Gent Machine is fortunate to have several Master Level Davenport screw machinists and CNC machinists. Dave recently shared his experience as a 40-year veteran of the industry. His machining journey started after he decided to answer an advertisement in a machine shop in Cleveland that read, Machinist Wanted – Will Train. Dave’s favorite part of machining is starting and finishing a set up and having it run well. For those new to machining, setting up a new job is quite a process and a very valuable skill. First, a machinist has to tear down the last job. This means removing all the tools, tool holders, cams, collets and pushers, as well as the gears. Once the machine is bare, the machinist is ready to install what is required for the new part being produced, adding new tools, tool holders, cams, collets and pushers, and new gears. The machinist determines all the parts needed by looking at the set-up sheet or layout provided. This requires knowing how to read print specs, how a particular machine runs, and understanding tool wear.
Running screw machines can be frustrating when it comes to getting a job to run correctly. Of particular angst can be both internal and external threads that have extremely close tolerances.Dave possesses key attributes to deal with the frustrations required for a successful set-up including:
- patience
- the ability to realize the everyone has issues with machines at times with a focus on the big picture.
- solid basic math skills
- top notch trouble shooting. Understanding what is not causing a problem is as important as understanding what could be causing a problem. This understanding saves time and creates focus on the issue.
- reading blueprints
- knowing how to use gauges, such as micrometers, digital dial indicators, and plug gauges
Gent Machine’s customers benefit from Dave’s valuable input on jobs. Dave knows it is not his input alone that makes the Davenports hum. He appreciates how everyone in his department helps to train each other. There are many skilled individuals willing to slowly bring new machinists along in their new roles. Working on a screw machine can be truly monotonous at first, but like any new skill, repetition is how a person slowly evolves into a master.
Dave was one of only a few screw machinists who helped with the set-up and running of ventilator parts at the beginning of Covid. He said wearing a mask has been awful, especially with the summer’s hot temperatures. Overall, he said it can be loud and oily, but good music, the ability to make a good living, the love of working with his hands, and the ability to make a machine hum bring him to Gent every day.