110 Must-know Concepts to Master for the General Machinist Red Seal License Exam
Dive into 110 must-know concepts necessary for acing the General Machinist Red Seal License Exam. Access comprehensive preparation materials at www.cannycollege.com to ensure you are fully prepared for success.
Part 1:
1) Interprets documentation: Involves understanding and analyzing technical drawings, blueprints, work orders, and specifications to determine machining requirements, dimensional tolerances, and part features needed for the job.
2) Plan the sequence of operations: The process of organizing and scheduling machining operations, tool changes, work holding setups, and quality checks in a logical order to optimize efficiency, accuracy, and productivity.
3) Maintains a safe work environment: Encompasses implementing safety procedures, identifying and addressing hazards, maintaining equipment, and promoting safe work practices to ensure a secure workplace for machinists and other personnel.
4) Uses personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment: Involves wearing appropriate safety gear such as goggles, gloves, steel-toed boots, helmets, or ear protection to protect against hazards, injuries, or exposure to harmful substances in the machining environment.
5) Uses hoisting, lifting, and rigging equipment: Utilizes equipment such as cranes, hoists, slings, and rigging tools to lift, move, position, and secure heavy workpieces, machinery, or equipment safely and efficiently in the machining shop.
6) Select workpiece material: Involves choosing the appropriate material such as metals, plastics, or composites based on properties like hardness, strength, durability, and machinability to meet the requirements of the machining project.
7) Performs layout: Refers to marking, measuring, and positioning workpieces, borders, or reference points on materials or components to guide machining operations, ensure accuracy, and facilitate proper alignment during manufacturing processes.
8) Marks workpiece for identification: Involves using stamps, tags, labels, or etching tools to identify workpieces, components, or parts with part numbers, lot codes, or other information for traceability and identification purposes in the manufacturing process.
9) Performs basic heat treatment: Includes heating, cooling, or tempering workpieces or materials using processes such as annealing, quenching, or tempering to alter hardness, strength, or other metallurgical properties for machining operations.
10) Test workpiece materials: Involves conducting material tests such as hardness tests, tensile tests, or chemical analysis to verify material properties and quality, ensuring workpiece integrity and compliance with specifications.
11) Deburr workpiece: Refers to removing sharp edges, burrs, or imperfections from machined workpieces using tools such as deburring tools, files, or abrasive discs to ensure smooth surfaces, proper fit, and safety in the final part.
12) Sketches parts: Involves creating hand-drawn sketches, layout drawings, or rough designs of parts or components to visualize dimensions, features, or tool paths before transitioning to detailed engineering drawings or CAD models.
13) Cleans machines: Involves removing chips, debris, coolant, or residues from machine surfaces, tooling, or components using cleaning tools, brushes, or compressed air to maintain cleanliness, functionality, and safety of machining equipment.
14) Lubricates machines: Includes applying lubricants or cutting fluids to machine components, tooling, or cutting surfaces to reduce friction, dissipate heat, prolong tool life, and ensure smooth operation and accuracy in machining operations.
15) Sharpens tooling: Refers to grinding, honing, or sharpening cutting tools such as drills, end mills, or inserts to restore cutting edges, dimensions, and sharpness for efficient and precise machining performance.
16) Applies cutting fluids and coolants: Involves using lubricants, coolants, or cutting fluids to reduce friction, dissipate heat, improve chip evacuation, extend tool life, and enhance surface finish during machining operations.
17) Troubleshoot equipment: Includes diagnosing, identifying, and resolving issues, malfunctions, or performance problems in machining equipment, tools, or systems to ensure proper functioning, efficiency, and quality in production processes.
18) Maintains machine alignment: Involves checking and adjusting machine components such as tables, slides, spindles, and tool holders to ensure proper alignment, parallelism, and geometrical precision for accurate machining operations.
19) Maintains inspection equipment: Encompasses calibrating, cleaning, and maintaining precision inspection tools such as micrometers, calipers, gauges, or CMMs to ensure accurate measurement, quality control, and reliability in machining processes.
20) Files workpiece: Involves using hand files to shape, smooth, and refine the surface of a workpiece, remove burrs, or correct imperfections in metal, plastic, or other materials.
21) Saws workpiece: Utilizes sawing tools or machines to cut workpieces into desired shapes or lengths, generating straight or curved cuts in materials such as metal, wood, or plastics.
22) Performs hole-making operations: Involves creating holes in workpieces using drilling, reaming, or boring processes to achieve specific dimensions, tolerances, or hole geometries required for assembly or fastening.
