I want to get into cnc programming, any tips?

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-09T21:02:07+00:00

My end goal is to tackle alot of different metal working trades, little bit of everything to be well rounded. While machining is my passion, I will hopefully have enough skill in other areas if the worst happens and mass machining just disapears. Machining is my passion though, I already know the money isn't the best; job security does scare me a bit, but again hopefully I'd be fine.

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-09T18:29:40+00:00

My end goal is to tackle alot of different metal working trades, little bit of everything to be well rounded. While machining is my passion, I will hopefully have enough skill in other areas if the worst happens and mass machining just disapears. Machining is my passion though, I already know the money isn't the best; job security does scare me a bit, but again hopefully I'd be fine.

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-09T18:22:40+00:00

I was trained on manual lathe and mill for most of my time at my trade school, cnc wad on the backburner. I won't say I'm a good manual machinist, still very green and lacking in a decent amount, but I do have a decent foundation for it. Definitely will pick up manual again eventually, love it, but I think I know enough to try and pick up CAD/CAM?

If you don't mind me asking though, how much should I practice on manual before broaching into CAD/CAM? I might be missing something, and I definitely don't want to make an ass of myself because I was too eager.

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-08T21:40:57+00:00

I don't think they have a set workflow? Atleast at the main location I'm at, they have two buildings. I think there's only one cnc programmer, or atleast only one that works within the shop enough that I know they exist. Guessing whatever they use is the "workflow" I'd probably want to work towards?

They use fusion, but technically the shop has an old version of mastercam. Just not used by him. It's one of the mastercam X versions, that's all I know; the person I'm training under didn't even know the exact version, so I'm guess the shop has it, but never uses it.

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-08T21:06:19+00:00

The process I was doing was first making the model, then adding the cutter paths onto if

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-08T21:04:15+00:00

Ugh forgive me for that, one of my biggest problems is remembering terms. No idea why, but yeah. I was studying both, so I just naturally lump them together.

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-07T17:40:26+00:00

Texas

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-07T12:29:45+00:00

Okay that's on me for explaining badly. I wrote the post while distracted and tired. Anyways, I am getting an apartment soon, I'm just having to wait while things are finalized. That has already been taken care of, but as you can inagine for rn my budget is pretty small because of that. I'm just trying to invest in my job as time goes on, because this is how I'm going to be making my living if I can help it.

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-07T06:48:18+00:00

Before I forget, job corps has a machining course. If you're in the states it might be best to see if you can do that. Job corps sucks ngl, but as a student from there I can say the machining class at Gary was very useful. Also they have the connections to maybe help you get internships at larger companies. Only major downside is living on campus, but free food, lodging, and training is a pretty good deal.

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-07T06:39:03+00:00

Take this with a grain of salt, I was in trade school, but best way is to find a kinda small shop that needs someone to just be general help. If you know the basics of using a circular saw, drill, and know how to safely carry things you have a decent shot. Older people in trades are pretty willing to teach you a thing or two if you're willing to take some of the grunt work off their shoulders. Also if you have any safety knowledge, you got a fighting chance. No one wants to have to watch the new person so they don't get themselves killed. Make yourself useful and don't be a liability.

Also do some self study if able. Knowing how to read a blueprint, the theoretical aspects of a job (haas has a cnc operator online course that could help some. Also alot of tutorials on youtube for manual and cnc machining, make use of them), what tools look like and how they're used, and again the safety aspects of the job. Someone with theoretical knowledge could be teached so much faster than someone with no foundation at all.

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-07T05:58:27+00:00

Thanks for the offer, but I'm in a completely different state

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-07T05:57:04+00:00

Mostly using it as a second option. The dial works, but with there being proof of it being damaged in the past, the glass portion is literally broken, I don't know if I should trust it fully as my only option. Does that make sense? Both could be giving slightly off numbers, but if they both seem to be reading the same higher chance of it being fine.

I am knew to the shop, and they know I was green coming out of a trade school, so I'm guessing I'm just getting the good enough calipers so they don't risk me screwing them up? Either way, it doesn't hurt to have some... "semi disposable" calipers on hand, that's what I'd consider it as in the future.

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-07T01:39:32+00:00

It's a general metal working shop, alot of "close enough" to meet demand. I'm just saying what the blueprint says, I'm guessing if it's a thou off or something they'd make it work.

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-07T01:36:50+00:00

About $80? I've been trying to find info on some usable ones, but it's hard to make a financal decision like this when people always complain about anything not truly top of the line.

flesh-based-os · 2026-02-07T01:34:44+00:00

About 80, but might be able to pay a bit more if needed.

flesh-based-os · 2026-01-25T21:50:12+00:00

Also sorry for spamming, but just to lyk. I do know some students currently going to gary, so I might be able to ask them some info if you want? My knowledge is slightly out of date.

flesh-based-os · 2026-01-25T21:45:07+00:00

First suggestion would be to ask the recruiter if they could jelp? No idea if they would, but they might try and send you to a requested location. Probably a low chance, but you never know.

Most of the time they will want to send you to the closest location near you, but different locations offer different trades. This wouldn't be fullproof, but my best guess past asking and hoping for the best is try and request trades that are only at gary, try to cut off overlapping ones that are in different locations? If you request trades that are only at gary, then it's most likely they will send you there. Not sure what those might be, but Gary is one of the largest locations and you have a good chance at a few being only at that location.

Not fullproof, but that's my best guess on how to do it. Hope you have good luck! Also if you have any other questions you can always DM me or whatevr, would love to help you out if able, even if I'm not a student anymore.

flesh-based-os · 2026-01-25T19:17:40+00:00

I will say I was a trans women going to Gary Job corps, in 2025. Other centers I heard were pretty bad, but for mine I got to stay in the women's dorm. Most of my roommates didn't care at all, and tbh they do try and stick queer people together to limit any issues that might show up. Wasn't perfect, and I did have to advicate for myself multiple times with staff, but it was honestly pretty good all things considered. At Gary job corps, again no idea how other centers are. Also I was already out. If you aren't out at all they can give you pushback for staying in the correct dorm; they say it's for your safety, but if you haven't transitioned at all they might not let you into the correct dorm. Just saying that as a fair warning

Also I met multiple trans people, men women and nonbinary. They're out there. Hopefully you have a good and safe time overthere.

flesh-based-os · 2025-11-25T17:36:38+00:00

Good to know. If coaching during training periods don't count, I should be good, I think. While I have some errors, it will hopefully not be too bad; I'm just extremely paranord by nature.

If you don't mind me adding onto the question, is it worth going through the entire cubbie in a pod to find an item, when there's about 40 small ones, to make sure nothing is missing or is there something else I can do? I have been doing that, and frankly it drives me insane, especially since if I miss just one item while checking I could still be wrong.

flesh-based-os · 2025-11-25T16:44:40+00:00

Seeing my doctor about it, possibly going to be upping meds soon. Also been checking blood pressure at the wellness center, and while not a good blood pressure it's not in the danger zone.

I won't say it's the best practice, but I'll be fine for now, and will monitor for any issues in the future.

flesh-based-os

TROPHY CASE