2008 National SkillsUSA Precision Machining Bronze

[WTFGUY956]

So what did he make?

[tomclemans]

@WTFGUY956 Thanks for watching!!!

At the mill and lathe stations, the contestants were given a blank piece of metal and a drawing. They had 80 minutes to get as many dimensions in tolerance as they could.

To see parts similar to the ones made here, search: 2011 skillsusa precision machining

The first minute or so of the 2011 SkillsUSA precision machining nationals has the lathe and mill parts spread out. They are similar to the ones made in 2008.

[nattydreadlocks1973]

Working around hot, flying shards of metal without any eye protection? WTF?

[tomclemans]

@nattydreadlocks1973

I don't know what video you were watching before you posted this, but no one in this video was working around flying metal chips without wearing eye protection. A few people in the video without safety glasses were a long, safe distance from where any metal was being cut. During lunch time, several people took off their safety glasses because no one was cutting any metal then.

[RandyCOG3]

@tomclemans Congrats on your achievement! At your young age, you'll go far, if that's the path you choose to go down.

Remember, though, machining you own GOLD MEDAL would be cost-prohibitive, but if you WIN a gold medal, you can sell it for scrap, and buy more hardware with the $.

[RandyCOG3]

How ironic: if you're THAT GOOD, you can just stay home and mill your own Bronze Medal, etc.

[tomclemans]

@RandyCOG3 What an idea!!! I hadn't thought of that. :-D

[camochannel1]

well done young man. 5 stars

[TTREACTIONRX]

they have same vises as us lol

[kawasakikillerr]

i competed in this. Reppin Arkansas. such a tough contest

[tomterahedrob]

tomclemans,im thinking of buying one of those 473 pound Chinese multi macines. at Habor Freight,With my coupon I get 20% off its 499 price.any suggestions?

[EvilWeevilAnime]

don't ... there cheap Chinese junk.

Buy dedicated machines.

[reggieobe98]

Move to China, they're propably cheaper there.

[kingmike40]

@tomterahedrob I gave 400 for a 12x36 atlas lathe. I put another 400 for tooling with it and have a much better machine than any chinese machine. I bought a U.S. burke millrite milling machine for 1750 a few years ago and swapped out the step pulleys and motor for a inverter duty motor with a speed controller for about 400. You might think that the 499 is a inexpensive price but considering the quality they will turn to boat anchors in no time.