Machine Shop Work

Background

I lead production work in Gonzaga's Herak Manufacturing Technology Center. The role covers material procurement, CNC program prove-outs, final inspection, and delivering components within the tolerances they were drawn to.

Machining

I work from SolidWorks drawings to finished components on 3-axis Haas mills and lathes, and on manual mills and lathes, including the ProtoTrak DPM. The work covers program prove-outs, workholding and setup, tool selection and final inspection.

Milling the turner cube.

Training Parts

I machined the bishop and the rook in the shop. I designed the bishop, and it was adopted as an official part in the training catalogue.

I use the turner cube to teach students the mill and CNC programming.

Fabrication and Welding

I fabricate sheet metal components end to end: plasma cutting, shearing and press brake forming, including selecting the stock and the process for each job.

I weld using both MIG and TIG depending on the material and the joint. I also use 3D printers for rapid prototyping and fixturing.

Plasma cutting on the table.

Plasma-cut metal flowers. — Plasma-cut metal flowers, made for Mother's Day to be placed in a garden.

Training and Supervision

I supervise and train over 50 students and new employees on machining fundamentals and shop safety, to the standard where they can complete their own work independently.

50+

Students and new employees trained on machining fundamentals and shop safety.