesmerized by the motion of the spindle as is moved.

What would they think of 5 ton machining center slabbing off so much metal, it makes the concrete floor it's sitting on vibrate?