On a simpler level a huge peeve for me, particularly when a friend comes to my shop for my help or advice and they answer their cell phone when I'm in the middle of explaining something. This is a sure method of not being welcome back.
That's a huge one Virginia! I hate it when I'm talking to someone, a customer perhaps, trying to discuss a job or repair and they answer there damn cell phone and start talking. When I was in my old shop I would simply walk away and go back to what I was doing. I'm not going to stand there and wait for someone to finish there conversation when I stopped what I was doing to help them.
I'm really new to machining in general and am mainly teaching myself buy watching UA-cam videos like yours, reading books and by trial and error in my small home garage, but I greatly appreciate you sharing your professional insights on how to do things right and would greatly appreciate more videos just like this one if you ever have the time to do more of them! Please keep up sharing all your great real world insights and knowledge. I hugely appreciate it man!!! 👍
I have a small art studio and do simple metal fab as part of my work. I have an industrial sign informing people they are required to wear safety gear when operating power equipment, I think I will make a sign that says "Cell Phone Use Prohibited in Work Area"
and I've walked away from a couple customers who were yacking on the phone and made them wait until the next day or two because the next guy in line was serious about getting something done, I made them priority # 3 of the day if said guy wants to come back by that point
The highest percentage rate is with women. When I am going out of my way to help them out and then they put me on hold and make me wait so they can talk to someone else on their phone, I have told them to come back later when they can devote full attention. Rudeness is tolerated with me in my later years.
stefan to the point as always!! as you say being an a-hole should not be authorised in a shop. it's to tempting to pick up the nearest sharp ObjectD'Art and give them a lobotomy.
Thirty years ago I came in to the shop to find the whole place spotless except for the mill I had been using the day before: it was covered in aluminum chips. My boss told me he had stayed late and told the cleaning crew to leave that mess alone. He didn't need to say anything more--I cleaned up yesterday's mess and never left a machine dirty again.
I was on a job with a bunch of guys and told specifically not to clean up. There are guys for that. They get paid $15-20 hr, and we cost our boss well over $100 an hour including benefits and overhead. When there are 10 guys working that gets expensive quick. We are responsible for our own tools.
"The path of the righteous machinist is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of careless men. Blessed is he who, in the name of shop etiquette and good will, shepherds the novice through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost tools. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know my name is Abom when I lay my vengeance upon thee." Abom79
common problem at work. mostly with drills. Someone snaps a drill or burns it up, no drama, it happens. but then they dont replace it or sharpen it, but put a broken and or dull drill back in the index. really pisses me off if i need a drill, grab it and its broken. whats the point of putting a broken or dull drill back in the index.
Even though I have not worked in a machine shop with other people, since school, you and I are on the same page. What you described can be distilled down to be considerate and respect your equipment. Cheers.
And another, #20 Don't use the air nozzle for everything. grab a broom. I swear at the last shop I worked the guys would have pulled the hose into the bathroom to wipe their ass if they could have. 10 guys all firing the air nozzle every few seconds was irritating. You don't have to blow off the entire machine every time you drill a hole.
Im not a machinist, buy any time i do anything involving metal chips or slivers, i have a small shop vac i use. My dog hangs out at the shop with me and I dont want to have to dig a piece of metal out of her paw. If its in a shop vac, it cant get in there.
@@XEatmorechicken Agreed. Keep a vac or 2 around the shop to grab that stuff up keeps from having piles under and behind machines/benches/cabinets/etc.. It'll still get there but at least a majority of it gets picked up.
@@TheStefanskoglund1 I live in Australia, where many people walk around barefoot at home for most of the year. I've had to pick tiny splinters of metal out of the sole of my foot multiple times because my housemate will do some drilling/cutting on our back porch and doesn't sweep up afterwards. Problem is, it's his house and he doesn't like being told what to do. I have to put thongs (sandals/flip-flops) on just to walk out for a swim in the pool. Drives me nuts!
Michel, an old French machinist neighbour of my brother's says this "a good tool id a tool that is cleaned, oiled and placed back in its right storage location". This quote was my first contact with machinists' ethics, and it's a good one. Thanks for the inspiration... Keep on trucking (from France) !
Great video!! I Think it all boils down to; Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Show courtesy to your co-workers, be a part of the team, clean up after yourself, and if you don't enjoy your job, then quit and move on!!!
Very good advice Adam, Years ago I worked with an old geezer ( he was younger than I am now) taught me the golden rule in his shop.... leave the machine and workspace cleaner than you found it. Keep up the great videos.
AMEN Brother , spent 35 years as a mechanic around some of the least respectful asshat's ever conceived .. borrowing tools is a privilege , you lose it / brake it / not return it , you bought it . simple .
I get heated when I go to grab a tool and it's not where it's supposed to be. Then I spend a bunch of time searching the shop for it. Something we discuss all the time at work.
Its also annoying when you go for a tool and find it filthy. I actually had to go hunting for the grease gun today while I was in the middle of servicing something. It was not where it belongs, and it was dirty.
You should meet my asshats- will not acknowledge they lost it, after you arguing with them about it for weeks, months, or years, they attempt to replace with a cheeseball cheap crap, when you don't accept it, YOU become the asshat.
we've all worked with a bubba, who shouts in your ear when your at a machine, askes you stuff, doesnt put tools back in the same condition, breaks tools and never mentions it, when caught out say 'oh i didnt notice', they are generally lazy, and unwilling to learn skills and do good work, i see it as a sign
Hey Adam! I enjoyed this video a lot! Definitely do more videos like these! You're definitely echoing a lot of what I experience on a daily basis, but also brought up some new things which I have honestly never thought about (like straightening the Noga indicator mount). Cheers!
