Micky R. Jennings, AAAS Precision Machine Technology

My machining career started when I was about 8 years old, as I began cleaning chips from the equipment in my family garage. I was mesmerized by all the handwheels, levers, cranks, knobs, and dials. Over the years, my curiosity about the equipment grew as I watched my father operate the machinery, creating seemingly endless possibilities from metal.

I pursued machining as a running start student at Walla Walla Community College. Upon graduation, I worked in industry for over 15 years in a range of disciplines and positions. During my time in industry, I realized my passion for acquiring machine knowledge and sharing what I had learned with others.

In 2014, I discovered that Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) was gearing up to launch their Machining Technology program. I volunteered as a lab assistant for two quarters before becoming full time machining faculty and program coordinator in 2015. At WVC, I have developed and implemented a competency-based curriculum that is designed to equitably meet students where they are, letting them set a pace for progress that is customizable to each individual.

I am honored to be a part of the SBCTC OER machining textbook and hope it will help eliminate the knowledge barriers students face. I love being able to give back to industry by fostering the fundamental experiences of students and future industry leaders.

Damon Donner, AAS

After completing my military career as an Aviation Machinist Mate in the U.S. Navy, I used the G.I. Bill to attend the Bellingham Technical College (BTC) Precision Machining Program from which I received an A.S. degree. While in school, I started working at an ISO 9001 and ITAR registered company in Bellingham, WA during summer breaks. At this company, I became a setup machinist for aerospace, medical, defense and commercial products.

My appreciation for vocational training brought me back to BTC to volunteer assisting the Precision Machining course while working weekends in the industry. Eventually, an opportunity arose to create a manual and CNC course for “non-majors” students in other engineering programs at BTC and I started my career in education.

The opportunity to help create this open resource textbook allowed me to contribute to our manufacturing training in the machining industry.

I hope this resource provides a useful tool for the education community and adds to the sparse OER materials needed to train future machinists.

Tim Bacon, BS in Industrial Technology

I’ve always enjoyed making things. It was a hobby after hours at the papermill where I worked. When the papermill closed, I was given the opportunity to attend the Machinist Program at Bates Technical College. Upon graduating, I found employment in the aerospace industry and started my apprenticeship. Once the apprenticeship was completed, I started substituting for my instructor Bob Storrar, and eventually took over teaching the apprenticeship classes. For the next 20 years, I worked in the industry and taught people who had interests similar to mine. In 2015, I went back to school to enhance my teaching skills by earning a degree in Technical Education and Instructional Design. In 2020, my life came full circle, and I was chosen to teach full time at Bates Technical College.

I’ve always had a passion to build. This book represents the opportunity to share that passion with others who have an interest in the trade and are looking for somewhere to start. Just remember, when you learn something, share it with someone else.