With the speed at which technology develops in the machining world, the opportunity and need for continued education seems to be never ending. Because of this, we found some excellent (and free) educational resources for those of you working on the front lines in shops across the nation. If you have are looking to further your understanding, you might consider checking out some of the following resources, which cover a wide range of topics and skill levels.
In addition to the resources below, we encourage you to view or sign up to receive Brooks’ current and past machine tool newsletters, which have information about a variety of machines and machining topics. Additionally, Brooks offers training on many of the machines we sell to further your knowledge and expertise.
While this list is, by no means, exhaustive, it can serve as an excellent starting point for continued (or introductory) learning.
Machinist career overview:
Career Overview offers an overview of machining careers as well as information about job prospects, training and qualifications, employment opportunities and historical earnings. This is a great place to start if you (or someone you know) are interested in the possibility of beginning a career in machining.
Machining Software, Programing, and Techniques:
The CNC Cookbook offers tutorials and interactive activities for those seeking to learn more about a wide variety of CNC topics from coding to feeds and machining techniques. It even includes a section on DIY CNC for those who are considering building their own machines to use at home.
Academia.edu includes numerous documents on a wide variety of machining topics. All you have to do is look up a topic of interest, view the documents tab, and then read any topic that interests you, making it easy to keep up on the latest in the machining world.
MachiningInfo.com includes charts, videos, formulas and even a quick reference guide for common G-codes and M-codes.
MachinistVideos.com provides videos on topics including CNC, welding, metal fabrication, and a host of other things.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers training modules, handouts, and even projects for those wishing to learn.
The Virtual Machine Shop offers Modules and information on a machining topics, including CNC/CAM, cutting, lathes, engineering, milling, grinding, EMDing, and measurements.
Modern Machine Shop offers videos on various topics in the world of machining. In addition to their videos, they offer webinars, a blog, and a magazine that cover additional topics. For an added bonus, check out the “Zones” tab, where you can view the site one topic at a time.
Hurco offers online video courses that are mostly related to their machines and software. Some, however, are more general and applicable across the board.
MIT Tech TV features a series of videos called Machine Shop. These videos cover a wide range of topics and practices in machining.
Mold Making Technology offers videos, a magazine, webinars and a “zones” area where you can get more information about specific processes in mold making and machining. This is an excellent resource for those interested in learning more about the mold making process.
Safety
The US Department of Labor offers safety information about various topics including machine safeguarding, PPE, metalworking fluids, and hands and power tools, as well as other safety concerns around the shop.
For information on eye safety, check out the CDC Eye Safety Checklist