Like so many things in this life it's the simple ones that make it a better place for everyone. It's all a matter of respect for others, for the machinery and the tooling. I've found it doesn't take any longer to be clean and tidy, just a bit of thought and consideration - great video. All the best from across the pond.
@@XEatmorechicken Of course, that is why I would absolutely not mind answering/helping out. Thing is some people will ask the same question over and over and give no effort to either remember or note it down. I had same people regularly ask me for the pattern of calculating Vc into spindle speed, like every time it's needed, at least once a week for years. One would imagine after 20th time a self respecting person would at least make a note.
@@solgam Sometimes that can be that they are not understanding it. Get them away from the machine, even go to the break room, and have them work through a few examples. Plan your work, work to your plan. You can change you plan if something pops up though.
Thank you for all of your videos and advice that you provide. I like the way that you present your videos in a clear and concise manner. I get the impression that there is a great degree of science in the realm of machining. Again, thank you Adam.
Great observations and safety tips. It all comes down to respect for others and the tools, which likely means better workmanship. Thanks. for the video.
Great stuff. I'll add one, as an engineer and project manager who dabbles in the shop. Never be afraid to ask for help after thinking about a problem or task. None of us know it all and each of us has years or decades of experiences. You save yourself, your shop, and your customer's time & money by thinking twice, measuring twice, and doing it right the first time. Sometimes when something doesn't look or feel right, it's because there's an error on the drawing or spec... and as the machinist/fabricator, you are every bit as professional as the designer and engineer and shouldn't be hesitant to ask a question to make sure the job gets done right. Any engineer or project manager who doesn't welcome that kind of feedback and teamwork isn't worth working for.
I hated it when programming a CNC and a workmate comes over at the crucial moment and destroys your chain of thinking. I've had heart attacks with shop monkeys throwing pallets onto the floor to deliberately make a loud bang. I accidentally grabbed one guy around the throat and pinned him up the trimming machine in my younger days. I now work as a tool maker and what I hate is when the saw guy cuts the raw HSS blanks for me to machine and does not deburr the parts. I then have to remove his burr prior and then my own burr after my process is complete. This is not the blokes fault, it's the way the company runs but being on my first week there I won't say anything until I have my feet under the table more. I will then ask why I have to deburr twice on my process instead of everyone deburring their own work. I cut my finger open on day one. I wasn't impressed!!
That's the truth.. I was just getting ready to mention that. I have a guy that seems to always catch me right in the middle of some critical part of my programming, and I have to "remember" where I was.
These are simple and should be naturally understood by everyone, your video should be widely distributed especially to those who lack common sense. Your video was presented well. Thanks Adam.
Used to work with a guy who would walk up and start tapping your shoulder and ask questions while i was talking to someone on the phone - man that was annoying ! I know what you mean with not interrupting someone who is working on a machine , i had an apprentice years ago who was given a job to linish some rollers and i had to check each one .He would rip though the job and run over and pester me to check it out while i was setting up a job in a roll grinder and as he kept distracting me i forgot to set the end stop correctly . It ended up with the wheel crashing into the shoulder of the workpiece - luckily i caught it before any serious damage was done . He now has several new orifices to choose from to crap through !
Well done Adam! I have had a very small triangular scraper laid in the drawer for years and it never occurred to me that it was a perfect de-burring tool! It's out on the bench now.... You're dead right about sudden noises as well. I spent much of my life with big steam engines driving textile mills and your main job was listening for anything unusual If you want to upset an engine tenter, make a sudden noise! So much so that I jump even now and have been accused of being nervous. I tell them, No! You've got it wrong. It's quick reactions!
I once had a co worker grab me when I was touching off on a milling machine for a joke I got such a shock I turned round a punched him. He never did that again
Great Vid Adam !! If you're like me, if you think about it you can hear you dad, grand-dad or another mentor get on you at some point about all of these things !! I have found squeeze bottles like for mustard or BBQ sauce you find at the grocery store work great for cutting oil, way oil etc... THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO !!
This sort of advice is applicable in most places. I'm a programmer, many of the basic do's and don'ts hold true at my work. I'd imagine having to clean up someone's rushed, corner-cutting code feels about the same as having to clean someone else's pile of chips. However, I must admit I've never cut myself on someone's sharp programming :)
I enjoyed your comment about shop etiquette. One thing I might mention is keep home business at home. Don't discuss problems you may have with other employees. It can cause a toxic environment in the shop.
In a shop I once worked, they had a storage shed out in the rear yard. That shed was never left unlocked. Two keys existed: the first was on the hook in the office, and the other key was in the boss's pocket. If ever he found the shed unlocked, or if the other key was not found on the office hook, somebody got to clear out his tools - and be off the property before the close of business.
any time I'm learning something new I alway learn the correct way first rether then fixing a bad habit after the fact. Thank you for this video I wish more people did things like you. always think you others.
A rule I live by at work: never, *ever* rush a procedure. Move fast? Sure, no problem. But don't cut corners, don't skip a step, and don't jump around between tasks because you're in a hurry. It will always bite you on the ass eventually. Speed comes from practice and consistency. Changing methods breaks your routine and disrupts your muscle memory, both of which actually slow you down. Also worth noting is that in a lot of trades, you, the person actually doing the work, are often the last effective opportunity to catch errors that could injure or even kill someone. It's always worth taking the few extra seconds to minimize that risk.
