Quote Originally Posted by WESTERNAERO View Post
The best machinist now days started on conventional machines. Then learned to program by hand (actually need to know trig for this) and run tape. Then learned CAD/CAM. Then learned 5-axis. All the while collecting data in they're brains about materials, tooling, processing, etc. These guys are getting close to retirement now. Welcome the new age machinist right out of trade school that can't even describe how it feels to run a hacksaw through a beer can but he can CAD draw the shit out of an impeller.
Like I said in a previous post, the best of the best CNC machines is useless in the wrong hands. Even though the program could be perfect, the wrong tool/bad tool, on the wrong angle can be just as harming as the wrong speed/feed. A Sunnen Cylinder King in the wrong hands can jack up a cylinder worse than a 1950s Kwikway with somebody that knows what he is doing.