What tools should I cary on me, while CNC machining?

[Learning_The_Hard_Way]

Hi all
Starting my first CNC Machinist job
Wondering what tools I should carry on my person. Just wondering what people always need… was thinking Pen, 6in ruler and a calculator still trying to decide if my phone would be better?

Job will supply everything else I need.

 

[mhajicek]

I carry a red sharpie, a black sharpie, a pocket knife, and tweezers for slivers. Everything else is in toolboxes.

Edit: and Leatherman. It's so much a part of me I forget about it until I need it.

 

[memphisjed]

Mag light, a bic lighter, silver sharpie. No phone, no wallet.

 

[Spruewell]

A notebook. Sharpies can be handy too.

 

[Garwood]

Good boots.

 

[empower]

at least a cnc mill and lathe.

 

[Philabuster]

Hi all
Starting my first CNC Machinist job
Wondering what tools I should carry on my person. Just wondering what people always need… was thinking Pen, 6in ruler and a calculator still trying to decide if my phone would be better?

Use the phone for doing calculations and using speed/feed apps but stay off it otherwise.

 

[EmGo]

When I was first starting I was told to get a set of 6" Etalon dial calipers. That'll get some blowback these days but I never regretted it.

And an HP-41 will kick a phone's butt any day of the week, and twice on Sundays

 

[Mtndew]

When I was first starting I was told to get a set of 6" Etalon dial calipers. That'll get some blowback these days

I don't think anyone will give you crap about buying Swiss made calipers. They were great. Might still be.

 

[LOTT]

A Glock. It's getting crazy out there.

In addition to the other suggestions, an Olfa 9mm snap off utility knife. It's no bigger than the Sharpie and super handy.

Definitely the flashlight; I'm a big fan of the tiny LED single AAA units, but there's better tech available than Maglight (unless it's a 4 D cell unit to pair with the Glock).

Edit to add- I don't have anything against the calculator on a phone and there's some handy apps, but when you're the new guy messing with a calculator is a better impression on the boss/coworkers then typing on your phone.

 

[EmGo]

I don't think anyone will give you crap about buying Swiss made calipers. They were great. Might still be.

Etalon Tesa and Brown & Sharpe are now all the same company, probably some people complain. And they are dials, not digital.

But I still like them best. At least it's another slip of paper to put in the hat.

 

[OVodov]

Scientific calculator is better than phone or simple calculator.
Utility knife, measuring tape smallest you can find, sharpies - any colour, calliper - my favourite is Digital coolant proof Mitutoyo.
Get a cargo pants and everything fits in it.
Also some good apps on your phone will help you

 

[Mtndew]

And they are dials, not digital.

I've never liked digital calipers. 12" Starrett have been my go-to since the early 90's.
I've tried both B&S and Mitutoyo 12" and IMO they don't even compare.

 

[Philabuster]

Scientific calculator is better than phone or simple calculator.

The calculator on my older Samsung phone turns into a scientific calculator when I turn it 90°. It also has unit converters built into it.

 

[guythatbrews]

When I was first starting I was told to get a set of 6" Etalon dial calipers. That'll get some blowback these days but I never regretted it.

And an HP-41 will kick a phone's butt any day of the week, and twice on Sundays

Why am I not surprised you are an HPer?

My phone has a HP48 emulator app. Much smaller than the original, and the display crapped out on my original anyway. The emulator app was either free or just a few dollars.


Uncle bills tweezers from Amazon have an ingenious holder for your keyring and come to a great point for slivers
Sliver Gripper Uncle Bill's 19074 Tweezers in a Recloseable Tube https://a.co/d/ePAdJIP

.7mm pentel with HB lead. 6" Starrett C316R scale. Elliptical utility knife with spare blades close by.

Sheffield 58132 Elliptic Folding Lockback Utility Knife https://a.co/d/ijxAGgx

Steel toed shoes for me, not boots.

 

[michiganbuck]

A pencil, pen, and notepad might be handy.
Good to evaluate the job and discover what your duties are.
I think a small push cart can be handy if there is room for one, and the boss agrees.
Good to avoid using your phone for personal use because that is a thing someone will criticize.

 

[DDoug]

A brain.....

 

[Screwmachine]

Why am I not surprised you are an HPer?

My phone has a HP48 emulator app. Much smaller than the original, and the display crapped out on my original anyway. The emulator app was either free or just a few dollars.

View attachment 395521

I use the same app, it's great (just can't find fraction/decimal conversion, maybe I'm blind, my HP35s has it...). And Pentel 0.7mm pencil, just keep them all over the shop.

I'm surprised someone hasn't scolded OP "it's a scale, not a ruler"

 

[DouglasJRizzo]

Hi all
Starting my first CNC Machinist job
Wondering what tools I should carry on my person. Just wondering what people always need… was thinking Pen, 6in ruler and a calculator still trying to decide if my phone would be better?

Job will supply everything else I need.

If you can load a few CNC apps on your phone, it'd help. I use a few for speed/feeds and bolt circle, so that if I can't get to the CAD station, I can still get the basics done.

 

[guythatbrews]

I use the same app, it's great (just can't find fraction/decimal conversion, maybe I'm blind, my HP35s has it...). And Pentel 0.7mm pencil, just keep them all over the shop.

I'm surprised someone hasn't scolded OP "it's a scale, not a ruler"

The ruler comment made me chuckle. My dad taught me that early on, along with "don't ever make your numeral four with an open top again".