Keep those video's coming, I straighten up and organize things at work all the time and tell people where things are suppose to go and they ignore a lot of what I say, A Place For Everything And Everything In Its Place
Adam, I can really identify with #1. I used to do quite a bit of pin grinding. People would walk up behind me and tap me on the shoulder. Usually while I was grinding that "last tenth". That is very aggravating. I asked a former instructor of mine about it, and he recommended I mount a small shaving mirror to the grinder so people couldn't startle me. By the way, all are great tips and directly affect a shops productivity.
I need to share this with my guys at our shop. I'd like to add, whether you're milling, facing, grinding; anywhere where chips are flying, try to orient your tool away from the general traffic. no one wants to walk by and get sprayed with chips, hit chips, or dust. Same goes for aiming red-hot filings at stuff you shouldn't, like flammables or gasses.
Good Stuff! The only detail I'd add to Number 10 is take an old toothbrush and clean the drill thoroughly of oil and chips, Inspect the drill for wear or damage, and dress the drill appropriately before returning it to the correct location. Pay it forward and 5S /6S will pay dividends.
Another peeve and safety issue is the use of an air hose to blow off a cutting job, cleaning the machine and worst of all-cleaning the floor appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos.
I'm a programmer, and your rule #1 is the standard in my field, too. If you break someone's train of thought, you could lose an hour's worth of work. Good manners don't cost nothin'...
+John Riney That's right, or if your making a cut and look away you could crash into a shoulder, things like that. I try and explain that to people so they understand.
I was so inclined to be neat my coworkers were hesitant to use my tools. after 30 years I never lost a tool, broke a few but that happens. Good video! Cheers
something I learned when I was young; if you get really far into a project and you start to get that jittery, anxious energy and there are tools and parts everywhere, stop. Just stop and clean everything up. Put all the tools away, even the one you were about to use. Pretend you are leaving for the night, and once everything is clean you can start working again. Doing this has saved me many times from making a knuckelhead move and scrapping a part because I had too many things in my head at once.
Great set of rules there Adam.. totally agree with them. One I don't think that was mentioned was "Borrowing someones personal tools".. my rule is to "treat them like their were mine". How would I like it if someone gave me a tool back bent/dirty/broken. I've borrowed tools and always replace the consumables...sanding discs etc. And always thank them. It goes a long way
Good vid as always Abom...most just as applicable to any type of shop etiquette ... " and the break room is for eating your biscuits or sammiches !...."
I wanted to think this video wasn't needed - but you know what, Adam, all ten things you listed is something I deal with at work every, frickin', day! This video should be required watching for all machining courses across the country... having said that, I'm not perfect either. Your video brought to my attention some things I do that I shouldn't or things I don't do that I should! Hopefully I can stick to the Ten Commandments of Abom!
On point #1, don't stand so close that you are a distraction. Stand far enough away so that the person doesn't know that you exist and then, when there is a break in the action, walk closer so that you can be noticed.
A blanket point you make Adam is essentially a simple one - consideration (and a good mix of common sense). Not to have a go at all young folks but thoughtlessness is sometimes too prevalent. Care of tools of course too is, or should be, paramount... basic workshop practice.
I feel like I just finished work(at my home office) and just spent 15 mins listening to Abom tell me off and it's somehow relaxing. :) - But definitely could improve my tidiness.
WELL DONE ADAM ! A most timely video full of priceless advice : I believe that it is worth more than five regular ones and I am being very conservative. Anybody with half a brain would agree with all you say. Incidentally, all of this has to do with GOOD MANNERS and first class upbringing. I am very pleased to say that you are abundantly qualified in both. Thank you
My wife really needs to watch this! Hold your questions until i acknowledge you AND when you use my screw driver clean the hair out of the bath tub, put it back! lol
Amen to number five-put tools away where they belong. I've taught my sons to do this since they were old enough to walk into my garage. I also believe that you should be able to find tools in a drawer blindfolded.
Hot damn! Man are you right. Don't ever interrupt me! Don't make a sharp loud noise! Adam is so correct. My wife and I love to cook. We spent thousands on a range. The built-in griddle, had a removable fat tray. Every edge retained its burr. I cut myself every time I removed it, before I realized the manufacturer was an idiot. I deburred it myself.
All of 'em are good, Adam, but MAN, the indicator one is one of mine, too. We had one guy who just wouldn't learn, and it caused problems. This was some time back in a shop where I used to work. It was mentioned to him many times, but he always seemed to leave his dial sticking out at a right angle. The thing is, when a guy does that, not only is the guy not caring for the tools he's responsible for, but with that thing sticking out to the side, some other poor soul can be walking by and snag it with clothing. Well, one time it was the boss who snagged it, and the DI ended up on the floor. That guy still didn't learn, but the boss made him pay for any DIs he damaged from then on.
#13 Indicate the vise and Quill if you have to move them. #14 wipe off any chips before putting on lathe chucks or mill vices. #15 buy a bag of coffee every now and then if you share a pot. #16 if you break something or a machine needs adjusting, blades or sanding belts need replacing, fix it! #17 Don't ever grind aluminum on the grinder! #18 Personal hygiene. Enough said. #19 Do the best work you can. don't get lazy.
Whew! Finally made it to the end of the video. Ok next we want to see a reenactment of you and some noob/trainee and he does all 10 things that you just mentioned not to do in 2 minutes and you put a beat down on him. I would pay to see that man! Buss some heads man!
The Japanese have a management theory which starts with proper house keeping. Keep your workplace tidy, make sure the floor is empty, know where your tools are, take care of your tools. Kaizen goes far deeper than that but that is were it starts. Caring for your tools and workplace. Your advice is sound and for sure not childish, they are the first steps in health and safety also.
