Although I registered in 2007, I have only been active on this site for 4 months.
I began working in the machining trades in 1981 as a machine operator. In 1986 I attended community college and became a machinist. Then was employed in injection mold making and metal stamping die businesses. Working closely with engineers, assisting in the design, building and repair of plastic injection molds, together with the construction of simple and progressive metal stamping dies. Beginning with manual machines, eventually the job duties entailed programming CNC machinery. At first entering programs manually machine-side then remotely as CAD software became more common.
In 1995 an employer encouraged me to return to community college. Where I "tested" successfully for an AS in machine tool technology, Which together with my previous work experience I also obtained certification as a tool and die/mold maker.. In 2008 while employed for a local aerospace manufacturer (whose product lines are components for commercial and military turbine "jet" engines). I was diagnosed with a neurological disorder and unable to continue to work in a machine shop environment. Since becoming disabled, I have been self employed as a CAD designer/drafter.