23) Performs threading operations: Involves cutting internal or external threads on workpieces using taps or dies to create screw threads that allow components to be connected or fastened securely.
24) Installs thread inserts: Refers to inserting threaded metal inserts into pre-made holes in workpieces to provide durable and secure threads for fastening bolts, screws, or other components.
25) Broaches workpiece: Utilizes broaching tools to remove material from workpieces in a linear motion, creating internal or external grooves, splines, keyways, or other specialized shapes with high precision.
26) Performs pressing operations: Involves using hydraulic presses, arbor presses, or mechanical presses to apply controlled force to workpieces, components, or parts for operations such as forming, bending, riveting, or assembly.
27) Bends workpiece: Involves shaping workpieces by bending, folding, or forming metal or other materials using tools such as press brakes, rollers, or mandrels to create angles, curves, or complex geometries.
28) Finishes workpiece: Includes applying finishing processes such as grinding, polishing, sanding, or coating to workpieces to achieve smooth surfaces, precise dimensions, desired textures, or protective layers.
29) Disassembles components: Involves separating and removing parts or components from assemblies, machined parts, or machinery for maintenance, repair, replacement, or inspection purposes.
30) Analyzes components: Refers to examining, evaluating, and assessing components or parts to identify material properties, dimensions, tolerances, wear patterns, defects, or conditions affecting performance or functionality.
31) Assembles components: Involves fitting, joining, or fastening parts, components, or subassemblies together to construct finished products, machines, or mechanisms following specified assembly instructions or engineering drawings.
32) Select drill press types: Involves choosing the appropriate type of drill press (such as benchtop, floor, radial, or magnetic) based on the size of the workpiece, drilling requirements, and available workspace for a specific machining operation.
33) Plans drill press sequence: Refers to organizing and scheduling the order of drilling operations, including hole locations, sizes, depths, and dimensions, to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and quality in the machining process.
34) Select drill press speeds and feeds: This involves determining the optimal combination of spindle speed and feed rate for drilling operations based on the material being drilled, hole size, cutter geometry, and desired cutting performance to achieve efficient and effective drilling results.
35) Set up jigs, fixtures, and work-holding devices for drill presses: Refers to installing and aligning auxiliary tools, fixtures, and clamping devices on the drill press table to securely hold and position workpieces for accurate and repeatable drilling operations.
36) Sets up tooling for drill presses: Involves installing cutting tools such as drill bits, countersinks, counterbores, or taps into the drill press spindle and chuck, adjusting tool height and alignment to prepare for drilling, tapping, or finishing operations.
37) Drill holes using a drill press: Refers to using a drill press to accurately and precisely drill holes in workpieces according to specified dimensions, depths, and hole geometries, ensuring clean, concentric, and properly sized holes.
38) Cuts countersinks, counterbores, chamfers, and spot faces using a drill press: Involves using tooling attachments or special cutting tools on the drill press to create conical recesses, stepped holes, beveled edges, or flat surfaces around holes for specific applications and components.
39) Performs tapping using a drill press: Involves using a drill press equipped with a tapping attachment or tapping head to thread holes or internal threads in workpieces accurately and efficiently with the correct thread size and pitch.
40) Finishes holes using a drill press: Includes using the drill press along with reaming, boring, or deburring tools to achieve smooth, accurate, and properly sized holes, removing burrs, sharp edges, or imperfections left after drilling for quality finishing results.
41) Select conventional lathe types: Involves choosing the appropriate type of conventional lathe, such as engine lathe, turret lathe, or toolroom lathe, based on the size of workpieces, machining operations, and tooling requirements.
42) Plan sequence of operations for conventional lathes: Refers to organizing and scheduling the order of machining operations, tool changes, feed rates, and cutting depths on the lathe machine to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and quality in the machining process.
43) Sets up work-holding devices for conventional lathes: Involves installing and adjusting chucks, collets, centers, or fixtures on the lathe machine to securely grip and position workpieces for turning, facing, drilling, or threading operations.
44) Sets up tooling for conventional lathes: Includes mounting and aligning cutting tools, tool inserts, tool holders, drills, or boring bars on the lathe tool post or turret to prepare for various turning, boring, threading, or grooving processes.
45) Sets up conventional lathe accessories: Involves attaching and adjusting lathe attachments, such as steady rests, follow rests, taper turning attachments, or knurling tools, to enhance lathe capabilities and perform specialized machining operations.
