I have read a lot of books about "chip making" (Newer machining guru jargon, from indicators of the chip itself helping with carbide feed, speed, and depth of cut settings). But the real learning comes from doing it. After my first degree (associates in machine tool technology), I was so "green" when I got my first job. In fact, I was green at all of my first 15 (approx.) jobs because I was always doing and learning something different. By the last 10 jobs---I taught them a trick or three.
I thank all my employers (like they will see this) for the education I actually got paid for (but not enough due to outsourcing), and the opportunity it gave me.

One thing I learned in the field that I probably never learned from a book (but the book fundamentals are just as important to truly become a good and versatile Machinist IMO--and I have had more study on the subject since that first and now outdated degree), is----There is more than one way to mill or turn a cat. When you know a lot of them---start your own business because you will pretty much know how to make anything you need from a metal cutting machine.

One part where I am weak is 3D programming with a computer and a tool path program and part (data) construction program. So if you Hull guys want to make a new mold from a CNC mill, I will be silent for the first time here (and only time when it comes to machining).

I am sure there are several guys here that can fill in the blanks where the book leaves off (like Steve, Jim and others), or there would be no good boat and component production here.

I am glad I learned how to make things. I guess it is up to us to teach it also, if we want the future generations to have a chance. Yea,--I'll make that 12 year old kid do all the finish porting work. I'd even pay him better than a public union "worker" if he only scratched the plating of 1 of 100.

As far as Machining goes, I bet the "new-be" is in better hands here than most any other RC chat site. And that is coming from a guy with a " -1 karma".

"As far as Machining goes, I bet the "new-be" is in better hands here than most any other RC chat site. And that is coming from a guy with a " -1 karma". "

BTW Im not the one that pushed your karma down again; likely that political stuff .........

As far as Machining goes, I bet the "new-be" is in better hands here than most any other RC chat site. And that is coming from a guy with a " -1 karma".

Don't worry about the karma, concentrate on giving valid information that can be used by any modeler to make his stuff work better.

JA