1. Name, title and how long you’ve been at Specialty Manufacturing Co.

Brad Stadick, and I have been a machinist with Specialty Manufacturing for one year.

2. Describe what your department is responsible for. What tasks are done daily?

Our department is responsible for the final assembly of all fixtures, dies, and special machines. When problems arise with any of these assemblies, it is our job to figure out why the tool is not functioning correctly. Sometimes if could be as simple as drilling an oil line deeper so that the hydraulic clamping system has a complete circuit, or the problem could be a little more elusive. This department you could say is the last line of defense to prevent a faulty product from being shipped to the customer.

3. What is a recent project that your department has been involve with? Describe what it was and why your team was successful.

One thing that makes our team successful is our ability to draw from each other’s different expertise to overcome the latest challenge. Teamwork is a vital part in any step-in manufacturing.

4. What makes your team / department successful when tackling a new project?

One recent project that has been done in our department was putting on a replacement connector for an auger. We had to cut out the old connector because it was too worn, and weld in a new once. When the connector was put into final position there was a wide area that needed to be filled in with weld. Being that the part was round, it provided an excellent opportunity to “walk the cup”, which is essentially like walking a 55-gallon drum across the floor in a zig-zag motion, only with the gas cup of a tig torch. It makes for a quick buildup, and a nice-looking weld when done properly.

5. What advice would you give to someone starting a career in manufacturing?

One piece of advice that I would give to anyone just starting in the trades in the trades is that “Quality is never an accident, it is always the direct result of high intentions, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution. It represents the wise of many alternatives.” – Quote by Will foster. If an aspiring machinist or toolmaker understands this, there will be all kinds of opportunities for you to further yourself in this trade.

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