The second point you made about loud unnecessary noise is probably the biggest for me, at work most of my machine time is on a Centreless Grinder, which are dangerous to start with and can be terrifying to work on, loud noises are even worse when operating a grinding machine and the fright you can give someone on ANY machine but especially grinding machines can give them a big enough fright to not only scrap/crash the machine or work, but to seriously hurt or even kill themselves, I wish people took more care with noise.
Man -o- man Adam, did you hit on one of my pet peeves before I retired. I was an dealership auto tech shop foreman, and people not putting the manufacturers special tools back into the tool room in their proper place really ticked me off. a lot of time was lost looking for the proper tool. The real aggregating part was the worst offender was the tech who worked right next to the tool room. it got to the point that I started to buy my own special tools and then techs wanted to borrow my tools instead of looking for the lost tool.
Rule #1 applies to a lot of trades. I'm a software developer, and there are few things more irritating than being interrupted by someone just walking up to your desk, chatting you up or even slamming some paperwork on it and asking for opinion or guidance when you're staring at your screen, seemingly doing nothing. It does not occur to some people that even if you're apparently not doing anything, you might actually be hard at work mentally, trying to figure out why the hell the stuff isn't working or how to solve a certain problem. Frequently interrupting that train of thought is a big killer of productivity.
Oh man, I could not agree with you more. I hate to be bothered when I'm running a machine. All of your rules are for a purpose. Thank for sharing some common sense with people. Thumbs and subscribed.
Greta video concept Adam, you are a wealth of knowledge Man. I like to see more like this as well as your usual fare, thanks Adam. PS: I did some four jaw work for the first time in years last week, best time to set the part was about 8 minutes, you are magic to watch with a four jaw. Good luck against Keith at the bash.
Good list. I took a job in a shop that ran hydraulic cylinders, mostly a CNC shop. The workers walked out on strike and I was a replacement worker (long story). Before they walked they hide all the tooling and when I got there because I had sold to them before I knew where their hiding places were. I spent a tremendous amount of time finding tooling for machines not only when I had to do a set up but when others did. Cleaning is also a pet peeve. I cleaned as I went which is easy with a CNC. There was a bit of higher motive in doing it also because the machine I ran was the first one a customer saw when the President brought them for a shop tour. He asked me about why he always saw me cleaning and I just asked him, "What is the first machine a customer sees when you bring them on a tour?" That is when it sank in.
we have an employee who always lets something fall , let it be a big steel plate falling on the desk, smashing the doors or open the door of the dirty cloth container ad letting it drop (we have a small container for dirty cloth, which you can open using a door on the top. The door also has a trap door in which you can throw the dirty cloth in.) it would be easier to just throw it in the trap door instead of pulling the whole door up, then throwing the cloth in and closing it again.
It seems that a lot of people have no manners at all. I suppose their parents had no manners either. But this video ought to be required viewing for all people enterng a machine shop. Well done, Adam.
A couple of mine - Don't put things like pallets in the shop walk ways, use the proper clear spaces in the shop. - Don't leave open containers of liquid around the shop. Put the lid on, pour it out, or otherwise dispose of and deal with it before moving on.
Not only put tools where they belong but put them where you found them if they are not yours. I worked for years off a van as a telephone man and I hated it when I had a day off or vacation and someone used my truck. Every tool and piece of material had a place to be, based on my setup. I hated to come back and reach for a tool and it had been put in a different bin or location and I had to hunt for it. Just like my tool pouch I strapped on at every job, I could reach down and pull the tool I wanted without looking.
On a simpler level a huge peeve for me, particularly when a friend comes to my shop for my help or advice and they answer their cell phone when I'm in the middle of explaining something. This is a sure method of not being welcome back.
That's a huge one Virginia! I hate it when I'm talking to someone, a customer perhaps, trying to discuss a job or repair and they answer there damn cell phone and start talking. When I was in my old shop I would simply walk away and go back to what I was doing. I'm not going to stand there and wait for someone to finish there conversation when I stopped what I was doing to help them.
I'm really new to machining in general and am mainly teaching myself buy watching UA-cam videos like yours, reading books and by trial and error in my small home garage, but I greatly appreciate you sharing your professional insights on how to do things right and would greatly appreciate more videos just like this one if you ever have the time to do more of them! Please keep up sharing all your great real world insights and knowledge. I hugely appreciate it man!!! 👍
I have a small art studio and do simple metal fab as part of my work. I have an industrial sign informing people they are required to wear safety gear when operating power equipment, I think I will make a sign that says "Cell Phone Use Prohibited in Work Area"
and I've walked away from a couple customers who were yacking on the phone and made them wait until the next day or two because the next guy in line was serious about getting something done, I made them priority # 3 of the day if said guy wants to come back by that point
The highest percentage rate is with women. When I am going out of my way to help them out and then they put me on hold and make me wait so they can talk to someone else on their phone, I have told them to come back later when they can devote full attention. Rudeness is tolerated with me in my later years.
Most of the tips come down to "not beeing an A-hole" ;)
stefan to the point as always!! as you say being an a-hole should not be authorised in a shop. it's to tempting to pick up the nearest sharp ObjectD'Art and give them a lobotomy.
You must not realize how many A-Holes there are in the world.
Forget work, that’s a great life lesson.
These tips seem to be first year trainee/apprenticeship level. How do some many a-holes miss out on these polite tips.
Thirty years ago I came in to the shop to find the whole place spotless except for the mill I had been using the day before: it was covered in aluminum chips. My boss told me he had stayed late and told the cleaning crew to leave that mess alone. He didn't need to say anything more--I cleaned up yesterday's mess and never left a machine dirty again.
I was on a job with a bunch of guys and told specifically not to clean up. There are guys for that. They get paid $15-20 hr, and we cost our boss well over $100 an hour including benefits and overhead. When there are 10 guys working that gets expensive quick. We are responsible for our own tools.
