Long format view and commentary on basic tool kit for the first year to year and a half of a career machinist apprentice. Link to PDF list of the tools. dl.dropboxuser...
This is great, I just purchased an identical Kennedy toolbox last weekend to start collecting some of my own small machining tools, mostly measuring devices.
Hello Tom, I'm currently selling a machinist tool collection from a retired machinist in which he no longer needs. I'm an estate liquidator and your video was extremely educational. Really needed this kind of lesson. Thanks again and God Bless!!
All great stuff and tips. I have worked all over the world and people a shocked at my tool bag down size everything, throw in some drill bits and box end wrenches.
hey Tom I am a pool builder from Niagara Falls,Canada. I love your videos. I am a lover of all tools. Since watching your videos I have fallen in love with machinist tools. I like you shop at all my local flea markets and I now have maybe a second year set of tools. I love all things Starrett. I even buy parts that I am not sure what they are for as long as they say Starrett or they look similar to the tool parts I know are Starrett. I also have a great number of hammers such as you but maybe not quite. last count was 53. I don't have a rack like yours yet... I just want to say thank you for your knowledge of the craft and I hope one day to know a few machines for my retirement days. I love to learn new things and your are an awesome mentor, I hope to learn more about how things work and what the tools I have purchased are used for!!! Thanks, Charles..
Excellent show, sir! One of these days I'd like it if you'd document, for lack of a better term, how your work and education came together. For example, "In 1981 I worked days it XYZ machine shop and went to ABC college at night" and so on.
If I can recommend some versions of a couple of those tools that I expected to be a gimmick and useless: the vise grip crescent wrench - it's got the clamping handle from a vise grip which tightens it that last little bit. Crescent wrenches used to drive me nuts with how you just couldn't snug em right up to the bolt, these eliminate that. And then there's the pivoting ratcheting crescent wrench. It doesn't snug up to the bolt like the other one I mentioned, but if you need to get into a weird area with a wrench, it can be a lifesaver. And then on wrenches, I think ratcheting wrenches are the future for wrenches. I've only found this type from one brand, and they've been AMAZING for me... Husky LOCKING pivoting ratcheting wrenches. If you don't have the locking lever, the pivoting heads have a tendency to wind up floppy. If you always lock them (on whatever angle you're using them on), you can prevent them from going floppy like that. I love these wrenches...
Hello Tom, awesome video. I liked how you explained what the tool was, and how you would use it. I also liked the fact that you said you don't have to have the most expensive tools right from the start, but to keep investing in your tool box, and your future!! Kevin
Anyone mention a small mirror (not for fixing your makeup). Stuff can make it's way passed safety glasses and into an eye. A folded, pointed wet piece of paper always seemed like the best way fish it out. A trusted buddy with a steady hand even better. When I worked in shops it always seemed like a new guy (apprentice or otherwise) was judged on the first day by the tools they wheeled/carried in, not that it ever meant much skill-wise, one way or the other. I think you should have underscored the fact that the decision to buy a 24 inch scale meant it was time to buy a larger box :) Nice video.
I do remember how incredibly expensive the tools were compared to my living expenses. The accumulation was slow. Fortunately, my father was a master machinist and slid a few tools my way occasionally. (He built the tactical board for the USS Alabama) I had a tool box exactly like that one, but it had handles.
I started 5 months ago in my apprenticeship and within a week i needed mics calipers rule indicators hammers files ext... but also they put me on a okuma cnc my first day.
I got a Kennedy tool box from the early to mid 90 and I bought it for 250 it has square handles it was bought used from creg list and brand new my box right now is 600$ it is a 11 drawer box and I love it best 250$ I spent for work
Honestly speaking, in any shop were you CAN supply your own tools buy a small high quality rolling tool tray, beta tool make a nice one, they are big enough to carry most of you common use tools, there not obtrusively or rudely big, they lock you tools safely with a key and they can be used as a small portable work bench
Most shops dont allow gloves because of the safety hazzard involved with them. If you get your finger stuck in the spindle.. the spindle could catch on the glove and either pull the finger/fingers of or suck up the whole hand and sometimes arm! It's something to have in mind. I've seen it happen before and its not pleasant!! Be safe out there guys and girls! And have a nice day!😊
Hey Tom, good video. You hit it pretty good, especially emphasizing the type of work you do. I don't have work gloves in my box, or dividers, center head, or protractor head. Im sure I would have the layout stuff if I worked under you though, haha. Cheers.
Colin, you're not the only one.lol. Those Kennedy 520 boxes are great; and I'm NOT a Machinist, I'm a Top Millwright / Senior Underground Mine Maintenance Mechanic and I keep all of my measuring tools and precision instruments in my box.
Im a millwright apprentice my union hall gave me a list of things to get when i started but im almost done the apprenticeship now and it's funny what additions i made that were nt on said list. Do you have any must haves? I work alot in the car plants,steel mill,food plants,power generation.
For me it was the Kennedy 526b top chest, 8 Drawer. with the side handles, so that you could carry it around from machine to machine as you needed. Love that chest! I can all but close my eyes, and reach over for the exact drawer that has the tool I need in it.
I'm actually just going to take The machinist entry level course or year 1 at the college this fall I'm 36 years old, 5th trade hope this one sticks, trained in 4, no one willing to give experience
For CNC or high production folks, Quite a few carbide/cutting tool makers no longer use TORX, its mostly Torx+ and if you are not using torx+ you should be. And index-able screwdrivers are a more all around choice in this front. I highly recommend buying a version of the below: www.amazon.com/Capri-Tools-CP21075-Certified-Screwdriver/dp/B00VPPJWLW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462846580&sr=8-1&keywords=torque+limiting+screwdriver A torque limiting ratchet will save you many dollars in tool holders.
Hi Rob, My feeling on the dyken is its a consumable like toilet paper and should be supplied by the company. You are right I really like having my own bottle. Keeps the slopmeisters out of the jug. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom
The link to your list isn't working for me It's a real specialized thing, but I have a few pairs of brass pliers that I use a lot. I don't know where to get them besides Plastic Process Equipment. They are useful for pulling expensive stuck parts apart without damaging them in the process.
Also bring your own lathe and mill to work, if you apply as a metrology guy bring your own Zeiss 3 axis machine with you... weird companies in the US...
+Jesus von Nazaret I thought the same at first. But finally it's better to be responsible for your tools. If tools belong to the company they get abused, lost/robbed, or someone is already using the one you need. Plus you don't have to beg to your boss to invest in new tools. You just buy it yourself.
Takes me back to July 10, 1961 when I started my time. Dad outfitted me with a 6" scale and a mechanical pencil. $2.19 per hour up from $1.97 the year before. I was issued an empty tool box (19" Kennedy) and 35 tool checks. My recollections of that day 55 years ago are still vivid. Good trade. In all that time, I always had work, always had enough money, never had to go hungry. When one shop had to cut back, another shop down the street was eager to hire me. You fellows entering the trade be careful you don't turn into one trick horses. Learning to run a lathe and a mill makes you an operator, not a machinist. You have a load of peripheral stuff to learn as well: trade math and physics. plan reading, mechanical drawing and sketching, welding, grinding, fitting, CNC in all its manifestations, tooling, safety, cleanliness, planning, industrial organization and lots more. These are the mental tools that bring that tool list of Tom's to life and you to working class prosperity.
@@helios7415 Central Tool issued me a 19" sheet metal Kennedy brown crackle painted, felt lined machinist tool chest with 10 drawers, and a hinged top. I speculate this box and a million like it were GSA issue used by civilian machinists employed through out the civil service and technical military from Naval shipyards to Corp of engineers to Aids to Navigation to Smithsonian Museum restorers and every thing in between since WW II. Nothing fancy but very servicable and cheap.
