When operating a machining or fabrication shop, every dollar counts. Most shops have a bandsaw in their equipment lineup to alleviate the cost of getting custom-cut lengths from a metal supplier. While having a bandsaw is useful, it can still be a drag on your checkbook because of the manual labor required.

It’s that time of year where we reflect on all the things we’re thankful for! While we’re all thankful for our families and good health, as machinists, what are we thankful for? This list isn’t exhaustive, as I’m sure we’ve missed a few things, but here are nine things the machinists at Tormach are thankful for.

One of the great advantages of CNC over manual machining is the ability to create holes of almost arbitrary size using an end mill that follows a helical path.

Machining parts is easy... work-holding is the hard part! Fixturing, part setups, and work holding is a never ending skill. Any time I have the chance to tour a factory, walk a trade show, or talk shop with another machinist, I try to learn as much as possible about workholding.

Over the last decade, 3D printing has grown in popularity and decreased significantly in price. Even though 3D printing is a long way from bettering CNC machining in speed, materials, or reliability, additive manufacturing technology may have a place in everybody’s shop. If you have a mill, why do you need a 3D printer in your shop?

Machinists are always looking for ways to improve their machining - whether that's work on their machine, taking classes, or buying new accessories. Tramming is one of the ways that manual machine (knee mill) owners use to re-establish a perpendicular plane from the spindle to the table, but that term has found it's way into the CNC world as well.