r/CNC

Hi there,

I've been a CNC Machinist (75% Milling - 25% Turning for oil&gas, aerospace, job shops) for the past 8 years and have always dreamed of opening my own shop.

Rather than directly competing with local shops from the start, I want to first build a financial cushion by buying a used CNC mill and machining simple work-holding kits (123 blocks, serrated clamps, step blocks, flange nuts, T-slot nuts etc...) and selling them under a brand name to fund more machines, and more advanced work-holding solutions (fixture plates, toe clamps, drop-in T-slot nuts, vise stops, soft jaws etc..). The idea is to start small, building a Canadian manufacturing brand that makes and sells commodity items every machine shop needs, then move towards premium work-holding products, and finally grow to the point where I have enough machines to run the work-holding business + bid and take on more specialized custom machining work (preferably aerospace)...

Assuming I already have my first machine, and the space + tools + power for it, my questions to you are:
- What do you think of this specific progressive business model idea ?
- What would be your advice for success for me?
- What do you foresee going right/wrong?
- Would you recommend a different starting point than commodity milling work-holding? - Can you think of any other high demand and simple to machine products to start with?
- How would you go about starting a CNC shop in 2026? - Alberta or Ontario for the best execution ?

PS: Not to be rude, but please refrain from commenting if you don't actually know what you're talking about. I'm looking for constructive input specifically on the business model from Veterans of the trade, with a good understanding of the Canadian Machining landscape as a whole.

Thanks ALL!!!

I have a two year tech degree and currently work as a forklift operator. I became interested in CNC as a potential career so I completed the ACE milling training program and shortly after applied to a bunch of entry level operator roles. I had some really good interviews but was unable to land a role due to lack of hands on experience, which I completely understand.

So now I’ve re-enrolled in school to take a few hands-on classes to strengthen my resume and give employers more confidence in taking a chance on me. Is there anything else I can do to improve my chances of breaking into the field?

Right now I currently enjoy my forklift role. It’s low stress and pays close to $30 per hour, but there’s not much more growth in that field beyond that. CNC interests me because the long-term earning potential and career progression seem much better. I'm fine taking a pay cut for a couple of years if it leads to better opportunities down the road. For those of you in the industry, is making the switch worth it?

I’m in the midwest.

Is there a free software for the CNC that allows you to carve directly from the software like Easel does? The easier to use the better. I don’t have enough time to learn a complicated software. I will be carving guitar bodies and inlays on fretboards. Nothing really else. What is the easiest software to use for this and which will allow me to carve directly from the software. I can’t seem to get the card to read in my laptop. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I use a two trees TTC 450 Pro desktop version. It’s a decent machine for my needs with an 18x18 workspace it can carve out a body and do the inlays. Unfortunately I can’t do a neck buts it what I could afford at the time. I haven’t used it in months because I didn’t have time to learn everything.

any tips also im having a hard time figuring out how the movement values work (how i got in this mess in the first place) is it based off a grid for the total work area or is it based of the zero point from the file any help would be greatly appreciated

I live in ontario, Canada. Ive been looking into a career change.

Since finding a job here is next to impossible, i was wondering if it was work pursuing.

I found a 10 month course at IMTT for a diploma in CNC operator and programmer.

I guess my question is, it this a career that will be replaced by AI in the future?

If anyone is familiar with the institution. Is IMTT (Institute of Machine Tool Technology) a reliable institution?

From people with experience, is this a worthwhile and fulfilling career?

How are is it to find a job in this field?

Thank you for help

Edit:

Forgot to mention the tuition for the course is about $15,335.

The website is live at app.calculatecnc.me if you want to try it out.

It has the usual stuff (speeds and feeds, bolt circles, drill charts) plus many tools I wanted to add, or that were custom built for my own work: a box packing calculator, an insert decoder for turning tools, and a parts-per-bar calculator. Also thread wire calculators, drill point depth, etc.

No account, no login, and it works offline once it's loaded. There's also an iOS app (link on site) if you'd rather have it that way and support the project (Android eventually).

If anyone finds a number that disagrees with your Machinery's Handbook or a controlling standard, tell me and I'll fix it. That's genuinely useful to me.

Tried going through Etsy to no avail, looking for a simple job request to make a steel or aluminum version of a book cover I have that used a cheap metal cover that is now rusting very quickly, hoping to find a replacement for it as I want to try to keep said book.

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some realistic advice on how to land my first entry-level CNC Operator or Trainee position in the Los Angeles / Glendale area.

I have 5 years of stable, high-volume industrial machine operator experience (print production and automated die-cutting setups). I’m highly comfortable with plant safety, reading blueprints, tracking tolerances, using basic hand tools, and navigating digital HMI control screens.

I also hold an Associate Degree in Computer Science. I understand sequential logic, variables, and troubleshooting, so I know I can pick up G-code, machine parameters, and tool offsets incredibly fast.

I want a real career path in manufacturing and I’m 100% open to working the 1nd or 2rd shifts to get my foot in the door. I’m looking for a fair trainee starting rate around $20–$24/hr.

My questions for you guys:

1. Are there specific aerospace, defense, or job shops in the San Fernando Valley / Burbank / Glendale area that are known for taking on and training green operators?
2. What are the best local manufacturing staffing agencies or methods to bypass the automated online HR filters?
3. Does my CS degree give me any leverage when talking directly to a shop foreman, or should I leave it off?

Appreciate any advice or shop recommendations you can throw my way. Thanks!"

Hello everyone,

I'm a programmer with too much time on my hands and I've been fiddling around with some CNC math. And the result is https://datumcalc.com/ - a calculator for many a thing CNC.

Now, to be completely honest - I'm not too great of a machinist. However I'm well versed in data sourcing and gathering - so this is a "compilation across many sources" more than a "sage's insight into machining".

With that in mind, I would love to ask you folks for help:

• is there anything missing? E.g. is there anything that would help with the tool becoming really useful?
• is there anything incorrect? All formulas are sourced AND double checked. But it still doesn't mean I nailed everything on my first attempt.
• any other tips and ideas? I'm open to suggestions - can't say I will implement everything, but ideas are welcome

With all this in mind, thank you for your attention.

Kind regards,

Sima