I watched your whole video because you started with a 6 inch scale. I've eaten chili using it as a spoon, scraped out chips with it, used it as a shim. Hell, sometimes I even measure stuff with it!
I apologize if you mentioned this and I missed it. Make sure if you find yourself borrowing the same inexpensive tool over and over from a coworker that you acquire that tool as soon as possible. It can be very aggravating to have an apprentice borrow the same $30 tool for months on end without showing any interest in buying his own.
+Rambozo Clown That will also highly depend on your experience, willingness to learn, etc. Sometimes you may show up figuring all I'm going to get to do on my first day or first week is clean. Your boss, may think otherwise and have you assisting other employees with various tasks.
Rambozo Clown on my first day, I got the chance to work with a senior machinist. I began my apprenticeship the summer before my senior year of high school. As I entered the school year, my manager only had me doing grunt work. The machinist tried to get me training, but it was very rare. It sucked cause I wanted to learn how to be a machinist, not how to clean the shop, destroy parts and other grunt work stuff. Don’t get me wrong, grunt work has its purpose, but you can only do so much of it. I was also required to get a certain hours of machining each month. Towards the end of the school year, I began doing more machining. This summer, I’m getting full training. I’ve been doing setup, CNC ops and I’m learning how to program. I’m also enrolled in a college machinist program this fall, I’m really excited. Machining is great 👍
I just aquired this exact box only its really old. full of machinist tools. it was owned by a machinist that was a tool maker for the air force at Martin airforce base in MD. he was there when the B52 bombers were being made. I made a video about the tools I recieved. I'm an electrician by trade but these new tools and this video really make me want to start all over and become a machinist
Man, you hit the nail on the head. I've been at a gear grinding shop for over 12 years now and am actually taking stuff home I never use. After 40+ years in this business, I'm actually making room in my boxes. The one thing I would add is a quality pair of safety glasses with good optics.
Tom, this video is right on. May be one of the few that directly address the beginners. Your list seems very similar with Keith Fenner's tool list for his toolbox giveaway which is a good thing! I like your recommendations. I might say get a toolbox that can hold a 24" scale or straight edge and not the 20" toolbox but that is just me. One thing I remember from years ago was I got the cheapest steel toe safety boots. My feet and back suffered terribly until I wore those out. If you have the inclination for a follow-up video, it might be interesting to cover proper clothing that is confortable and practical, safety boots, safety glasses, dust mask, ear protection and whatever else. Daniel
At my shop i keep a small flash light a small calculatora 6 inch scale a scrib a pen marker in a white out pen in a lil writing memo book .all in my uniform shirt pocket
Don't forget... Return the tool to the box and drawer it came from.... If borrowed, return to the hand that lent it to you.... Furthermore!!...Never go into another mans toolbox.... Never!... My buddy says "Top left Drawer"...I won't do it ...Unless he is waiting for me to retrieve it for him!.... Then it is in his hands!
Do true apprenticeships exist anymore? Ive only been in the trade 5-6 years,(Im 31) I'm tired of hearing from the old timers talk about how Im not going through a proper apprenticeship, and like to tell me how it was in the old days. Well no apprenticeship was offered to me at any company, they don't want to invest the time/money/training.
Get on department of labor website look up apprenticeship or indeed companies have apprenticeship opportunities. I have the same problem but I am just trying to get experience. I think you will find once you get x years of experience an apprenticeship doesn't matter anymore cause companies know a lot of companies are not investing in employees.
That's because much of the trade has been offshored...That looms over the heads of many...It's hard to compete with the rock bottom labor costs offered by the Asian Market...
well done and as you said it depends on the shop that you are working in and the type of work your doing. one rule that I used for myself and for apprentices is that if you have to ask to borrow a tool more than 3 times it is time for you to start looking at getting it for yourself. thanks again.
Hi Steve, Did I claim something? I don't think so. There are as many systems as their are shops. If you read the European viewers they are shocked that apprentices even have to have any of their own tools. Your setup sound like a reasonable way to get the apprentices the tools they will need to ply the trade. In four or five years I would be disappointed if an apprentice didn't have well beyond a basic kit. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom
Part 1 Day 1 Cutting tool - either a utility knife or pocketknife Tape measure 3m or 10ft- Inch and metric ruled preferred always have on your person Mechanical pencil and sharpie type markers blue and black and red 6in 150mm metal ruler aka scale inch and metric Shirt with pockets so you can always carry markers, pencil, and 6 in metal ruler. 3x5 notebook Your cell phone is a tool. Mechanics gloves - hand protection ppe. Safety glasses Part 2 0 - 3 months Toolbox, Kennedy 520 style as example Always mark your tools!!! Allen wrench sets - inch and metric ball driver tips round holders are preferred top of toolbox 8oz ball pein hammer bottom of toolbox Multi-screwdriver Phillips #2 and flat-blade 6in mill smooth file with handle for deburring Adjustable wrench 6in and 8in extra wide opening preferred 6in calipers $50 price range in second drawer up on toolbox 0 to 1in micrometer $50 price range Part 3 3 - 6 months Three corner scraper for deburring top of box Rotary deburring Noga or Royal brand top of box Tin snips bottom of toolbox Soft face hammer 16-24oz., bottom of toolbox Hacksaw frame with bi-metal blade Center punch square is preferred, no roll 6in needle nose plyers bottom drawer Diagonal cutters 6in in bottom of toolbox 8in file mill smooth file in bottom of toolbox 3 corner file 6in or 8in in bottom of toolbox Tapping guides top of toolbox Tweezers precision splinter type Vice grip locking pliers bottom of toolbox Part 4 6 - 9 months 1/8 parallel set top of toolbox 12in Combination square, good quality. Starrett, Brown & Sharpe, Lufkin, Mitutoyo Edge finder .200 x .500 Thread pitch gauges inch and metric Tap handles small and large and a tapping wrench 0 - #10 ¼” - ½” capacity Drill truck Jacobs is fine 0 to 1/2 in ball bearing type straight shank 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 inch micrometers Multi anvil micrometer 0-1” Depth micrometer small set 0-3 or 0-6 Simple protractor Helios brand is good Telescoping gauge set Part 5 9 - 12 months 1in travel indicator with lug on the back Mighty Mag base Noga brand indicator holder articulated with mag base Carbide tip scriber, retractable. Mill vise stop clamp. Jaw clamp style Mill stock stop, Type that bolts to machine table. Set of picks (dentist picks are great) Set of small c-clamps or Kant twist type clapms. Dry pin punches 1.5mm to 5/8” Scalpel or Exacto knife Small inspection mirror, swivel type is good. Set of 1,2,3 blocks Part 6 12 - 18 months 2 Sets of V blocks in two sizes (4 V-blocks total) two sizes Brown and Sharp 750B and a smaller size Fishtail V block Set of feeler gauges Test indicator Brown and Sharp Best Test indicator is an example 6in hook ruler Flexible ruler 12in or 300mm 600mm or 24in ruler or adjustable square again 24in Machinist square 3” to 6” 6in 150mm dividers Fishtail gauge Jewelers loop Torx set, butterfly style is nice Adjustable parallels 12” Dial/Digital calipers Abrasive stones Norton 1B134 combo bench stone fine and course Easy lap diamond honing stones course and fine Feel free to correct as necessary. all errors are mine. The pdf link is broke so I remade the list from the video. I probably butchered it somewhat but it's a starting point. Tom sent me the pdf so I reconciled his list with my list, his list was more detailed, and that is this list. Feel free to copy and update as you see fit. This list only serves to save Tom some time but I don't think he minds.
