Hello looking for a mentor

[shopchick]

Hello I've been working in my shop for about 6 yrs. but i guess i was called a button pusher  ! I had a full time programmer and and I was the operator well 6 months ago I was put in complete control of all products start to finish in the shop! A little overwhelming. I have a programmer that comes in a couple days a week but he doesn't know the basics of machining I do but now I'm trying to learn the basics of programming! Doing this while running a Mill, Lathe, cut saw and manual mill becomes hectic to say the least and I would love to have someone to bounce ideas off of and for advice! Thanks hope to find a friend

[cncmike]

Hello and Welcome to the Forum.

Well it sounds like your situation is the good ole fashioned challenge.

First I will say you will do fine. I have been in situations like this when I started out some years ago and it all seems to work out as long as you have a good attitude and are willing to learn and your management team understands the learning curve you are up against. That was my situation, I was very fortunate for the management I was involved with during my beginning years in the trade.

Second, I would be happy to shoot things back and forth. I will use the disclaimer that I am no expert, but I have working in "Job Shop" environments my whole career and have seen and experienced quite a bit. Still learning and figuring out new things everyday though.

So for what it's worth, shoot away and I will help any way I can and from time to time new members join this young board and I am sure they will help also.

FYI, if you don't feel too comfortable asking questions on the main board, there is a "Members Only" board. This forum is set up that "Guests" can read anything except on log in the "Members Only" side will be visible.

So if you want a little bit of privacy for your posts and may not feel comfortable for any random guest to view a post, drop one on the "Members Only" section.

Thank you and Welcome again,

cncmike

[philld]

the idea of programming a mill without the knowledge of machining? that is just wrong!!!  you have a better chance of survival if you get rid of your so called programmer and hire someone to help out with the manual machining, while you concentrate on learining and programing your own cnc.

[JTemp]

as crazy as it sounds I have heard of alot of people taking mastercam classes and going on to get programmers jobs and they have never touched a machine in their lives.

[Get lucky]

Welcome been a bit since my last visit but I was about in the same boat six yearss ago only I had some schooling.