What is it like to work as a machinist?
Asked by pfr305
any info you could give about the job would be great. what advantanges/disadvantages there are, the work environment, typical day, etc. etc. thanks!

Best Answer:
If the drawings are clear and legible and the notations are consistent, then your job is a lot easier to figure out and you don't have to go back and ask questions every 20 minutes about what this means. You also spend just as much time using your tools and instruments as you do maintaining them (or at least you should). Sharpening, oiling, cleaning, wiping. Tough to manufacture a quality product with less than quality equipment. I got metal shards in my hair and on my clothes, which also reeked of lubricants and oils when I got home. But it was fun work (as long as it wasn't steel or titanium).
worked as a machinist in college, now an engineer
Answered by Big Sky 23

A machinist is a person who uses machine tools to make or modify parts, primarily metal parts, a process known as machining. This is accomplished by using machine tools to cut away excess material much as a woodcarver cuts away excess wood to produce his work. In addition to metal, the parts may be made of many other kinds of materials, such as plastic or wood products. The goal of these cutting operations is to produce a part that conforms to a set of specifications, usually in the form of engineering drawings commonly known as blueprints. Within the title machinist are other specialty titles that refer to specific skills that may be more highly developed to meet the needs of a particular job position. Some examples of these specialty titles are fitter, turning hand, mill hand, and grinder. Also, there are titles that are related but actually are a further development of machinist skills such as tool and die maker, tool maker, trim die maker, die sinker, patternmaker and mold maker. These latter titles are also more commonly found in specialized areas of industry. A fitter and turner refers to a person who manufactures mechanical parts (turner) and assembles (fitter) those parts together to manufacture a mechanical device. [edit] The role of the machinist in manufacturing A machinist is usually called upon when a part needs to be produced from a material by cutting. Such a part may be unique or may be needed in the thousands. This could include a machinery part for a production line or generally anything that can be made from metal or plastic. Producing a part will often require several steps and more than one machine tool. Each machine tool is designed to play a specific role in cutting away excess material. When large numbers of parts are needed, production planning is required to map out the most logical route using primarily computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines. CNC machines are becoming the standard due to their speed, precision, flexibility, and reduced downtime while changing jobs. Production runs consisting of large numbers of parts are more cost effective (in a local and narrow sense) and commonly referred to as production work in the trade. Conversely, small production runs are sometimes referred to as prototype or jobbing work although with the advent of theory of constraints and lean manufacturing, this perspective may be changing. Production engineers use blueprints and engineering drawings to produce detailed specifications of the part, especially its geometry (shape), then decide on a strategy to make it. Machine tools are then configured by the machinist or toolsetter and production commences. The machinist works closely with the quality department in order to insure the original specifications are maintained in the part produced. Below is the site where I got this information from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machinist Also, machinists make good money, it is an inside job, you have to be very skilled. It is a good job. Machinists in the shipyard here make anywhere from $20.00 per hour to $25.00 per hour with benefits. If you want to be trained to be a machinist, there are companies that will send you to school and train you as long as you keep your grades up. Good Luck
Answered by Sandra M

Machinists have to be very meticulous and be able to make adjustments as blue prints can be off. There is a demand for them despite the decline in manufacturing. Alot of the work is custom made one of a kind. One of the best things I ever did was enrolling in a welding class.
Answered by DEE W