A very thoughtful selection job on an almost impossible task. There were once trade schools, and Alexander Weygers (a blacksmith, suclptor, artist and writer) says that the first year all that was required was rule, scribe, hacksaw and 24 different files (that should warm your heart). He was a marine engineer, and they spent the whole first year cutting and filing. Those times are gone. And maybe a CNC shop might be different from a manual shop. Still, you cannot go wrong with your selection.
Great video ! Buying tools is always overwhelming. I personally hate having a bunch of tools I never use. There is also no better feeling than having the right tool for the job. It's a delicate compromise to find.
Tom Great video and I whole heartily agree with you when I first started my apprenticeship my dad gave me a basic set of mechanical tools with the caveat that they were to be replaced by me after one year. I was a little pissed that he didn't give them to me but there was a method to his madness. I worked my but off to replace all of them in six months and from that time on-wades I appreciated having my very own tools and I would try and buy the best that I could afford. To this day which is some fourty five years I still have that same appreciation for my tools I buy the best I can afford and I use them as they were designed to be used and look after them. As a side note to this, it is my opinion that when you have your own tools you will treat other peoples tools with that same respect you have for your own. There will always be exceptions to this but generally that is what I have found. Dave
Very nice list Tom, I cant think of anything I would add for a general box. Thanks for thinking of topics that many who have been doing this a long time tend to forget about.
Well how about that. Machining does seem like a good fit for me. I have much of this in my toolbox already from years served in the construction industry and random hobbies of mine. Now I just need to find a sponsor company so I can dig into this apprenticeship.
I never understood that american manner of an employee having to bring and provide for his own tools especially when they´re so damn expensive. I dont get it from an employers viewpoint as well (besides the saved expenses). It messes with your whole quality management system if everybody is using different tools, increases the calibration effort, traceability and much more trouble. I´ve worked in several machineshops in germany and not once I had to bring even a scale with me. Its provided, like it should be. It might be that you get a set of tools assigned to you based on the kind of work you do. You "keep" these as long as your working for the company or until they get replaced. You may share the tools with one or multiple defined coworkers. I shared a set of tools with one colleague over years. Id use them in my shift and he in his and vice versa. It also may be that you get the tools you need for the specific job or day from the tooling department and return them in the afternoon. Next day you may get different tools. But its paid, maintained, calibrated and replaced by the company. Why do I as a employee have to provide the most basic and necessary resources for the company to run its very business? I dont buy machines, I dont buy stock materials. The office worker doesnt bring his own pc or his personal copy of Excel. It´s ridiculous. I get that it has it advantages, you´re probably more efficient with tools that specifically fit you, you might take better care of them because they´re yours. Those are things that not you but only company benefits from. Where is your advantage as an employee besides using the tools privately? You´re not likely to be able to use most of that tooling for yourself. Not everyone like us here has his own homeshop or is even practicing his trade as a hobby as well. Your paying for resources the company uses to make its money. Isnt it supposed to be be the other way around? Enlighten me. No offense by the way. Nice tools and really useful list. You just made me spent a bunch of money... :)
+Dope Nope - To a certain extent, it is to be sure that the employee has a stake in preserving the tools. Protecting them from damage and loss. If the employee runs the lathe carriage into the chuck, someone will notice. If he sets down a 6" scale and forgets it, should it be the employee or the company that replaces it? Somewhere between those is the dividing line. There is also the desire of the real craftsman to have good tools of known quality rather than depend on a tool from the "crib" which may have been mistreated by someone else.
I'd venture that it has to do with the type of people working in the machinist craft in the USA more than anything else. People who may not own their own lathe and mill, but feel a need to be ready to switch shops, and be able to demonstrate to the new boss that they do know how to use their own tools of the trade, before being allowed to demonstrate their incompetence on the big ticket shop tools. There is also a fair number of machinists who take their trade home with them. My grandpa was a machinist for a tractor factory, and in his own time was a tool inventor for a couple of automotive companies. You can't do the latter without your own set of tools. I'm sure he had duplicates of many items, but that's not all that unusual even in a shop owned tool setup, as you don't want to have to stop production to go get a new tool from a local tool maker, or even wait for the snap-on rep to show up with a new set of tools. I personally wish that I had had a chance to learn some of what he knew about machining, but did get my first taste of learning electronics from him before he passed away when I was in my early teens. I've got his toolbox, (same as the one in this video, but older) and some of his tools, but it's an odd mix compared to the collection in the video. I'm pretty sure that much of it went the way of 'well, I have no idea what this is for, throw it.' after he passed away.
Owning and using your own tools is the mark of a craftsman, be it a machinist, a woodworker or a mechanic. I transport my own tools to whatever job I am doing and I KNOW the condition, operation, and inventory. I hate to rely on somebody else to provide me with the items I need to complete a task. (and NO, the lathe or mill doesn't count as the "tools" I bring to the job).
I’m apprenticing to be a tool and die maker and my employer purchased my tool chest and tool box and all my tools I will need on the job. And I start at 20 bucks an hour. I can’t imagine being an apprentice and only making 12-15 an hour, plus having to buy my own tools. It wouldn’t be worth it!
Hacksaw is best up to one square inch cross section. Get a supply of blades - 6 each of 14, 24 and 32 tpi. A sharp blade cuts fast. A dull blade frustrates. Best personal tweezer is from A G Russell. I'd like to see a friction-joint hermaphrodite caliper - 6 or 8". Good for scribing to an edge. Definitely scribe your name or initials onto each tool; but also get a colored paint marker. You can see a "flash" from across the shop. Choose your color after seeing what colors are used by other folks in your shop.
Just wanted to come back to this video and say a huge Thank You! I watched this video 8 years ago when I started my apprenticeship and was so overwhelmed. You helped me with what to get starting out, now I'm a Journeyman Toolmaker and a supervisor in my department. My tool box is now full of all the tools you recommended plus a lot more, thank you so much!!
It's a bit different in the motor trade, the tool we give apprentices on the first day is a broom, and if they can handle that they graduate to a mop day 2
@@davidparker667 Professional workshops are not kept clean and tidy by secret work shop fairies. All the mechanics in the workshop no matter how experienced keep it that way. That lesson starts at the begging of the apprenticeship. We also teach them to not wipe their filthy hands all over themselves while working and how to use rags and wash hands so they look like a professional mechanic not a grease monkey, and are not wearing overalls impregnated with flammable solids and or liquids. (See next lesson) Then we move on to other lessons like "how to not poke your eye out or set yourself on fire"
@@AuMechanic horses ass u waste your time and money expecting your mechanics to clean your shop. Let me see how clean it is. I keep my work area clean for lean operation. Gas turbine repair ain’t your tire and oil shit show
I'm a retired Network Engineer; but, I find all your videos very interesting. One question. I note that you have a very nice apron. Anything special about it??? Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.
+Ray Reese He received that particular apron in episode 48 of his "Monday Night Meatloaf". Here's the code for the video, just copy and paste it over this video's code in the URL bar up top. > watch?v=lTX7Hl449SQ < minus the arrows. I'd post a full link, but TH-cam insta-labels those comments as spam.
I too noticed the apron and have been trying to find something similar to use. Tom where can we find something similar to that. It would really come in handy. Thanks, and great content. Really enjoyed this one.
Tom, This is the second time I've watched this video -- great video both times!. The only caution I've got to mention is to be careful and verify the calculator app on your smartphone. A few years ago, I watched as one coworker calculated a basic trig function, but he knew the app was giving him the wrong answer. A second coworker tried the same calculation and got the correct answer. Between the two of them, the second coworker found the problem in the first guy's app. It turned out that whoever wrote the first calculator app forgot to convert from radians to degrees! Always verify your app's results before you depend on them! My 2¢, Bob
Hi Bob, Good point. I always prefer engineering references to web surfed ones for important stuff. Lots of content out there but not much screening. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom
If you're just starting out and haven't found an apprenticeship yet don't stop looking. The skills learned are invaluable when your employer decides to be an offshore importer, or decides to chase butterflies for the rest of his days.