"The path of the righteous machinist is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of careless men.
Blessed is he who, in the name of shop etiquette and good will, shepherds the novice through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost tools.
And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers.
And you will know my name is Abom when I lay my vengeance upon thee."
Abom79
This needs to be on a shirt.
Reverend Father Baron, your reply just has to be the very best of the decade...mayest thou live forever.
Lol classic
but not the 10mm socket, for those are forever lost to the land of the guitar pick.
My #1 "If you break or damage a cutting tool, tell someone or sharpen it before putting it back" Great list bud :)
I agree Stan. Gets under my skin when I find one of my drills burned up or chipped that I know I did not do.
common problem at work. mostly with drills. Someone snaps a drill or burns it up, no drama, it happens. but then they dont replace it or sharpen it, but put a broken and or dull drill back in the index. really pisses me off if i need a drill, grab it and its broken. whats the point of putting a broken or dull drill back in the index.
MrLembnau laziness/lack of accountability
Even though I have not worked in a machine shop with other people, since school, you and I are on the same page. What you described can be distilled down to be considerate and respect your equipment. Cheers.
And another, #20 Don't use the air nozzle for everything. grab a broom. I swear at the last shop I worked the guys would have pulled the hose into the bathroom to wipe their ass if they could have. 10 guys all firing the air nozzle every few seconds was irritating. You don't have to blow off the entire machine every time you drill a hole.
Im not a machinist, buy any time i do anything involving metal chips or slivers, i have a small shop vac i use. My dog hangs out at the shop with me and I dont want to have to dig a piece of metal out of her paw. If its in a shop vac, it cant get in there.
@@XEatmorechicken Agreed. Keep a vac or 2 around the shop to grab that stuff up keeps from having piles under and behind machines/benches/cabinets/etc.. It'll still get there but at least a majority of it gets picked up.
jeffren70 , I agree and it’s also not necessary to run the air nozzle full blast just to blow a few chips or coolant off your machined surfaces.
@@XEatmorechicken Haaaa, try how nice it is to get one of those in the skin on the underside of your feet ! for example in the changing room...
@@TheStefanskoglund1 I live in Australia, where many people walk around barefoot at home for most of the year. I've had to pick tiny splinters of metal out of the sole of my foot multiple times because my housemate will do some drilling/cutting on our back porch and doesn't sweep up afterwards. Problem is, it's his house and he doesn't like being told what to do. I have to put thongs (sandals/flip-flops) on just to walk out for a swim in the pool. Drives me nuts!
Michel, an old French machinist neighbour of my brother's says this "a good tool id a tool that is cleaned, oiled and placed back in its right storage location". This quote was my first contact with machinists' ethics, and it's a good one.
Thanks for the inspiration...
Keep on trucking (from France) !
This is your best and most informative video yet. Good job!!!!!
Thanks! How about another one?
#12 don't do your job in such a manner as to cause extra work for the next guy.
Simple and elegant notes for anyone working in any shop environment. Be thoughtful for the next person down the line.
Great video!! I Think it all boils down to; Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Show courtesy to your co-workers, be a part of the team, clean up after yourself, and if you don't enjoy your job, then quit and move on!!!
Yes sir James, if only everyone in the shop felt the same way...
Very good advice Adam, Years ago I worked with an old geezer ( he was younger than I am now) taught me the golden rule in his shop.... leave the machine and workspace cleaner than you found it. Keep up the great videos.
AMEN Brother , spent 35 years as a mechanic around some of the least respectful asshat's ever conceived ..
borrowing tools is a privilege , you lose it / brake it / not return it , you bought it . simple .
I get heated when I go to grab a tool and it's not where it's supposed to be. Then I spend a bunch of time searching the shop for it. Something we discuss all the time at work.
Its also annoying when you go for a tool and find it filthy. I actually had to go hunting for the grease gun today while I was in the middle of servicing something. It was not where it belongs, and it was dirty.
You should meet my asshats- will not acknowledge they lost it, after you arguing with them about it for weeks, months, or years, they attempt to replace with a cheeseball cheap crap, when you don't accept it, YOU become the asshat.
gadget73 o
we've all worked with a bubba, who shouts in your ear when your at a machine, askes you stuff, doesnt put tools back in the same condition, breaks tools and never mentions it, when caught out say 'oh i didnt notice', they are generally lazy, and unwilling to learn skills and do good work, i see it as a sign
Hey Adam! I enjoyed this video a lot! Definitely do more videos like these! You're definitely echoing a lot of what I experience on a daily basis, but also brought up some new things which I have honestly never thought about (like straightening the Noga indicator mount). Cheers!
Like so many things in this life it's the simple ones that make it a better place for everyone. It's all a matter of respect for others, for the machinery and the tooling. I've found it doesn't take any longer to be clean and tidy, just a bit of thought and consideration - great video. All the best from across the pond.
Don't go to somebody and ask them how to do a project when you have done absolutely no research on it yourself.
I don't mind when people ask what they do not know. I do mind if the same questions are being asked over and over again...
@@solgam everyone has a cell phone to research, however i wouuld much rather someone ask then fuck something up
@@XEatmorechicken Of course, that is why I would absolutely not mind answering/helping out. Thing is some people will ask the same question over and over and give no effort to either remember or note it down. I had same people regularly ask me for the pattern of calculating Vc into spindle speed, like every time it's needed, at least once a week for years. One would imagine after 20th time a self respecting person would at least make a note.
@@solgam Sometimes that can be that they are not understanding it. Get them away from the machine, even go to the break room, and have them work through a few examples. Plan your work, work to your plan. You can change you plan if something pops up though.
