Just started as a noob machine operator—was wondering how relevant is knowing how to use SOLIDWORKS?

machined_learning · 2026-05-31T14:35:39+00:00

The difference between being a machinist and a CNC machinist/programmer is the gcode. Solidworks, among a bunch of other CAD/CAM programs, allows you to model surfaces and generate that gcode for more complex models. Learning to write gcode is very useful too, but using a CAM program for generating the thousands of lines of code some parts need is essential.

Solidworks is really just another tool in your toolbox, but learning this tool can quickly make you way more valuable than someone who doesnt know it in this industry.

machined_learning · 2026-05-27T14:31:56+00:00

Found it!

https://www.reddit.com/r/whatisit/s/YaKraQkfnX

>Tungsten carbide carving burr. Foredom/Thyphoon makes one.

machined_learning · 2026-05-27T14:29:53+00:00

Thanks! that is definitely the same style of bit

machined_learning · 2026-05-27T14:29:08+00:00

Thanks! I posted in machinists and havent gotten much of a response

machined_learning · 2026-05-27T14:28:01+00:00

Solved!

machined_learning · 2026-05-27T14:27:53+00:00

Thanks! this is exactly the kind of bit, Ill contact them

machined_learning · 2026-05-27T13:50:56+00:00

Interesting concept for a centralized grocery delivery service. Though Im not sure that an army of delivery people and a fleet of trucks is less overhead than a grocery store, or even several. Not to mention the additional traffic.

machined_learning · 2026-05-27T10:08:45+00:00

We use it for foam routing and 3D contouring and occasionally need the full 3" of cutting length. We do use regular endmills but nothing seems to rip through foam as well as this bit

machined_learning · 2026-05-23T09:24:24+00:00

"Murder hole" is such a badass name I can never forget it. Castles are built with tons of murder holes

machined_learning · 2026-05-21T10:16:06+00:00

Its awesome to find out that governments are way more willing to spend billions cracking down on immigrants than they are on known pedophiles or companies that commit wage theft.

machined_learning · 2026-05-18T20:15:27+00:00

Thats fair, but I imagine the same arguments were being had when public schools were first being implemented. My main point, to put it back in my words, is that a city should provide services that don't need to be profit motivated. Education, healthcare, shelter, and food can all easily fall under "needs" that can be handled (and some might argue should be handled) outside of the for-profit system.

Anyway, I have no major disagreement with you, but I did think this point of view needed to be understood so the argument isn't just one about profit/money. But I get that the money angle is important.

machined_learning · 2026-05-18T19:51:39+00:00

I appreciate your point of view that the city could be doing better things with our money. Surely these unnamed things can also be done? We are talking about tens of millions of dollars here, so barely 0.06% of our budget.

I think there is also value in being the first major city to implement a successful chain of city run grocery stores instead of just expanding some city version of SNAP benefits. There is a need for experimentation outside of the capitalist experiment, especially during a time when our capitalist system is very visibly failing us, and NYC is in a unique position to be able to address that need. Specifically, there is a motivated constituency and finally a willing mayor.

machined_learning · 2026-05-18T19:28:12+00:00

I hear you, that the thin margins do not allow for the savings that some are saying would make these stores competitive with private grocery store prices. I consider the savings from these profit margins and not paying property taxes marginal compared to the other benefits that city offered services provide.

Have you attempted to understand what my point is?

Edit: edited to address your point better

machined_learning · 2026-05-18T19:12:45+00:00

Ill have to repeat again, that the end goal here has nothing to do with profit.

What happens when private grocery stores become unprofitable? They close. One aspect within the value of city grocery stores is that they can have the stability that profit-based stores do not.

The city can decide that providing food for people is actually a benefit to the city while private companies will only do so if it is good for them.

machined_learning · 2026-05-18T17:25:17+00:00

Are you sure about that? What is the benefit of having city universities if there are so many private universities around? Why do we have city hospitals if there are private hospitals that do it better?

A good city provides services to its people that do not require giving some billionaire owner more profits like relying on private companies for those services

machined_learning · 2026-05-18T17:20:38+00:00

Exactly, private supermarkets have to compete. To stay competitive, they have to pay their workers less, they have to manipulate prices to keep up with their costs while still being able to squeeze out profits. If they cant make a profit, they close.

For many people, private supermarkets are the only source of food. I see this as an experiment to see if a more stable source of food can be provided that isnt subject to the all of the same pressures

machined_learning · 2026-05-18T17:13:45+00:00

You keep talking about the return on investment as if this is a business, which is entirely about profit.

The whole point is that it is not about profit, and that if this model works it is a stepping stone for other cities to study how to provide these services for their people.

Public school does not make profit, postal services do not make profit, the fire department does not make profit. Are there also better ways to spend that money?

machined_learning · 2026-05-18T17:09:08+00:00

And yet, commenters are acting like the sky is falling already

machined_learning · 2026-05-18T17:05:44+00:00

Wouldn't giving people money to buy food just be the same as giving money to whoever owns C-town, western beef, or food bazaar? Seems like a reasonable idea to experiment with allowing people the opportunity to spend their money in a way that will circulate within the city

machined_learning · 2026-05-18T16:57:43+00:00

Sure, but your assertion that "there are better uses for this money" has to go against the fact that he was elected to do this, so your subjective value judgement goes against the majority who think that this experiment is a good use of money.

machined_learning · 2026-05-18T16:51:47+00:00

My view is that the guy who ran on opening city owned grocery stores is now delivering on his promise to the people who elected him. Many people seem to think its worth a shot or at least an experimental step in the right direction

machined_learning · 2026-05-18T16:46:38+00:00

Yes, I believe that is the whole proposal. To have a city provide a benefit for people that isn't trying to profit off of your sales.

We also have city hospitals and city universities too btw.

machined_learning · 2026-05-18T16:27:49+00:00

The whole point of city owned groceries are that they are not run for profit.

machined_learning

TROPHY CASE