Dale, thanks for taking the time. I am coming to the end of one career, "26 years military" and looking to retire from that and completely switch jobs. I.e. going from helicopter pilot to machinist. Your videos have been helpful. Question. Would it be weird to ask a local machine shop if I could work for them, minimum wage, as long as they taught me something every single day? I don't care if I am cleaning the shitter, I just want to learn fabrication. End state to open my own job shop some day.
Work culture in USA is weird... in Finland your employee gets you the tools you need to work and they can't ever ask you to have your own to do your job. Obviously if you're a contractor or freelancer, things are different, but as an normal employee -> employer pays for tools and equipment. Another thing is that even an apprentice/trainee machinist in Finland gets at least 13€/hour. that's 15$/hour with current conversion rate. Because for a trainee the pay is at least 85% of the normal wage for a machinist. :)
Seems like getting the ebook version of the Machinery's handbook would be a good idea (+ only $16), so get all the search functionality with a single reliable answer.
Great tour of the apprentice tool box. OK so I am almost equipped to be an apprentice. I come up short on the 1-2-3 blocks and the gauge blocks. I guess it is good that I am not looking for an apprentice job. Thanks for the video.
Wow great job on such a difficult subject. But you forgot.....(lol) for me I would add starrett pin vise set, just today I had a minor diameter of an m4x.7 internal thread just a tenth or two small. So I put a .128" reamer in my pin vise and opened it by hand. And, 3 wire-measure set is great to have. Cheap and most people don't have them. It can seem like you know what your doing if the other guys borrow yours and you show them how to use it. Super easy.
My first day as an apprentice was September 1, 2018 I was told it would take three years to become a grinder hand. With no lath or mill experience, I went all in. Got all the tools I would need to do all the jobs that could possibly come my way. This is my second month in and I am now a grinder hand apprentice, I operate a mill and lath heat treat and take to size. All I can say,” you get what you put in 10 fold.” Have courage and be happy.
I agree I have been in a machine shop for 6.5 years . I guess I still have appintice tools . But I have all my measuring tools O.D. mics 01 to 5.6. dial bores ,scales .and a bunch of hand tools . All of mine is pawn shop finds and 5 drawer Harbor Freight tool cart . But always buy good Allen wrenches . And collect brass rods for all kinds uses . But if you are going to buy one indicater stand . Noga all the way . Everyone keep slinging chips.
♥️ i got the same tool box ! Its a Kennedy from the 1960s it was my dads . Yours is in great shape , but dads went back and forth from USA to the UK a couple of times .
I liked hearing what all you would buy and how you organize your box. Wish I could make it to the meet. I will be in the area later in the year though on my honeymoon :)
Enjoyed that, Tom. "Some go to college, some collect tools, some do both." Had to laugh, as I am in the third class. Spent 12 years studying in universities--in a field polar opposite to machining--but since childhood have loved getting my hands dirty (and steel shards in the fingers). It's a sure sign that I'm a tool collector when I'm amused to find I own all but a couple of the items you loaded out in the video. I'm a bit surprised that I chose so much the same inventory. I have all the qualifications of an apprentice machinist except skill and experience...and youth! Hearty thanks to you and the other guys making chips on TH-cam. Through you, guys like me get a chance for a virtual apprenticeship. I'm having a great time learning new skills, instead of just admiring my shop tools.
That's about right for first 1-2 years...In addition to the regular heavy tools, I also had 0-6, 0-8 Dial Veneer Calipers, 0-1,1-2,and 2-3 Micrometer set, 0-1 Depth Mic, complete 0-6 removable anvil Depth Mic set, 0-1 Pin Mic, 0-1 Thread Mic, Screw Pitch set, Telescoping Gauge Set, Radius set, Squares, Combo, Standard Dial Indicator with mount and linkages, Co-Ax Indicator, 2 Edge Finders, a Parallel set, and a complete set of Jo Blocks...Total invested after 2 years (new and used) - about $3,200...By my fourth year with the same company, I was on a roll-around with additional "goodies"...We were a small shop (CNC and Manual machining and turning), and made a very diversified line of parts, so i wound up needing all that...
Hey Tom, could you update the dropbox link? Sadly it's broken
This is great, I just purchased an identical Kennedy toolbox last weekend to start collecting some of my own small machining tools, mostly measuring devices.
How much is that box?
Hello Tom, I'm currently selling a machinist tool collection from a retired machinist in which he no longer needs. I'm an estate liquidator and your video was extremely educational. Really needed this kind of lesson. Thanks again and God Bless!!
Thank you for this. My third week as an intern machinist.
Hi Dale,
Best of luck to you in your new career. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
All great stuff and tips. I have worked all over the world and people a shocked at my tool bag down size everything, throw in some drill bits and box end wrenches.
hey Tom I am a pool builder from Niagara Falls,Canada. I love your videos. I am a lover of all tools. Since watching your videos I have fallen in love with machinist tools. I like you shop at all my local flea markets and I now have maybe a second year set of tools. I love all things Starrett. I even buy parts that I am not sure what they are for as long as they say Starrett or they look similar to the tool parts I know are Starrett. I also have a great number of hammers such as you but maybe not quite. last count was 53. I don't have a rack like yours yet... I just want to say thank you for your knowledge of the craft and I hope one day to know a few machines for my retirement days. I love to learn new things and your are an awesome mentor, I hope to learn more about how things work and what the tools I have purchased are used for!!! Thanks, Charles..
I started off with the big box. After a few years and jobs you will always need it .
Thank you Tom! As you stated there is no 1 stop shop for tooling it depends where you work and what's required. Great Video and thanks again.
Tom, thanks for taking the time and showing us your opinion on what us noobs should have to be prepared and professional!
Your 100% right on keeping tape, scale,pen and marker on you at all time
Excellent show, sir! One of these days I'd like it if you'd document, for lack of a better term, how your work and education came together. For example, "In 1981 I worked days it XYZ machine shop and went to ABC college at night" and so on.
If I can recommend some versions of a couple of those tools that I expected to be a gimmick and useless: the vise grip crescent wrench - it's got the clamping handle from a vise grip which tightens it that last little bit. Crescent wrenches used to drive me nuts with how you just couldn't snug em right up to the bolt, these eliminate that. And then there's the pivoting ratcheting crescent wrench. It doesn't snug up to the bolt like the other one I mentioned, but if you need to get into a weird area with a wrench, it can be a lifesaver.
And then on wrenches, I think ratcheting wrenches are the future for wrenches. I've only found this type from one brand, and they've been AMAZING for me... Husky LOCKING pivoting ratcheting wrenches. If you don't have the locking lever, the pivoting heads have a tendency to wind up floppy. If you always lock them (on whatever angle you're using them on), you can prevent them from going floppy like that. I love these wrenches...
Hello Tom, awesome video. I liked how you explained what the tool was, and how you would use it. I also liked the fact that you said you don't have to have the most expensive tools right from the start, but to keep investing in your tool box, and your future!!
Kevin
"m'kay" lol you sound like my high school shop teacher love it! keep up the great videos!
Great video! The dropbox document link no longer works, would be a handy reference if you could post it again! Thanks.
Anyone mention a small mirror (not for fixing your makeup). Stuff can make it's way passed safety glasses and into an eye. A folded, pointed wet piece of paper always seemed like the best way fish it out. A trusted buddy with a steady hand even better.
When I worked in shops it always seemed like a new guy (apprentice or otherwise) was judged on the first day by the tools they wheeled/carried in, not that it ever meant much skill-wise, one way or the other. I think you should have underscored the fact that the decision to buy a 24 inch scale meant it was time to buy a larger box :) Nice video.
