Hand machinists produce metal or wood products for manufacturing industries, using precise specifications and tools like micrometers and gauges. They gain experience through apprenticeships and vocational schools, and must have good manual dexterity. Machinists work in noisy environments and wear safety gear to protect themselves from hazards.
Hand machinists produce a multitude of metal or wood products used in manufacturing industries including aerospace, auto parts and sheet metal. A manual mechanic may be responsible for programming large machines to create parts using precise specifications. Some machines are controlled by computers, programmed to replicate the exact part the customer needs. Hand Machinists play a vital role in the manufacturing world, creating a much-needed supply of parts and tools.
Machine shops can create unique parts using extremely close tolerances. Hand machinists in these shops often work with a variety of metals, including titanium, tungsten, steel and copper. They can use micrometers, calipers and gauges to meet strict customer requirements. Using blueprints, the manual mechanic determines the machine’s speed for the specific type of metal and how it reacts to temperature changes. Some machines that run especially fast must be doused frequently with machine oil to keep them cool and operating optimally.
Mill machinists can work with plastic, aluminum, steel or other metals that need to be drilled, punched or cut. A milling machine usually requires a lathe to shape and form the material. These machines can be configured to produce hundreds of thousands of the same part for a single customer. The manual mechanic must carefully program the equipment to mass produce the precision part needed. If he or she gets the programming process wrong, an entire batch of raw materials could end up as scrap metal.
Manual machinists often gain experience in the trade through apprenticeship or internship programs. It is usually necessary to complete secondary school in order to get a job in an auto repair shop. A manual mechanic must have good manual dexterity and be able to read blueprints and follow their specifications. While working in a workshop, the employee learns the properties of different metals and wood, tools used in the machining process, and proper maintenance of equipment.
Vocational and trade schools offer opportunities to learn the basics of hand machining. Internet courses educate a potential mechanic about the different types of machines and tools used. One can seek hands-on experience by applying to machine shops after completing courses, and professional organizations in the machining industry offer certification for machine operators.
Manual machinists are out most of the day and are subject to metal filings and a noisy work environment that can include unpleasant odors. Used machines are generally large, with many moving parts, and require the use of grinding, drilling, and sometimes stamping tools. Machinists often wear earplugs and safety glasses to protect them from hazards while operating the equipment. They can be covered in oil at the end of the working day from machines that throw out machine oil while running.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
