Median hourly earnings of machinists were $15.66 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.15 and $19.45. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.57, while the top 10 percent earned more than $23.17. Median hourly earnings in the manufacturing industries employing the largest number of machinists in 2002 were:
| Metalworking machinery manufacturing | $16.75 |
| Other general purpose machinery manufacturing | 15.91 |
| Machine shops; turned product; and screw, nut, and bolt manufacturing | 15.45 |
| Motor vehicle parts manufacturing | 15.18 |
| Employment services | 9.41 |
Machinists use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and machining centers, to produce precision metal parts. Although they may produce large quantities of one part, precision machinists often produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items. They use their knowledge of the working properties of metals and their skill with machine tools to plan and carry out the operations needed to make machined products that meet precise specifications.
Before they machine a part, machinists must carefully plan and prepare the operation. These workers first review blueprints or written specifications for a job. Next, they calculate where to cut or bore into the workpiece (the piece of metal that is being shaped), how fast to feed the metal into the machine, and how much metal to remove. They then select tools and materials for the job, plan the sequence of cutting and finishing operations, and mark the metal stock to show where cuts should be made.
After this layout work is completed, machinists perform the necessary machining operations. They position the metal stock on the machine tool—drill press, lathe, milling machine, or other type of machine—set the controls, and make the cuts. During the machining process, they must constantly monitor the feed rate and speed of the machine. Machinists also ensure that the workpiece is being properly lubricated and cooled, because the machining of metal products generates a significant amount of heat. The temperature of the workpiece is a key concern because most metals expand when heated; machinists must adjust the size of their cuts relative to the temperature. Some rare but increasingly popular metals, such as titanium, are machined at extremely high temperatures.
Machinists detect some problems by listening for specific sounds—for example, a dull cutting tool or excessive vibration. Dull cutting tools are removed and replaced. Cutting speeds are adjusted to compensate for harmonic vibrations, which can decrease the accuracy of cuts, particularly on newer high-speed spindles and lathes. After the work is completed, machinists use both simple and highly sophisticated measuring tools to check the accuracy of their work against blueprints.
Some machinists, often called production machinists, may produce large quantities of one part, especially parts requiring the use of complex operations and great precision. Many modern machine tools are computer numerically controlled (CNC). Frequently, machinists work with computer-control programmers to determine how the automated equipment will cut a part. (See the statement on computer control programmers and operators elsewhere in the Handbook.) The programmer may determine the path of the cut, while the machinist determines the type of cutting tool, the speed of the cutting tool, and the feed rate. Because most machinists train in CNC programming, they may write basic programs themselves and often modify programs in response to problems encountered during test runs. After the production process is designed, relatively simple and repetitive operations normally are performed by machine setters, operators, and tenders. (See the statement on machine setters, operators, and tenders—metal and plastic, elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Some manufacturing techniques employ automated parts loaders, automatic tool changers, and computer controls, allowing machine tools to operate without anyone present. One production machinist, working 8 hours a day, might monitor equipment, replace worn cutting tools, check the accuracy of parts being produced, and perform other tasks on several CNC machines that operate 24 hours a day (lights-out manufacturing). During lights-out manufacturing, a factory may need only a few machinists to monitor the entire factory.
Other machinists do maintenance work—repairing or making new parts for existing machinery. To repair a broken part, maintenance machinists may refer to blueprints and perform the same machining operations that were needed to create the original part.
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Despite projected slower-than-average employment growth, job opportunities for machinists should continue to be excellent. Many young people with the necessary educational and personal qualifications needed to obtain machining skills may prefer to attend college or may not wish to enter production occupations. Therefore, the number of workers obtaining the skills and knowledge necessary to fill machinist jobs is expected to be less than the number of job openings arising each year from employment growth and from the need to replace experienced machinists who transfer to other occupations or retire.
Employment of machinists is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations over the 2002-12 period because of rising productivity among these workers. Machinists will become more efficient as a result of the expanded use of and improvements in technologies such as CNC machine tools, autoloaders, and high-speed machining. This allows fewer machinists to accomplish the same amount of work previously performed by more workers. Technology is not expected to affect the employment of machinists as significantly as that of most other production occupations, however, because machinists monitor and maintain many automated systems. Due to modern production techniques, employers prefer workers, such as machinists, who have a wide range of skills and are capable of performing almost any task in a machine shop.
Employment levels in this occupation are influenced by economic cycles—as the demand for machined goods falls, machinists involved in production may be laid off or forced to work fewer hours. Employment of machinists involved in plant maintenance, however, often is more stable because proper maintenance and repair of costly equipment remain critical to manufacturing operations, even when production levels fall.