46) Set up the workpiece on a conventional lathe: Refers to securing and aligning workpieces on lathe centers, chucks, or faceplates using clamps, bolts, or other work-holding devices to prepare for turning, facing, or drilling operations.
47) Select conventional lathe speeds and feeds: Involves choosing appropriate spindle speeds and feed rates based on material type, workpiece size, cutting tool material, and machining operation to optimize cutting performance, tool life, and surface finish.
48) Sets up eccentrics on conventional lathes: Involves installing and adjusting eccentric drivetrains or cams on the lathe spindle or tailstock for off-center turning, eccentric turning, or threading operations to create non-circular features or profiles on workpieces.
49) Turns external surfaces using a conventional lathe: Refers to using cutting tools to remove material from the outer surfaces of workpieces, creating cylindrical, conical, or curved profiles with precise dimensions, tolerances, and surface finishes.
50) Bores holes using a conventional lathe: Involves using drills, boring bars, or special boring tools to enlarge or create internal cylindrical holes, bores, or recesses in workpieces with accurate dimensions, depths, and alignment.
51) Faces surfaces using a conventional lathe: Includes using facing tools or turning tools to machine the flat end or surface of a workpiece, ensuring perpendicularity, flatness, and smooth finish for accurate dimensions and proper fit.
52) Turns tapers on a conventional lathe: Involves using taper attachments, compound slides, or taper turning attachments to machine tapered surfaces, cones, or angles on workpieces to precise specifications and dimensions.
53) Knurls using a conventional lathe: Refers to creating a textured pattern on workpiece surfaces using a knurling tool or knurling attachment on the lathe spindle, providing enhanced grip, aesthetics, or identification on parts.
54) Parts off workpiece using a conventional lathe: Involves cutting workpieces to the desired length, separating or parting off components using parting tools, grooving tools, or cut-off tools on the lathe machine.
55) Drills using a conventional lathe: Includes using drill bits, countersinks, or center drills in the lathe tailstock to machine holes, center holes, or counterbores on workpieces for fasteners, pins, or shafts with precise diameter and depth.
Part 2:
56) Reams holes using a conventional lathe: Involves using reamers or adjustable reaming tools mounted in the lathe tailstock to enlarge and fine-tune hole dimensions, improve accuracy, and achieve desired surface finishes.
57) Cuts grooves using a conventional lathe: Refers to creating internal or external grooves, slots, or recesses on workpieces using grooving tools, parting tools, or form tools on the lathe machine for keyways, O-rings, or retaining rings.
58) Cuts threads using a conventional lathe: Involves forming internal or external threads on workpieces using thread-cutting tools, taps, or dies in the lathe spindle or cutting directly with threading tooling to create screw threads with accurate pitch, depth, and profile.
59) Select conventional milling machine types: The process of choosing the appropriate type of milling machine, such as vertical, horizontal, universal, or bed-type mill, based on the specific machining requirements and workpiece characteristics.
60) Plans milling sequence: Involves organizing and scheduling the order of milling operations, tool changes, tool paths, cut depths, and feed rates to optimize efficiency, accuracy, and surface finish in the machining process.
61) Sets up work-holding devices for conventional milling machines: Refers to mounting and adjusting clamps, vises, fixtures, or angle plates on the milling machine table to securely hold and position workpieces for milling operations.
62) Sets up tooling for conventional milling machines: Includes installing and aligning cutting tools, such as end mills, face mills, slotting cutters, or drills, in the milling machine spindle, tool holders, or tool changer to prepare for milling operations.
63) Set up milling accessories: Involves attaching and adjusting milling machine accessories such as rotary tables, dividing heads, indexing fixtures, or digital readouts to enhance milling capabilities and perform specialized machining operations.
64) Sets up the workpiece on a conventional milling machine: Involves fixturing and aligning the workpiece on the milling machine table or fixture using clamps, bolts, or vise jaws to prepare for milling processes.
65) Select conventional milling machine speeds and feeds: Refers to choosing optimal spindle speeds, feed rates, and cutting depths for milling operations based on workpiece material, tool diameter, geometry, and desired surface finish.
66) Mills surfaces using a conventional milling machine: Involves removing material from the surface of a workpiece using the face of the milling cutter to achieve flat, uniform, and smooth surfaces with specific dimensions and finishes.
67) Mills profiles and pockets using a conventional milling machine: Refers to cutting complex or irregular shapes, contours, or cavities on the workpiece surface using end mills or profile cutters to create pockets, slots, or intricate features.
