Hi all,
Just wanted to post a quick intro.
My name is Don Gradin and I hail from the Iowa Quad Cities area right across the Mississippi River from Moline, Illinois home of John Deere. Got my machinist's ticket from Bendix Aviation working up from the Burr Bench to Set-up man in the NC (brand new technology
) department. Later worked as a CNC set-up support machinist for Caterpillar (in the days of switching from tape to direct control) setting up and proving out all types of machining centers and lathes.
Later went back to school
and picked up a degree in Electronic Engineering
. Moved to Montgomery Elevator Co. and wad tasked with setting up and directing their first model making / prototype shop. After five years I moved on to their Escalator Division as Head Design Engineer of the Power Walk (moving sidewalks like you see in airports). Finished my career with them at age 65 in 2017.
Set up my own home shop with intent of hobby machining for enjoyment. I've always had an interest in model engines but never had the time or resources to actually build one. I have designed and built my own small CNC mill and 3D printer and (if the weather ever cooperates
) hope to get out and pursue a new hobby.
Hope I can post some positive results in the near future.
Thanks for letting me part of your group here.
DGradin