I do remember how incredibly expensive the tools were compared to my living expenses. The accumulation was slow. Fortunately, my father was a master machinist and slid a few tools my way occasionally. (He built the tactical board for the USS Alabama)
I had a tool box exactly like that one, but it had handles.
I started 5 months ago in my apprenticeship and within a week i needed mics calipers rule indicators hammers files ext... but also they put me on a okuma cnc my first day.
I got a Kennedy tool box from the early to mid 90 and I bought it for 250 it has square handles it was bought used from creg list and brand new my box right now is 600$ it is a 11 drawer box and I love it best 250$ I spent for work
I'm 15 years old brought my first lathe at 12 my Moore and wright digital calipers came in at 11 still use them every day
Honestly speaking, in any shop were you CAN supply your own tools buy a small high quality rolling tool tray, beta tool make a nice one, they are big enough to carry most of you common use tools, there not obtrusively or rudely big, they lock you tools safely with a key and they can be used as a small portable work bench
Most shops dont allow gloves because of the safety hazzard involved with them. If you get your finger stuck in the spindle.. the spindle could catch on the glove and either pull the finger/fingers of or suck up the whole hand and sometimes arm! It's something to have in mind. I've seen it happen before and its not pleasant!! Be safe out there guys and girls! And have a nice day!😊
Hey Tom, good video. You hit it pretty good, especially emphasizing the type of work you do. I don't have work gloves in my box, or dividers, center head, or protractor head. Im sure I would have the layout stuff if I worked under you though, haha. Cheers.
Nice choises in time, can see the road you started on. Looks familiar. Thanks for sharing.
I had to laugh, you pulled out the exact same Kennedy box I own, as an apprentice machinist
Colin, you're not the only one.lol. Those Kennedy 520 boxes are great; and I'm NOT a Machinist, I'm a Top Millwright / Senior Underground Mine Maintenance Mechanic and I keep all of my measuring tools and precision instruments in my box.
Im a millwright apprentice my union hall gave me a list of things to get when i started but im almost done the apprenticeship now and it's funny what additions i made that were nt on said list. Do you have any must haves? I work alot in the car plants,steel mill,food plants,power generation.
For me it was the Kennedy 526b top chest, 8 Drawer. with the side handles, so that you could carry it around from machine to machine as you needed. Love that chest! I can all but close my eyes, and reach over for the exact drawer that has the tool I need in it.
List of tool is available at
www.scribd.com/document/312814376/Apprentice-Machinist-Tools
You're welcome......
I'm actually just going to take The machinist entry level course or year 1 at the college this fall I'm 36 years old, 5th trade hope this one sticks, trained in 4, no one willing to give experience
For CNC or high production folks, Quite a few carbide/cutting tool makers no longer use TORX, its mostly Torx+ and if you are not using torx+ you should be. And index-able screwdrivers are a more all around choice in this front. I highly recommend buying a version of the below:
www.amazon.com/Capri-Tools-CP21075-Certified-Screwdriver/dp/B00VPPJWLW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462846580&sr=8-1&keywords=torque+limiting+screwdriver
A torque limiting ratchet will save you many dollars in tool holders.
I dropped 6 grand in tools right off the bat in machinist tools. Filled an 11 drower Kennedy Don't ask what I'm in to it now. Great video.
Hey Kevin,
It never stops. You will fill several more. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
we used a zeus book in the first year, also a hacksaw and square were basic tools, a few other things too but good show.
Great video Tom! Is that Lixie the 1" (14oz) or 1.25" model (22oz)?
I was surprised to see no layout fluid. I always like to have my own so I always have it handy. I guess the blue sharpie could be used in a pinch
Hi Rob,
My feeling on the dyken is its a consumable like toilet paper and should be supplied by the company. You are right I really like having my own bottle. Keeps the slopmeisters out of the jug. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
The link to your list isn't working for me
It's a real specialized thing, but I have a few pairs of brass pliers that I use a lot. I don't know where to get them besides Plastic Process Equipment. They are useful for pulling expensive stuck parts apart without damaging them in the process.
I posted a list that I came up with from the video, correct as you feel necessary.
Drop Box says "Sorry, that file doesn’t live here anymore. It might have been moved or made private. "
awesome idea to make this video, two thumbs up! knowledge is the best tool in the end;)
Tom, only one hammer?? LOL Just thinking about the amazing selection YOU have.
Regards,
Eric
Very nice walk through
I'd love for you to do a video on cutting Tools and tool holders
The list link seems to be broken (getting a 404 error)
Also bring your own lathe and mill to work, if you apply as a metrology guy bring your own Zeiss 3 axis machine with you...
weird companies in the US...
+Jesus von Nazaret I thought the same at first. But finally it's better to be responsible for your tools. If tools belong to the company they get abused, lost/robbed, or someone is already using the one you need. Plus you don't have to beg to your boss to invest in new tools. You just buy it yourself.
Your PDF link is broken... :-{
How much did the tool box weigh ?
Makes me want to spend Tom great vid
thanks for the video, mkay
Mmmmm ok thanks. Great vid !
FYI Youngsters that's a $375+ Kennedy Tool 🧰!!!
Takes me back to July 10, 1961 when I started my time. Dad outfitted me with a 6" scale and a mechanical pencil. $2.19 per hour up from $1.97 the year before. I was issued an empty tool box (19" Kennedy) and 35 tool checks. My recollections of that day 55 years ago are still vivid.
Good trade. In all that time, I always had work, always had enough money, never had to go hungry. When one shop had to cut back, another shop down the street was eager to hire me.
You fellows entering the trade be careful you don't turn into one trick horses. Learning to run a lathe and a mill makes you an operator, not a machinist. You have a load of peripheral stuff to learn as well: trade math and physics. plan reading, mechanical drawing and sketching, welding, grinding, fitting, CNC in all its manifestations, tooling, safety, cleanliness, planning, industrial organization and lots more. These are the mental tools that bring that tool list of Tom's to life and you to working class prosperity.
Im still in school and after reading this comment it has opened my eyes to alot of things i had not thought of thanks.
Excellent advice, thanks
Just started CNC Precision Machining a few months ago, I'm more focused on the CNC part, but this is eye opening information. Thank you
Which Kennedy box did they give you?
@@helios7415 Central Tool issued me a 19" sheet metal Kennedy brown crackle painted, felt lined machinist tool chest with 10 drawers, and a hinged top. I speculate this box and a million like it were GSA issue used by civilian machinists employed through out the civil service and technical military from Naval shipyards to Corp of engineers to Aids to Navigation to Smithsonian Museum restorers and every thing in between since WW II. Nothing fancy but very servicable and cheap.
I watched your whole video because you started with a 6 inch scale. I've eaten chili using it as a spoon, scraped out chips with it, used it as a shim. Hell, sometimes I even measure stuff with it!
Tom, the PDF link appears to be broken.
It’s been uploaded to scribd here:
www.scribd.com/document/312814376/Apprentice-Machinist-Tools
@@icarus8307 Thanks
$10 a month subscription? I just want this one document!
I apologize if you mentioned this and I missed it. Make sure if you find yourself borrowing the same inexpensive tool over and over from a coworker that you acquire that tool as soon as possible. It can be very aggravating to have an apprentice borrow the same $30 tool for months on end without showing any interest in buying his own.
I'm the opposite. If I use my co workers tool once and find it useful, I usually look for one to buy so I dont have to use his. Lol
I’m in automotive and have an extensive amount of snap on tools, I have a coworker that literally has his own tools and still uses mine
Your first day, you probably need a broom! ;)
+Rambozo Clown That will also highly depend on your experience, willingness to learn, etc. Sometimes you may show up figuring all I'm going to get to do on my first day or first week is clean. Your boss, may think otherwise and have you assisting other employees with various tasks.