Machinists train in apprenticeship programs, informally on the job, and in high schools, vocational schools, or community or technical colleges. Experience with machine tools is helpful. In fact, many entrants previously have worked as machine setters, operators, or tenders. Persons interested in becoming machinists should be mechanically inclined, have good problem-solving abilities, be able to work independently, and be able to do highly accurate work (tolerances may reach 1/10,000th of an inch) that requires concentration and physical effort.
High school or vocational school courses in mathematics (especially trigonometry), blueprint reading, metalworking, and drafting are highly recommended. Apprenticeship programs consist of shop training and related classroom instruction lasting up to 4 years. In shop training, apprentices work almost full time, and are supervised by an experienced machinist while learning to operate various machine tools. Classroom instruction includes math, physics, materials science, blueprint reading, mechanical drawing, and quality and safety practices. In addition, as machine shops have increased their use of computer-controlled equipment, training in the operation and programming of CNC machine tools has become essential. Apprenticeship classes are taught in cooperation with local community or vocational colleges. A growing number of machinists learn the trade through 2-year associate degree programs at community or technical colleges. Graduates of these programs still need significant on-the-job experience before they are fully qualified.
To boost the skill level of machinists and to create a more uniform standard of competency, a number of training facilities and colleges are implementing curriculums that incorporate national skills standards developed by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS). After completing such a curriculum and passing a performance requirement and written exam, trainees are granted a NIMS credential, which provides formal recognition of competency in a metalworking field. Completing a recognized certification program provides a machinist with better career opportunities.
As new automation is introduced, machinists normally receive additional training to update their skills. This training usually is provided by a representative of the equipment manufacturer or a local technical school. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for job-related courses.
Machinists can advance in several ways. Experienced machinists may become CNC programmers, tool and die makers, or mold makers, or be promoted to supervisory or administrative positions in their firms. A few open their own shops.
Occupations most closely related to that of machinist are other machining occupations, which include tool and die makers; machine setters, operators, and tenders—metal and plastic; and computer-control programmers and operators. Another occupation that requires precision and skill in working with metal is welding, soldering, and brazing.
For general information about machinists, contact:
For a list of training centers and apprenticeship programs, contact:
For general occupational information and a list of training programs, contact:
Although they may produce large quantities of one part, precision machinists often produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items. They use their knowledge of the working properties of metals and their skill with machine tools to plan and carry out the operations needed to make machined products that meet precise specifications. Usually, however, large numbers of parts requiring more routine operations are produced by metalworking and plastics-working machine operators. The quality of the products these machines produce depends largely on the programs, which may be produced by machinists or by CNC machine tool programmers (CNC programmers). Machinist training varies from formal apprenticeship and postsecondary programs to informal on-the-job training.
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The company believes in quality and precision that has fetched it the accolades of its clients from various parts of the world.
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These are serious tools capable of working with soft materials like wax, wood and plastic or hard materials like aluminum, brass, steel, stainless steel and titanium. Sherline Products manufactures a complete line of miniature lathes, vertical milling machines and machining accessories. There are now CNC-ready versions of each of these models plus a complete mill CNC system. This site has been growing since 1996 and contains a lot of useful information about not only the tools and accessories but also about how they are used. Of course, not everything will be of interest to you right now, but remember that a lot of good information on machining is available here should you ever need to come back for it.
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Many entrants previously have worked as machine setters, operators, or tenders. Although they may produce large quantities of one part, precision machinists often produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items. They use their knowledge of the working properties of metals and their skill with machine tools to plan and carry out the operations needed to make machined products that meet precise specifications. After this layout work is completed, machinists perform the necessary machining operations. Some machinists, often called production machinists, may produce large quantities of one part, especially parts requiring the use of complex operations and great precision.
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Machining and tooling inspectors inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards. Workers work indoors, usually in industrial settings that are noisy and potentially hazardous. Computerized numeric control machines perform the more repetitious functions. There are two apprenticeship programs for this trade in Ontario but certification is not a compulsory work requirement for this trade in the province. New apprentices entering this field are increasingly expected to have a higher level of math and reading skills than what was traditionally expected prior to the adoption of these new technologies.
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They use their knowledge of metal and tools to make products that are precise sizes and shapes. Some machinists make large quantities of one part, especially very precise parts. Next, they calculate where to cut or bore into the work piece. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. Formal EducationMost machinists learn their skills through formal training.
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A short history of machine tools. The Two Countries That Invented The Industrial Revolutionby Curt AndersonWhy do the British and American approaches to machinery differ. Rather than replacing English workers, their machines made work more precise. The steam engine cylinder could not be manufactured until machine tools had been devised that were capable of producing accurate parts. The term "Yankee ingenuity" could have been coined with Whitney in mind.
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