How to Be Model Machinist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 11, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The machinist profession is an important profession in many industries. It requires a variety of skills, such as the ability to understand and use machine tools, read and interpret blueprints, and understand mathematics and physics. As a result of these required skills, machinists must often have a high level of education, including a technical degree or certification.

machinists need to be able to think critically and troubleshoot problems in order to be successful in their role. The outcome of this combination of skills and education is that machinists are able to create precision parts for many different industries, such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and defense. Furthermore, this expertise can lead to increased job security and higher wages.

being a machinist is an important profession that requires a high level of education and a wide range of skills.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many employers prefer candidates with a high school education, and some may require a GED.
Enroll in a machine shop training program. Training programs are available through technical schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs, and can range from six months to two years. Programs may include courses in mathematics, blueprint reading, machining techniques, computerized numeric control (CNC) programming, and machine tool operations.
Become certified in your field. The National Institute for Metalworking Skills Inc. (NIMS) offers credentials for model machinists and other related positions. NIMS credentials require an apprenticeship, minimum work experience and passing scores on written and hands-on tests.
Look for jobs as a model machinist. Job opportunities can be found through online job search websites, classified ads, and professional networking sites.
Build your skills and experience. As a model machinist, you'll have the opportunity to work with various types of machinery and tools to create intricate models. Continue to build your skills and experience in the field to stay competitive in the job market.

In order to become a skilled and qualified machinist, one must have a certain set of knowledge and skills. Firstly, it is essential to have a solid understanding of shop mathematics and blueprint reading. This includes being able to calculate speeds, feeds, and tolerances, as well as accurately interpret drawings and schematics.

Secondly, machinists must be familiar with the different types of machine tools, such as lathes and milling machines, and know how to properly operate them. they must possess the ability to accurately measure parts with precision measuring tools and inspect them for quality assurance. Finally, an attention to detail and problem solving skills are essential in this field, as machinists are often required to troubleshoot issues with machines and complete projects within tight timelines.

With these knowledge and skills, one can become a skilled and qualified machinist.

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Job Description

Set Up Machinist: The set up machinist is responsible for setting up and operating a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. The set up machinist must be able to read and interpret blueprints and engineering specifications.
CNC Machinist: The CNC machinist is responsible for programming, setting up, and operating computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools to produce precision parts. The CNC machinist must be familiar with computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software.
Lathe Machinist: The lathe machinist is responsible for setting up and operating a variety of lathes to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic parts. The lathe machinist must be able to read and interpret blueprints and engineering specifications.
Manual Machinist: The manual machinist is responsible for setting up and operating a variety of manual machine tools to produce precision parts. The manual machinist must be able to read and interpret blueprints and engineering specifications, as well as have a strong understanding of machining mathematics and cutting speeds and feeds.
Tool and Die Maker: The tool and die maker is responsible for designing, building, modifying, and repairing a variety of jigs, fixtures, dies, molds, tools, and gauges. The tool and die maker must be able to read and interpret blueprints, engineering specifications, schematics, and other related documents.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of basic machining principles
Knowledge of precision measuring tools and instruments
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics
Ability to set up and operate machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders
Ability to use precision hand tools such as calipers, micrometers, and dial indicators
Ability to use mathematics to solve problems
Understanding of safety procedures
Skill in operating computer-controlled machinery
Knowledge of CNC programming
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical problems

Being a machinist requires a wide range of skills, but one of the most important is the ability to understand and follow directions. Being able to read and understand blueprints and technical manuals is essential for machinists, as this allows them to accurately create the parts and components needed for machines. machinists must have strong problem solving skills in order to be able to troubleshoot and diagnose any issues that may arise with the machines.

They must also have good spatial reasoning skills in order to be able to visualize three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawings. Finally, machinists must be able to use a variety of tools such as drill presses, lathes, and grinders in order to design and create the parts and components needed. These skills, combined with attention to detail and the ability to work with precision, are essential for a successful machinist.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with a variety of machining tools?
How would you go about creating a model from a set of detailed engineering drawings?
Describe the process you would use to program CNC machining operations?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy when machining complex components?
What safety protocols do you follow when operating machining equipment?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest machining technology and trends?
How do you troubleshoot technical problems when machining components?
How do you handle tight deadlines and unexpected workloads?
What strategies do you use to optimize machining processes for efficiency?
What challenges have you encountered in your previous roles as a model machinist?

Common Tools in Industry

Lathe. A machine for shaping metal or wood by rotating a workpiece about an axis against a cutting tool. (eg: CNC Lathe)
Drill Press. A machine for drilling holes in metal or wood with a rotating drill bit. (eg: Pillar Drill Press)
Milling Machine. A machine for cutting and shaping metal or wood by moving a cutting tool across the workpiece. (eg: CNC Milling Machine)
Grinder. A machine for grinding and sharpening metal or wood. (eg: Bench Grinder)
Saw. A machine for cutting metal or wood by using a circular saw blade. (eg: Table Saw)
Band Saw. A machine for cutting metal or wood with a continuous loop of toothed blade. (eg: Horizontal Band Saw)
File. A tool for smoothing or sharpening metal or wood by rubbing it with a file. (eg: Flat File)
Tap and Die Set. A set of tools used to cut threads in metal or plastic. (eg: Hand Tap and Die Set)
Sander. A machine for smoothing or finishing metal or wood by abrading it with sandpaper. (eg: Belt Sander)
Reamer. A tool for enlarging holes in metal or wood with a cutting edge. (eg: Hand Reamer)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Society of Automation (ISA)
National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
American Machine Tool Distributors' Association (AMTDA)
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA)
Metalworking and Manufacturing Association (MMA)
The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA)
International Association for Production Technology (IAPT)

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Common Important Terms

Lathe. A machine tool that rotates a workpiece while a cutting tool is used to shape it.
Milling Machine. A machine tool used to shape and form metal parts by using a rotating cutting tool.
Drilling Machine. A machine tool used for drilling holes in materials such as metal or plastic.
Grinding Machine. A machine tool used to shape and sharpen metal parts by using an abrasive grinding wheel.
CNC Machine. A computer-controlled machine tool used to produce precision parts with complex shapes.
Jig. A specialized fixture used to hold and position a workpiece for machining operations.
Fixture. A device used to hold and position a workpiece for machining operations.
Tooling. The various components used in machining operations such as cutting tools, jigs, and fixtures.
CAD/CAM. Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing, which are computer programs used to design and manufacture products with precision.