Mill machines and what to get

Wow, I have to say I've found this thread, one of the more interesting that I've read for a while. For you guys who are practicing machinists and/or apprentices would you recommend the trade?

My brother is looking at going back to school as he developed an inner ear problem and couldn't go to sea anymore as a marine diesel mechanic. He's looking at either going back and taking welding (he's already a pretty good welder) or machinist. I think he's looking at the manual side of things at first, with the intention of doing the CNC stuff later, once he has some experience under his belt.

He's always liked working with metal and making things, but he wasn't too sure as to whether or not he'd be able to secure a required (I think) apprenticeship that would permit him to still eat...:)

The other thing was whether or not the work itself would be interesting, or would the vast majority of it be some shop foreman saying here, go make me 1,000 or these...?

I'm guessing the job must involve a lot of standing in one place on concrete for hours on end with lots of repetitive motions? Or am I wrong on that count?

What about the average salaries, opportunity for jobs out west, i.e., Alberta oil patch & related. I know he'll have no problem picking up a job welding. I'd appreciate any input you might have to offer, as deadlines are approaching for his school applications!
 
X-man,

Generally if they need 1,000 of the same part its ALOT cheaper to just run it on a CNC machine then get a machinist to do it so I dont think he'd be doing that kind of peice work. :)

He could probably find himself a good job in the oil patch as a apprentice that will still alow him to eat. I've seen some rediculas wage postings for work there even for apprentices from time to time. :)

Personally I think he has nothing to lose but alittle money, he can always sign up for the college courses and even if the machining doesnt go too well (he doesn't like it too much for example) then he can always fall back on welding and get certified there if he isn't currently right ?? :)

Dimitri
 
Tiraq, next time remotor with a 220/440 3 phase motor, and use a freqency drive. I just bought a 5 hp 3phase converter- $450.00, and this is in Calgary, the capital of over retail prices. Most guys who want a rotary converter assemble their own, it isn't that hard or expensive.

Are you aware singlephase motors have much less starting torque and pullout torque than the same hp motor in 3 phase? And they are much more complicated and unreliable than a 3 phase is.

A 13" Standard Modern is an ideal gunsmithing lathe, much better than a 9" or 10k southbend.
 
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