Model Engine Maker

About MEM => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: DGradin on March 10, 2019, 12:26:17 AM

Title: Hi from John Deere County
Post by: DGradin on March 10, 2019, 12:26:17 AM

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 :atcomputer:) 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  :old: and picked up a degree in Electronic Engineering  :zap:. 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.  :whoohoo:

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  :Mad:) 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

Title: Re: Hi from John Deere County
Post by: Kim on March 10, 2019, 01:56:08 AM

Hi Don,
Welcome to the forum!  Sounds like you've got a lot of experience and a shop full of tools.  You should post some pictures of your shop in the "My Workshop" section so we can all see what toys you have.

Kim

Title: Re: Hi from John Deere County
Post by: Art K on March 10, 2019, 02:08:32 AM

Don,
Welcome to the forum, you will find a great resource of information here.
Art

Title: Re: Hi from John Deere County
Post by: b.lindsey on March 10, 2019, 02:31:22 AM

Hi and welcome to the group Don. Any particular type of engines interest you most? 

Bill

Title: Re: Hi from John Deere County
Post by: Ye-Ole Steam Dude on March 10, 2019, 10:10:04 AM

Hello Don,

Welcome to the MEM Forum, with your background you will fit in quite nicely. Looking forward to seeing some of you projects.

Have a great day,
Thomas

Title: Re: Hi from John Deere County
Post by: Dave Otto on March 10, 2019, 05:08:54 PM

Hi Don
Welcome to MEM!


Dave

Title: Re: Hi from John Deere County
Post by: Don1966 on March 10, 2019, 07:03:00 PM

Hi Don and welcome to the forum!


 :hi:
Don

Title: Re: Hi from John Deere County
Post by: dpaulson on March 10, 2019, 07:36:45 PM

Welcome nice group

Title: Re: Hi from John Deere County
Post by: scc on March 10, 2019, 08:32:04 PM

Welcome along Don :cheers:         Terry