+Rambozo Clown That's what I needed my first day lol. A broom, chemical gloves, and a steel toed boots.
and how, Baby!
Rambozo Clown on my first day, I got the chance to work with a senior machinist.
I began my apprenticeship the summer before my senior year of high school.
As I entered the school year, my manager only had me doing grunt work. The machinist tried to get me training, but it was very rare.
It sucked cause I wanted to learn how to be a machinist, not how to clean the shop, destroy parts and other grunt work stuff.
Don’t get me wrong, grunt work has its purpose, but you can only do so much of it. I was also required to get a certain hours of machining each month.
Towards the end of the school year, I began doing more machining.
This summer, I’m getting full training. I’ve been doing setup, CNC ops and I’m learning how to program.
I’m also enrolled in a college machinist program this fall, I’m really excited. Machining is great 👍
And thick skin...
I just aquired this exact box only its really old. full of machinist tools. it was owned by a machinist that was a tool maker for the air force at Martin airforce base in MD. he was there when the B52 bombers were being made. I made a video about the tools I recieved. I'm an electrician by trade but these new tools and this video really make me want to start all over and become a machinist
Man, you hit the nail on the head. I've been at a gear grinding shop for over 12 years now and am actually taking stuff home I never use. After 40+ years in this business, I'm actually making room in my boxes. The one thing I would add is a quality pair of safety glasses with good optics.
As a weekend hobby machinist I found this useful and interesting.
Tom, this video is right on. May be one of the few that directly address the beginners. Your list seems very similar with Keith Fenner's tool list for his toolbox giveaway which is a good thing!
I like your recommendations. I might say get a toolbox that can hold a 24" scale or straight edge and not the 20" toolbox but that is just me.
One thing I remember from years ago was I got the cheapest steel toe safety boots. My feet and back suffered terribly until I wore those out.
If you have the inclination for a follow-up video, it might be interesting to cover proper clothing that is confortable and practical, safety boots, safety glasses, dust mask, ear protection and whatever else.
Daniel
A small flashlight is a must.
At my shop i keep a small flash light a small calculatora 6 inch scale a scrib a pen marker in a white out pen in a lil writing memo book .all in my uniform shirt pocket
Harbor freight sells great lights for like $6
After you bought all that, don't forget the engraver to write your name on your new tools ;)
Don't forget... Return the tool to the box and drawer it came from.... If borrowed, return to the hand that lent it to you.... Furthermore!!...Never go into another mans toolbox.... Never!... My buddy says "Top left Drawer"...I won't do it ...Unless he is waiting for me to retrieve it for him!.... Then it is in his hands!
Wont help a thing.
So they won't steal your Tools!
Jim Wilson p
That's what the carbide tipped pen is for. Scribe your name or symbol
Do true apprenticeships exist anymore? Ive only been in the trade 5-6 years,(Im 31) I'm tired of hearing from the old timers talk about how Im not going through a proper apprenticeship, and like to tell me how it was in the old days. Well no apprenticeship was offered to me at any company, they don't want to invest the time/money/training.
+Josh Russell It does exist believe it or not. I finished in 2014. 8k hrs of work, 500 or something hours of school.
Agreed I'm a union millwright apprentice and we have to do 8000 hours until we get our ticket.
I'm currently retraining as a toolmaker, 4 years and 3 qualifications to become 'time served' Apprenticeships are still a big thing in the UK.
Get on department of labor website look up apprenticeship or indeed companies have apprenticeship opportunities. I have the same problem but I am just trying to get experience. I think you will find once you get x years of experience an apprenticeship doesn't matter anymore cause companies know a lot of companies are not investing in employees.
That's because much of the trade has been offshored...That looms over the heads of many...It's hard to compete with the rock bottom labor costs offered by the Asian Market...
well done and as you said it depends on the shop that you are working in and the type of work your doing. one rule that I used for myself and for apprentices is that if you have to ask to borrow a tool more than 3 times it is time for you to start looking at getting it for yourself. thanks again.
...yeah...borrow twice, then buy one.....
Hi Steve,
Did I claim something? I don't think so. There are as many systems as their are shops. If you read the European viewers they are shocked that apprentices even have to have any of their own tools. Your setup sound like a reasonable way to get the apprentices the tools they will need to ply the trade. In four or five years I would be disappointed if an apprentice didn't have well beyond a basic kit. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
Thank you. Could you relink the tool list pdf. The old one is dead
Part 1 Day 1
Cutting tool - either a utility knife or pocketknife
Tape measure 3m or 10ft- Inch and metric ruled preferred always have on your person
Mechanical pencil and sharpie type markers blue and black and red
6in 150mm metal ruler aka scale inch and metric
Shirt with pockets so you can always carry markers, pencil, and 6 in metal ruler.
3x5 notebook
Your cell phone is a tool.
Mechanics gloves - hand protection ppe.
Safety glasses
Part 2 0 - 3 months
Toolbox, Kennedy 520 style as example
Always mark your tools!!!
Allen wrench sets - inch and metric ball driver tips round holders are preferred top of toolbox
8oz ball pein hammer bottom of toolbox
Multi-screwdriver Phillips #2 and flat-blade
6in mill smooth file with handle for deburring
Adjustable wrench 6in and 8in extra wide opening preferred
6in calipers $50 price range in second drawer up on toolbox
0 to 1in micrometer $50 price range
Part 3 3 - 6 months
Three corner scraper for deburring top of box
Rotary deburring Noga or Royal brand top of box
Tin snips bottom of toolbox
Soft face hammer 16-24oz., bottom of toolbox
Hacksaw frame with bi-metal blade
Center punch square is preferred, no roll
6in needle nose plyers bottom drawer
Diagonal cutters 6in in bottom of toolbox
8in file mill smooth file in bottom of toolbox
3 corner file 6in or 8in in bottom of toolbox
Tapping guides top of toolbox
Tweezers precision splinter type
Vice grip locking pliers bottom of toolbox
Part 4 6 - 9 months
1/8 parallel set top of toolbox
12in Combination square, good quality. Starrett, Brown & Sharpe, Lufkin, Mitutoyo
Edge finder .200 x .500
Thread pitch gauges inch and metric
Tap handles small and large and a tapping wrench 0 - #10 ¼” - ½” capacity
Drill truck Jacobs is fine 0 to 1/2 in ball bearing type straight shank
1 to 2 and 2 to 3 inch micrometers
Multi anvil micrometer 0-1”
Depth micrometer small set 0-3 or 0-6
Simple protractor Helios brand is good
Telescoping gauge set
Part 5 9 - 12 months
1in travel indicator with lug on the back
Mighty Mag base
Noga brand indicator holder articulated with mag base
Carbide tip scriber, retractable.
Mill vise stop clamp. Jaw clamp style
Mill stock stop, Type that bolts to machine table.
Set of picks (dentist picks are great)
Set of small c-clamps or Kant twist type clapms.
Dry pin punches 1.5mm to 5/8”
Scalpel or Exacto knife
Small inspection mirror, swivel type is good.
Set of 1,2,3 blocks
Part 6 12 - 18 months
2 Sets of V blocks in two sizes (4 V-blocks total) two sizes Brown and Sharp 750B and a smaller size
Fishtail V block
Set of feeler gauges
Test indicator Brown and Sharp Best Test indicator is an example
6in hook ruler
Flexible ruler 12in or 300mm
600mm or 24in ruler or adjustable square again 24in
Machinist square 3” to 6”
6in 150mm dividers
Fishtail gauge
Jewelers loop
Torx set, butterfly style is nice
Adjustable parallels
12” Dial/Digital calipers
Abrasive stones Norton 1B134 combo bench stone fine and course
Easy lap diamond honing stones course and fine
Feel free to correct as necessary. all errors are mine. The pdf link is broke so I remade the list from the video. I probably butchered it somewhat but it's a starting point. Tom sent me the pdf so I reconciled his list with my list, his list was more detailed, and that is this list. Feel free to copy and update as you see fit. This list only serves to save Tom some time but I don't think he minds.
