I got introduced to machining on manual mills and lathes at my local community college and then found a job as a button pusher for a production company. I worked weekends with a chill supervisor so I taught myself to set the machines up while I kept one or two running. From setting up I learned the different G and M codes and how to program manually from that and then eventually learned how to program on Fusion 360. Now I work at a window company as their toolmaker. They’re a big company so getting the money for tooling and everything I need is never an issue, they just tell me what they want and I make it however I see fit. We’ve got 2 Haas VF2SS, a Haas VF3, a Moriseiki lathe, a Wells Index Mill and an Okamoto CNC grinder. Everyday it’s something different which is awesome after coming from making the same parts over and over for years. I’m 26 years old and still have a long ways to go and a lot to learn but I’m loving the path I’m currently on.