Isn't asking someone the same as doing research?
I work in tool and die and organization and having a clean work space is a must.
Great tips Adam, we all know if there is time to lean there is time to clean.
I always enjoy your videos.
Thank you for all of your videos and advice that you provide. I like the way that you present your videos in a clear and concise manner. I get the impression that there is a great degree of science in the realm of machining. Again, thank you Adam.
Great observations and safety tips. It all comes down to respect for others and the tools, which likely means better workmanship. Thanks. for the video.
Great stuff. I'll add one, as an engineer and project manager who dabbles in the shop. Never be afraid to ask for help after thinking about a problem or task. None of us know it all and each of us has years or decades of experiences. You save yourself, your shop, and your customer's time & money by thinking twice, measuring twice, and doing it right the first time. Sometimes when something doesn't look or feel right, it's because there's an error on the drawing or spec... and as the machinist/fabricator, you are every bit as professional as the designer and engineer and shouldn't be hesitant to ask a question to make sure the job gets done right. Any engineer or project manager who doesn't welcome that kind of feedback and teamwork isn't worth working for.
I hated it when programming a CNC and a workmate comes over at the crucial moment and destroys your chain of thinking. I've had heart attacks with shop monkeys throwing pallets onto the floor to deliberately make a loud bang. I accidentally grabbed one guy around the throat and pinned him up the trimming machine in my younger days. I now work as a tool maker and what I hate is when the saw guy cuts the raw HSS blanks for me to machine and does not deburr the parts. I then have to remove his burr prior and then my own burr after my process is complete. This is not the blokes fault, it's the way the company runs but being on my first week there I won't say anything until I have my feet under the table more. I will then ask why I have to deburr twice on my process instead of everyone deburring their own work. I cut my finger open on day one. I wasn't impressed!!
That's the truth.. I was just getting ready to mention that. I have a guy that seems to always catch me right in the middle of some critical part of my programming, and I have to "remember" where I was.
These are simple and should be naturally understood by everyone, your video should be widely distributed especially to those who lack common sense. Your video was presented well.
Thanks Adam.
Used to work with a guy who would walk up and start tapping your shoulder and ask questions while i was talking to someone on the phone - man that was annoying !
I know what you mean with not interrupting someone who is working on a machine , i had an apprentice years ago who was given a job to linish some rollers and i had to check each one .He would rip though the job and run over and pester me to check it out while i was setting up a job in a roll grinder and as he kept distracting me i forgot to set the end stop correctly . It ended up with the wheel crashing into the shoulder of the workpiece - luckily i caught it before any serious damage was done . He now has several new orifices to choose from to crap through !
Well done Adam! I have had a very small triangular scraper laid in the drawer for years and it never occurred to me that it was a perfect de-burring tool! It's out on the bench now.... You're dead right about sudden noises as well. I spent much of my life with big steam engines driving textile mills and your main job was listening for anything unusual If you want to upset an engine tenter, make a sudden noise! So much so that I jump even now and have been accused of being nervous. I tell them, No! You've got it wrong. It's quick reactions!
Excellent video, all your points work in whatever field a person works in !!!
Great to see this. Timeless advice and comments are pretty great on this post. Thank you.
Your shop is soooooo CLEAN - admirable
JR
Don't know who finally got to you but "A firggin men" Adam. You have spoken for countless people
So true and a lot of young apprentices don't learn this at school. It also applies to all trades.
shops should pay abom for this speech. lol great video bro keep up the great work
Showing your first tip to the wife... She's pretty great about it, but your refresher is a great reminder.
I once had a co worker grab me when I was touching off on a milling machine for a joke I got such a shock I turned round a punched him. He never did that again
Stupid should be painfull
Now, that's a T-Shirt I'd buy!
lmao
We call them knowledge knots
Sounds like every company needs a sit down a watch Yur vid Adam ... I see this every day to man ! Thumbs up..
These are super simple rules to have in a shop, that unfortunately not alot of people know how to follow. Especially #1 and #5.
Great Vid Adam !! If you're like me, if you think about it you can hear you dad, grand-dad or another mentor get on you at some point about all of these things !! I have found squeeze bottles like for mustard or BBQ sauce you find at the grocery store work great for cutting oil, way oil etc... THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO !!
This sort of advice is applicable in most places. I'm a programmer, many of the basic do's and don'ts hold true at my work. I'd imagine having to clean up someone's rushed, corner-cutting code feels about the same as having to clean someone else's pile of chips. However, I must admit I've never cut myself on someone's sharp programming :)
I enjoyed your comment about shop etiquette. One thing I might mention is keep home business at home. Don't discuss problems you may have with other employees. It can cause a toxic environment in the shop.
In a shop I once worked, they had a storage shed out in the rear yard. That shed was never left unlocked.
Two keys existed: the first was on the hook in the office, and the other key was in the boss's pocket.
If ever he found the shed unlocked, or if the other key was not found on the office hook, somebody got to clear out his tools - and be off the property before the close of business.
I'd like to be that guy, and probably be working alone.
Good vid Adam. Always good to be organized and tidy. Wish I could say I was like that all the time.
Keep em coming! Everybody needs a reminder now and then.
any time I'm learning something new I alway learn the correct way first rether then fixing a bad habit after the fact. Thank you for this video I wish more people did things like you. always think you others.
A rule I live by at work: never, *ever* rush a procedure. Move fast? Sure, no problem. But don't cut corners, don't skip a step, and don't jump around between tasks because you're in a hurry. It will always bite you on the ass eventually.
Speed comes from practice and consistency. Changing methods breaks your routine and disrupts your muscle memory, both of which actually slow you down.
