Hello. I am 40 years old and I am considering a career change into machining.
I’ve worked previously as a manager’s asistent, my task being to automate tasks with the python programming language. So I am VERY technically minded when it comes to computer programming.
Will this suffice for a career in CNC ? (I’m ok with just machinist status, not neccesarilly programmer).
Or does this field require specific soft skills ?
I am afraid to not set myself up for failure again… Many people told me “programming is for everyone” and it turns out …it wasn’t .
I am more afraid this job requires you to visualise 3d parts in your head… rotate, project etc…
Thanks a lot.
It’s never too late to learn a new skill. Have you looked into the building blocks? There are multiple levels in the CNC Manufacturing industry. It can be as simple as operator the one that just takes Parts in and out of machines. Also there would be a setup person sometimes that person would be the one that sets up the machine for an operator. Delv in to YouTube do some research Machining is an exciting field.
@CristiMocean, This day and age, the visualization of 3d features from 2d drawings is less cumbersome. Most of the time in our business there are 3d models that accompany the 2d drawings, so if there are questions about visualization, they can be answered by a quick look at the 3d model in MasterCam or other programming software systems. Programming skills and good computer fluency are a great starter skill. Marry that with some drive, and work ethic, and you have yourself a career in the making. I encourage you to find a shop that is willing to give you a chance to grow those skills!
Welcome to the TITANS of CNC: Academy! This may come as a surprise to some people, but I am not an engineer, a programmer, or a machinist. In fact, I knew very little about manufacturing before I came to work for TITANS of CNC.
Being a member of our INCREDIBLE TEAM has taught me many new skills. I have learned everything that I now know by watching (and editing) our tutorials. Titan, Billy, Nicole, Stuart, and Jacob have all given me the confidence to become a designer, a programmer, and a machinist.
You’ve taken the first step, @CristiMocean, by joining the Academy and posting about your journey on the TITANS Forum.
I very much look forward to seeing your RISE TO GREATNESS!
Thanks a lot everyone. It’s great to know it’s all about learning.
Knowing that I definitelly have a future in this will help me put in the work.
Thanks again
Hi, Nobody has answered the question of “Soft Skills”
Ok, here a are some: Understand Descriptive Geometry
Orthographic projection. pencil and paper drawing, (Plain old drafting)
Trigonometry and just more understanding of visualizing geometry.
This soft skill used to be called “Blueprint Reading and interpreting”
These skills are really easily done with proper teaching and just plain old time of exposure.
These skills predate the CAD systems
Soft skills are usually skills not related specifically to the trade, example, having good communication skillls (writing, reading, listening, presenting, etc.), being on time to work, completing paperwork properly, teamwork, keeping work area clean, common courtesy, respect of others, etc. Reading blueprints would fall under trade skills, necessary to do the work.
“Does bringing donuts in the morning count as a “soft skill”? Asking for my stomach.”
Is there a hidden message there ? Like… make friends with the people who got the knowledge ?
I’m not so great at making friends… this is the reason I got into programming in the first place. To avoid having to deal with people. It’s not that I am hateful or anything , it’s just usually their conversations bore me I really suck at smalltalk
I consider myself an introvert with extroverted tendencies. This means I tend to observe more than participate in most conversations (in a group).
But if there’s food involved, my mouth tends to flap a bit more (except when chewing, because manners!). So, you could say the hidden message is ‘I like people who gift me and my stomach donuts.’ LOL
I like this conversation…
After so many years of introversion, observing, learning and perfecting programming of machines. After learning manual precision machining. (absorb / soak knowledge in by immersion)
Wow, They wanted to learn from me… it all so easy…this cad/cnc stuff
Surprise, i work for money and donuts.
What knowledge do you need? from one who has been doing this since Sept. 1968
The problem of this trade and skill is lack of kn knowledge and persistence.
There will be the a-hah moments of understanding which is gratifying…
Don’t smash your forehead against the screen ever all questions answered.
Well, all mighty Zen of CNC , I come bowing to you with a pack of virtual donuts and two prayers for knowledge :
do you honestly think that anyone with average intelligence and good training can do it ?
how many hours of study it takes to get from novice to employable ?
Some context: I have IQ 126 and I am usually very creative and quite logical. Actually in my current job I constantly learn new programming libraries just because they are more suited for a task.
I love the idea of creating tangible stuff in CNC (as opposed to virtual stuff in programming) but words like trigonometry, orthographic projection, visualizing geometry seemed to point at my weak spot: I am not really great with seing 3D images in my head. Not to mention sinus, cosinus stuff which are 20 years behing me…in college
I am still deciding between a carrer change to CNC and one to Data Analysis.
I have some attraction for both fields.
Yes you can do this Cad/CNC
First, this is like learning piano and reading music.
Understanding comes after doing it by rote.
We had a 240hour class, then on the job real parts.
Yes, there was a coach to assist since this was real, not school. Douglas DC-10
IQ. no problem, Creativity is necessary after learning the basics.
Industrial arts (shop skills) wood or metal is the basis.
You can learn everything, however to get a job you may need a piece of paper which says “I can learn and will learn” this paper usually is a community college degree. Try to find a 2year program of CAd/CNC
This is a big secret, forget math formulas and that nonsense. You must know what to do with math and let the CAD machine do the math for you. I had the math PhD’s at the end of the phone to fix the system . They do not make parts i am the final user, before punching the go button on the machine and taking responsibility for the machine and the program they create…
Note this fact, most drawings and 3d models consist of two types of basic geometry, lines and circles. just lots of them. I approached cad and cnc this way, details simple yet complex when amassed . Attached picture is lines and circles
Thanks Brian. I really appreciate taking the time. It’s great to know it’s learnable. 2-3 years of training is not that much. I can wait for that. I’m only 40 And I think at this age even though my memory is not the same my thinking, patience and life experience will help me do this well.
Thanks Agostino Yeah a career change in the 40s it’s usually really scary because we have people who depend on us. It’s awesome this website exist and I plan to make the best of it as soon as I will be able to.
Like… make friends with the people who got the knowledge ?
I really suck at smalltalk 
, I come bowing to you with a pack of virtual donuts and two prayers for knowledge :
And I think at this age even though my memory is not the same my thinking, patience and life experience will help me do this well.