Thanks Ty, coming to this video late and was frustrated by the broken link. Your list is fantastically helpful.
Thanks a bunch
Do you mind emailing me that pdf?
Maria Chavez I’ll see if I can find it.
@@mariachavez6606 got an email?
You should mention that the black gloves are MaxiFlex made by ATG. These are excellent gloves!
+1 on the MaxiFlex gloves , they are really good .
A very thoughtful selection job on an almost impossible task. There were once trade schools, and Alexander Weygers (a blacksmith, suclptor, artist and writer) says that the first year all that was required was rule, scribe, hacksaw and 24 different files (that should warm your heart). He was a marine engineer, and they spent the whole first year cutting and filing. Those times are gone. And maybe a CNC shop might be different from a manual shop. Still, you cannot go wrong with your selection.
Hi ox can you repost that tool list again please, as I'm starting my apprenticeship Monday.
Great video ! Buying tools is always overwhelming.
I personally hate having a bunch of tools I never use.
There is also no better feeling than having the right tool for the job.
It's a delicate compromise to find.
The one thing I would add is a multimeter. Voltage, continuity, even temperature is super useful to measure.
Tom
Great video and I whole heartily agree with you when I first started my apprenticeship my dad gave me a basic set of mechanical tools with the caveat that they were to be replaced by me after one year. I was a little pissed that he didn't give them to me but there was a method to his madness. I worked my but off to replace all of them in six months and from that time on-wades I appreciated having my very own tools and I would try and buy the best that I could afford.
To this day which is some fourty five years I still have that same appreciation for my tools I buy the best I can afford and I use them as they were designed to be used and look after them. As a side note to this, it is my opinion that when you have your own tools you will treat other peoples tools with that same respect you have for your own. There will always be exceptions to this but generally that is what I have found.
Dave
I'm looking into the 6 Piece, Machinist Caliper and Micrometer Tool Kit by Mitutoyo, any recommendations? I'm in school for CNC Precision Machining.
Very nice list Tom, I cant think of anything I would add for a general box. Thanks for thinking of topics that many who have been doing this a long time tend to forget about.
Well how about that. Machining does seem like a good fit for me. I have much of this in my toolbox already from years served in the construction industry and random hobbies of mine. Now I just need to find a sponsor company so I can dig into this apprenticeship.
Thanks for this, it helps a lot. The link to the list is dead though, do you mind fixing it please?
Eye Protection
youpattube1 wanna work with tools you probably sleep in your squints.
That's automatic in all shops.
It's not going in your tool box I hope.
in my opinion everything worksafety is in responibility of the employer not the employee.
Shop supplied by labor law. At least in the States. Never hurts to have extra though, and/or a specific style that suits you.
I never understood that american manner of an employee having to bring and provide for his own tools especially when they´re so damn expensive.
I dont get it from an employers viewpoint as well (besides the saved expenses). It messes with your whole quality management system if everybody is using different tools, increases the calibration effort, traceability and much more trouble.
I´ve worked in several machineshops in germany and not once I had to bring even a scale with me. Its provided, like it should be. It might be that you get a set of tools assigned to you based on the kind of work you do. You "keep" these as long as your working for the company or until they get replaced. You may share the tools with one or multiple defined coworkers. I shared a set of tools with one colleague over years. Id use them in my shift and he in his and vice versa. It also may be that you get the tools you need for the specific job or day from the tooling department and return them in the afternoon. Next day you may get different tools.
But its paid, maintained, calibrated and replaced by the company.
Why do I as a employee have to provide the most basic and necessary resources for the company to run its very business? I dont buy machines, I dont buy stock materials. The office worker doesnt bring his own pc or his personal copy of Excel. It´s ridiculous.
I get that it has it advantages, you´re probably more efficient with tools that specifically fit you, you might take better care of them because they´re yours. Those are things that not you but only company benefits from. Where is your advantage as an employee besides using the tools privately? You´re not likely to be able to use most of that tooling for yourself. Not everyone like us here has his own homeshop or is even practicing his trade as a hobby as well.
Your paying for resources the company uses to make its money. Isnt it supposed to be be the other way around?
Enlighten me.
No offense by the way. Nice tools and really useful list. You just made me spent a bunch of money... :)
+Dope Nope - To a certain extent, it is to be sure that the employee has a stake in preserving the tools. Protecting them from damage and loss.
If the employee runs the lathe carriage into the chuck, someone will notice. If he sets down a 6" scale and forgets it, should it be the employee or the company that replaces it? Somewhere between those is the dividing line.
There is also the desire of the real craftsman to have good tools of known quality rather than depend on a tool from the "crib" which may have been mistreated by someone else.
I'd venture that it has to do with the type of people working in the machinist craft in the USA more than anything else. People who may not own their own lathe and mill, but feel a need to be ready to switch shops, and be able to demonstrate to the new boss that they do know how to use their own tools of the trade, before being allowed to demonstrate their incompetence on the big ticket shop tools.
There is also a fair number of machinists who take their trade home with them. My grandpa was a machinist for a tractor factory, and in his own time was a tool inventor for a couple of automotive companies. You can't do the latter without your own set of tools.
I'm sure he had duplicates of many items, but that's not all that unusual even in a shop owned tool setup, as you don't want to have to stop production to go get a new tool from a local tool maker, or even wait for the snap-on rep to show up with a new set of tools. I personally wish that I had had a chance to learn some of what he knew about machining, but did get my first taste of learning electronics from him before he passed away when I was in my early teens. I've got his toolbox, (same as the one in this video, but older) and some of his tools, but it's an odd mix compared to the collection in the video. I'm pretty sure that much of it went the way of 'well, I have no idea what this is for, throw it.' after he passed away.
Dope Nope , owning your own tools is partly a capitalist thing.
Owning and using your own tools is the mark of a craftsman, be it a machinist, a woodworker or a mechanic. I transport my own tools to whatever job I am doing and I KNOW the condition, operation, and inventory. I hate to rely on somebody else to provide me with the items I need to complete a task. (and NO, the lathe or mill doesn't count as the "tools" I bring to the job).
I’m apprenticing to be a tool and die maker and my employer purchased my tool chest and tool box and all my tools I will need on the job. And I start at 20 bucks an hour. I can’t imagine being an apprentice and only making 12-15 an hour, plus having to buy my own tools. It wouldn’t be worth it!
Hacksaw is best up to one square inch cross section. Get a supply of blades - 6 each of 14, 24 and 32 tpi. A sharp blade cuts fast. A dull blade frustrates.
Best personal tweezer is from A G Russell.
I'd like to see a friction-joint hermaphrodite caliper - 6 or 8". Good for scribing to an edge.
Definitely scribe your name or initials onto each tool; but also get a colored paint marker. You can see a "flash" from across the shop. Choose your color after seeing what colors are used by other folks in your shop.
you forgot a tourniquet, great video Tom! (practicing my trolling -------->LOL
I had a handgun in my tool box as a plumber back in the 80's . shot a few rattlesnakes with it, nothing too exciting.
Just wanted to come back to this video and say a huge Thank You! I watched this video 8 years ago when I started my apprenticeship and was so overwhelmed. You helped me with what to get starting out, now I'm a Journeyman Toolmaker and a supervisor in my department. My tool box is now full of all the tools you recommended plus a lot more, thank you so much!!