Also worth noting is that in a lot of trades, you, the person actually doing the work, are often the last effective opportunity to catch errors that could injure or even kill someone. It's always worth taking the few extra seconds to minimize that risk.
Keep those video's coming, I straighten up and organize things at work all the time and tell people where things are suppose to go and they ignore a lot of what I say, A Place For Everything And Everything In Its Place
"Don't do what Donny don't does." :D
Adam, I can really identify with #1. I used to do quite a bit of pin grinding. People would walk up behind me and tap me on the shoulder. Usually while I was grinding that "last tenth". That is very aggravating. I asked a former instructor of mine about it, and he recommended I mount a small shaving mirror to the grinder so people couldn't startle me. By the way, all are great tips and directly affect a shops productivity.
I need to share this with my guys at our shop. I'd like to add, whether you're milling, facing, grinding; anywhere where chips are flying, try to orient your tool away from the general traffic. no one wants to walk by and get sprayed with chips, hit chips, or dust. Same goes for aiming red-hot filings at stuff you shouldn't, like flammables or gasses.
Great stuff! Especially for a self taught garage warrior like myself.
Good Stuff! The only detail I'd add to Number 10 is take an old toothbrush and clean the drill thoroughly of oil and chips, Inspect the drill for wear or damage, and dress the drill appropriately before returning it to the correct location.
Pay it forward and 5S /6S will pay dividends.
Good stuff. About drill bits and returning them back in the index - then they don't roll off the bench and bounce onto the concrete floor.
Another peeve and safety issue is the use of an air hose to blow off a cutting job, cleaning the machine and worst of all-cleaning the floor
appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos.
I'm a programmer, and your rule #1 is the standard in my field, too. If you break someone's train of thought, you could lose an hour's worth of work. Good manners don't cost nothin'...
+John Riney That's right, or if your making a cut and look away you could crash into a shoulder, things like that. I try and explain that to people so they understand.
Thank you for your mid week video efforts.
I was so inclined to be neat my coworkers were hesitant to use my tools. after 30 years I never lost a tool, broke a few but that happens. Good video!
Cheers
something I learned when I was young; if you get really far into a project and you start to get that jittery, anxious energy and there are tools and parts everywhere, stop. Just stop and clean everything up. Put all the tools away, even the one you were about to use. Pretend you are leaving for the night, and once everything is clean you can start working again. Doing this has saved me many times from making a knuckelhead move and scrapping a part because I had too many things in my head at once.
Great set of rules there Adam.. totally agree with them. One I don't think that was mentioned was "Borrowing someones personal tools".. my rule is to "treat them like their were mine". How would I like it if someone gave me a tool back bent/dirty/broken. I've borrowed tools and always replace the consumables...sanding discs etc. And always thank them. It goes a long way
I made the wife watch the first one
the indicator one I watched you and started doing that myself very good idea
Did she smack you in the head after she watched it?
No between the two of us we got it straightened out now
So basically, you admitted fault.
Another great video. Glad that you covered this topic. Would like to see more following this format if possible. Cheers.
Good vid as always Abom...most just as applicable to any type of shop etiquette ...
" and the break room is for eating your biscuits or sammiches !...."
I wanted to think this video wasn't needed - but you know what, Adam, all ten things you listed is something I deal with at work every, frickin', day! This video should be required watching for all machining courses across the country... having said that, I'm not perfect either. Your video brought to my attention some things I do that I shouldn't or things I don't do that I should! Hopefully I can stick to the Ten Commandments of Abom!
Great advice and inspiration, thanks for sharing/teaching !!
On point #1, don't stand so close that you are a distraction. Stand far enough away so that the person doesn't know that you exist and then, when there is a break in the action, walk closer so that you can be noticed.
Thank you Adam for the very useful tips !
Thanks for sharing your experience ; much appreciated.
A blanket point you make Adam is essentially a simple one - consideration (and a good mix of common sense). Not to have a go at all young folks but thoughtlessness is sometimes too prevalent.
Care of tools of course too is, or should be, paramount... basic workshop practice.
I feel like I just finished work(at my home office) and just spent 15 mins listening to Abom tell me off and it's somehow relaxing. :) - But definitely could improve my tidiness.
WELL DONE ADAM ! A most timely video full of priceless advice : I believe that it is worth more than five regular ones and I am being very conservative.
Anybody with half a brain would agree with all you say.
Incidentally, all of this has to do with GOOD MANNERS and first class upbringing. I am very pleased to say that you are abundantly qualified in both.
Thank you
When I first began watching Adam's videos, I would watch them, then "like" some here and there. Now, I just "like" them even before watching.
My wife really needs to watch this! Hold your questions until i acknowledge you AND when you use my screw driver clean the hair out of the bath tub, put it back! lol
@@Garth2011 Pegboard that is MARKED on what goes there? It should be there after you use it.
I would piss my pants if Abom was looking down at me asking where his effin' tool was.....
Amen to number five-put tools away where they belong. I've taught my sons to do this since they were old enough to walk into my garage. I also believe that you should be able to find tools in a drawer blindfolded.
Pure words of wisdom. Listen carefully.
Best video advice I’ve ever watched hope people take note
(( TOOOO COOOOL )) --- JUST GOT ( YOUR ) " CLASH AT THE BASH " T-SHIRT !!!
Hot damn! Man are you right. Don't ever interrupt me! Don't make a sharp loud noise! Adam is so correct. My wife and I love to cook. We spent thousands on a range. The built-in griddle, had a removable fat tray. Every edge retained its burr. I cut myself every time I removed it, before I realized the manufacturer was an idiot. I deburred it myself.
All of 'em are good, Adam, but MAN, the indicator one is one of mine, too. We had one guy who just wouldn't learn, and it caused problems. This was some time back in a shop where I used to work. It was mentioned to him many times, but he always seemed to leave his dial sticking out at a right angle. The thing is, when a guy does that, not only is the guy not caring for the tools he's responsible for, but with that thing sticking out to the side, some other poor soul can be walking by and snag it with clothing. Well, one time it was the boss who snagged it, and the DI ended up on the floor. That guy still didn't learn, but the boss made him pay for any DIs he damaged from then on.
#13 Indicate the vise and Quill if you have to move them. #14 wipe off any chips before putting on lathe chucks or mill vices. #15 buy a bag of coffee every now and then if you share a pot. #16 if you break something or a machine needs adjusting, blades or sanding belts need replacing, fix it! #17 Don't ever grind aluminum on the grinder! #18 Personal hygiene. Enough said. #19 Do the best work you can. don't get lazy.
Whew! Finally made it to the end of the video. Ok next we want to see a reenactment of you and some noob/trainee and he does all 10 things that you just mentioned not to do in 2 minutes and you put a beat down on him. I would pay to see that man! Buss some heads man!
thjs coment is for interaction score.
AvE sent me here. you are genuinely awesome, keep being you. thanks for posting and sharing your story
The Japanese have a management theory which starts with proper house keeping. Keep your workplace tidy, make sure the floor is empty, know where your tools are, take care of your tools. Kaizen goes far deeper than that but that is were it starts. Caring for your tools and workplace. Your advice is sound and for sure not childish, they are the first steps in health and safety also.
The second point you made about loud unnecessary noise is probably the biggest for me, at work most of my machine time is on a Centreless Grinder, which are dangerous to start with and can be terrifying to work on, loud noises are even worse when operating a grinding machine and the fright you can give someone on ANY machine but especially grinding machines can give them a big enough fright to not only scrap/crash the machine or work, but to seriously hurt or even kill themselves, I wish people took more care with noise.
+Adam15197 I agree, loud unexpected noises are not good around machinist and machine operators.
Man -o- man Adam, did you hit on one of my pet peeves before I retired. I was an dealership auto tech shop foreman, and people not putting the manufacturers special tools back into the tool room in their proper place really ticked me off. a lot of time was lost looking for the proper tool. The real aggregating part was the worst offender was the tech who worked right next to the tool room. it got to the point that I started to buy my own special tools and then techs wanted to borrow my tools instead of looking for the lost tool.
That's a great training video. Companies should show that to new hires so they get the idea.
EXCELLENT advice Adam!
classic! makes the world a better place - some people just need to be told
Excellent video Adam!
Thanks Abom, great video
Awesome, Adam. Thanks a lot.
I predict a lot of additional episodes like thid
Rule #1 applies to a lot of trades. I'm a software developer, and there are few things more irritating than being interrupted by someone just walking up to your desk, chatting you up or even slamming some paperwork on it and asking for opinion or guidance when you're staring at your screen, seemingly doing nothing. It does not occur to some people that even if you're apparently not doing anything, you might actually be hard at work mentally, trying to figure out why the hell the stuff isn't working or how to solve a certain problem. Frequently interrupting that train of thought is a big killer of productivity.
If a "double like" button was there, I would have hit it!! Keep up the great work big guy!
Oh man, I could not agree with you more. I hate to be bothered when I'm running a machine. All of your rules are for a purpose. Thank for sharing some common sense with people. Thumbs and subscribed.
Greta video concept Adam, you are a wealth of knowledge Man. I like to see more like this as well as your usual fare, thanks Adam. PS: I did some four jaw work for the first time in years last week, best time to set the part was about 8 minutes, you are magic to watch with a four jaw. Good luck against Keith at the bash.
Good list.
I took a job in a shop that ran hydraulic cylinders, mostly a CNC shop. The workers walked out on strike and I was a replacement worker (long story). Before they walked they hide all the tooling and when I got there because I had sold to them before I knew where their hiding places were. I spent a tremendous amount of time finding tooling for machines not only when I had to do a set up but when others did.
Cleaning is also a pet peeve. I cleaned as I went which is easy with a CNC. There was a bit of higher motive in doing it also because the machine I ran was the first one a customer saw when the President brought them for a shop tour. He asked me about why he always saw me cleaning and I just asked him, "What is the first machine a customer sees when you bring them on a tour?" That is when it sank in.
you speak to me from the soul.
Leave a machine the way you want it to be
Great advice, Love your videos. Thank you!
we have an employee who always lets something fall , let it be a big steel plate falling on the desk, smashing the doors or open the door of the dirty cloth container ad letting it drop (we have a small container for dirty cloth, which you can open using a door on the top. The door also has a trap door in which you can throw the dirty cloth in.) it would be easier to just throw it in the trap door instead of pulling the whole door up, then throwing the cloth in and closing it again.
It seems that a lot of people have no manners at all. I suppose their parents had no manners either. But this video ought to be required viewing for all people enterng a machine shop. Well done, Adam.
A couple of mine
- Don't put things like pallets in the shop walk ways, use the proper clear spaces in the shop.
- Don't leave open containers of liquid around the shop. Put the lid on, pour it out, or otherwise dispose of and deal with it before moving on.
Not only put tools where they belong but put them where you found them if they are not yours. I worked for years off a van as a telephone man and I hated it when I had a day off or vacation and someone used my truck. Every tool and piece of material had a place to be, based on my setup. I hated to come back and reach for a tool and it had been put in a different bin or location and I had to hunt for it. Just like my tool pouch I strapped on at every job, I could reach down and pull the tool I wanted without looking.