It's a bit different in the motor trade, the tool we give apprentices on the first day is a broom, and if they can handle that they graduate to a mop day 2
U look like someone gave you a meth pipe
.
@@joereese9473 You sound like no-one gave you an education.
@@AuMechanic u got that right self taught. Started with a broom..
@@davidparker667 Professional workshops are not kept clean and tidy by secret work shop fairies.
All the mechanics in the workshop no matter how experienced keep it that way.
That lesson starts at the begging of the apprenticeship.
We also teach them to not wipe their filthy hands all over themselves while working and how to use rags and wash hands so they look like a professional mechanic not a grease monkey, and are not wearing overalls impregnated with flammable solids and or liquids. (See next lesson)
Then we move on to other lessons like "how to not poke your eye out or set yourself on fire"
@@AuMechanic horses ass u waste your time and money expecting your mechanics to clean your shop. Let me see how clean it is. I keep my work area clean for lean operation. Gas turbine repair ain’t your tire and oil shit show
I'm a retired Network Engineer; but, I find all your videos very interesting.
One question. I note that you have a very nice apron. Anything special about it???
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.
+Ray Reese He received that particular apron in episode 48 of his "Monday Night Meatloaf". Here's the code for the video, just copy and paste it over this video's code in the URL bar up top. > watch?v=lTX7Hl449SQ < minus the arrows. I'd post a full link, but TH-cam insta-labels those comments as spam.
I too noticed the apron and have been trying to find something similar to use. Tom where can we find something similar to that. It would really come in handy. Thanks, and great content. Really enjoyed this one.
Tom,
This is the second time I've watched this video -- great video both times!. The only caution I've got to mention is to be careful and verify the calculator app on your smartphone. A few years ago, I watched as one coworker calculated a basic trig function, but he knew the app was giving him the wrong answer. A second coworker tried the same calculation and got the correct answer. Between the two of them, the second coworker found the problem in the first guy's app.
It turned out that whoever wrote the first calculator app forgot to convert from radians to degrees! Always verify your app's results before you depend on them!
My 2¢,
Bob
Hi Bob,
Good point. I always prefer engineering references to web surfed ones for important stuff. Lots of content out there but not much screening. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
If you're just starting out and haven't found an apprenticeship yet don't stop looking. The skills learned are invaluable when your employer decides to be an offshore importer, or decides to chase butterflies for the rest of his days.
Dale, thanks for taking the time. I am coming to the end of one career, "26 years military" and looking to retire from that and completely switch jobs. I.e. going from helicopter pilot to machinist. Your videos have been helpful. Question. Would it be weird to ask a local machine shop if I could work for them, minimum wage, as long as they taught me something every single day? I don't care if I am cleaning the shitter, I just want to learn fabrication. End state to open my own job shop some day.
I'm 33, and getting into it, thinking about doing the same thing.
Watched 3 times. Really wish you would reconnect the PDF.
Work culture in USA is weird... in Finland your employee gets you the tools you need to work and they can't ever ask you to have your own to do your job.
Obviously if you're a contractor or freelancer, things are different, but as an normal employee -> employer pays for tools and equipment.
Another thing is that even an apprentice/trainee machinist in Finland gets at least 13€/hour. that's 15$/hour with current conversion rate. Because for a trainee the pay is at least 85% of the normal wage for a machinist.
:)
Seems like getting the ebook version of the Machinery's handbook would be a good idea (+ only $16), so get all the search functionality with a single reliable answer.
Any chance of re-posting the list? I'd really appreciate it, and I see another request in these comments, too.
That was a great list and a great video. I also carry a small bottle of liquid bandage and some antiseptic--but I'm clumsier than most people :)
Great tour of the apprentice tool box. OK so I am almost equipped to be an apprentice. I come up short on the 1-2-3 blocks and the gauge blocks. I guess it is good that I am not looking for an apprentice job. Thanks for the video.
+Amateur Redneck Workshop yeah there's some items Tom showed that I still don't have. I want them all though. Someday.
an excellent metal sliver remover is your Vern. it'll grab shards .0001 as long as they are good and have no daylight between the jaws when closed
Wow great job on such a difficult subject. But you forgot.....(lol) for me I would add starrett pin vise set, just today I had a minor diameter of an m4x.7 internal thread just a tenth or two small. So I put a .128" reamer in my pin vise and opened it by hand. And, 3 wire-measure set is great to have. Cheap and most people don't have them. It can seem like you know what your doing if the other guys borrow yours and you show them how to use it. Super easy.
would you mind updating the pdf list, the link in the description is not working. thank you
from a novice metal worker/fab guy...this is an aweeesome very informative video...thank you
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@oxtoolco We can't find the page you're looking for. bad list link
My first day as an apprentice was September 1, 2018 I was told it would take three years to become a grinder hand. With no lath or mill experience, I went all in. Got all the tools I would need to do all the jobs that could possibly come my way. This is my second month in and I am now a grinder hand apprentice, I operate a mill and lath heat treat and take to size. All I can say,” you get what you put in 10 fold.” Have courage and be happy.
I agree I have been in a machine shop for 6.5 years . I guess I still have appintice tools . But I have all my measuring tools O.D. mics 01 to 5.6. dial bores ,scales .and a bunch of hand tools . All of mine is pawn shop finds and 5 drawer Harbor Freight tool cart . But always buy good Allen wrenches . And collect brass rods for all kinds uses . But if you are going to buy one indicater stand . Noga all the way . Everyone keep slinging chips.
Hi oxtoolco loved ur video and it helping me to buy tools. have u removed the pdf file from the description? as I would like a copy of it please.
♥️ i got the same tool box ! Its a Kennedy from the 1960s it was my dads . Yours is in great shape , but dads went back and forth from USA to the UK a couple of times .
Ps used it for his avianics job . Aircraft instruments .
Eye and ear protection!
Can you repost the tool list?
A very nice box! Pretty much the same evolution as mine, except I had a pair (metric and American ) of thread pitch gages early on...
I liked hearing what all you would buy and how you organize your box. Wish I could make it to the meet. I will be in the area later in the year though on my honeymoon :)
Those of us that don't use prescription eye protection should probably bring a comfortable set of protection glasses on day one.
Enjoyed that, Tom. "Some go to college, some collect tools, some do both." Had to laugh, as I am in the third class. Spent 12 years studying in universities--in a field polar opposite to machining--but since childhood have loved getting my hands dirty (and steel shards in the fingers). It's a sure sign that I'm a tool collector when I'm amused to find I own all but a couple of the items you loaded out in the video. I'm a bit surprised that I chose so much the same inventory. I have all the qualifications of an apprentice machinist except skill and experience...and youth!
Hearty thanks to you and the other guys making chips on TH-cam. Through you, guys like me get a chance for a virtual apprenticeship. I'm having a great time learning new skills, instead of just admiring my shop tools.
If you were someone wanting to learn a little bit of everything where do you start?
That's about right for first 1-2 years...In addition to the regular heavy tools, I also had 0-6, 0-8 Dial Veneer Calipers, 0-1,1-2,and 2-3 Micrometer set, 0-1 Depth Mic, complete 0-6 removable anvil Depth Mic set, 0-1 Pin Mic, 0-1 Thread Mic, Screw Pitch set, Telescoping Gauge Set, Radius set, Squares, Combo, Standard Dial Indicator with mount and linkages, Co-Ax Indicator, 2 Edge Finders, a Parallel set, and a complete set of Jo Blocks...Total invested after 2 years (new and used) - about $3,200...By my fourth year with the same company, I was on a roll-around with additional "goodies"...We were a small shop (CNC and Manual machining and turning), and made a very diversified line of parts, so i wound up needing all that...