68) Mills slots, grooves, and keyways using a conventional milling machine: Involves cutting straight or curved slots, grooves, or keyways on workpieces using end mills or slitting saws to create precise recesses or channels for keys or other components.
69) Cuts gears and splines using a conventional milling machine: Refers to machining gears, splines, or toothed profiles in workpieces using specialized gear cutters, index heads, or form tools to produce accurate gear profiles and splined shafts.
70) Drills holes using a conventional milling machine: Involves using drill bits, center drills, or milling cutters mounted in the spindle or tool holder of the milling machine to create holes in workpieces with specific diameters, depths, and locations.
71) Reams holes using a conventional milling machine: Refers to enlarging, finishing, or fine-tuning drilled holes in workpieces using reamers or adjustable reaming tools on the milling machine spindle to achieve precise hole dimensions and surface finishes.
72) Cuts countersinks, counterbores, chamfers, and spot faces using a conventional milling machine: Includes forming conical recesses, stepped holes, beveled edges, or flat surfaces around holes in workpieces using specialized tools or cutters in the milling machine spindle.
73) Performs tapping using a conventional milling machine: Involves cutting internal or external threads in workpieces by using tapping tools, taps, or tapping heads in the spindle or tool holder of the milling machine to create accurate threaded holes.
74) Bores holes using a conventional milling machine: Involves enlarging existing holes, creating precise internal cylindrical holes, or boring out cavities in workpieces using boring heads, bar holders, or boring tools in the milling machine spindle or tool post.
75) Select power saw types: Involves choosing the appropriate power saw based on the specific cutting requirements such as circular saws, band saws, miter saws, jigsaws, or reciprocating saws.
76) Select saw blades: Refers to selecting the suitable saw blade based on the material to be cut, the type of cut required, and the size of the workpiece, such as tooth count, blade material, and diameter.
77) Installs saw blades: Involves mounting and securing the selected saw blade in the power saw machine, following proper procedures for blade alignment, tightening, and safety measures.
78) Selects power saw speeds and feeds: Involves determining the appropriate cutting speeds and feed rates for the material being cut and the type of cut, ensuring optimal cutting performance, blade life, and workpiece quality.
79) Makes power saw adjustments: Includes setting up the power saw for specific cuts by adjusting blade depth, bevel angles, cutting direction, or fence position to achieve accurate dimensions and the desired cutting results.
80) Sets up the workpiece on a power saw: This involves securing and aligning the workpiece on the power saw table or fence using clamps, jigs, or fixtures to ensure safe cutting, precise measurements, and proper guidance during the cutting operation.
81) Saws straight and angle cuts: Refers to cutting workpieces in straight, diagonal, beveled, or mitered angles using the power saw while ensuring accuracy, consistency, and smooth edges in the cut material.
82) Cuts irregular shapes: Involves cutting complex, irregular, or contoured shapes in workpieces using specialized cutting techniques, jigs, templates, or guides on the power saw to achieve intricate cuts and multiple angles.
83) Select precision grinding machine types: Involves choosing the specific type of precision grinding machine like surface grinders, cylindrical grinders, tool and cutter grinders, or internal grinders based on the grinding operation requirements.
84) Plans grinding sequence: Refers to organizing the order of grinding operations, wheel selection, cutting paths, and setup adjustments to achieve accurate dimensions, surface finish, and geometric precision during the grinding process.
85) Set up work-holding devices for precision grinding machines: Involves installing and aligning fixtures, chucks, centers, or work supports on the grinding machine table to properly secure, position, and guide the workpiece during grinding operations.
86) Mounts grinding wheel: Includes selecting the appropriate grinding wheel, installing it on the grinding machine spindle, dressing or truing the wheel if necessary, and aligning the wheel with the workpiece for precision grinding.
87) Set up grinding accessories: Involves attaching and configuring grinding accessories such as wheel guards, coolant systems, lighting, or wheel dressing tools to enhance the safety, efficiency, and performance of the grinding operation.
88) Sets up workpieces on precision grinding machines: Includes placing, aligning, and securing the workpiece on the grinding machine table or chuck using clamps, magnets, or fixtures to prepare for grinding specific surfaces, features, or profiles.
89) Selects precision grinding machine speeds and feeds: Involves determining the optimal grinding wheel speed, table feed rate, depth of cut, and the direction of feed for precise material removal, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy in grinding operations.
90) Grind flat surfaces using a surface grinder: Refers to machining flat surfaces on workpieces using a surface grinding machine, abrasives, and precision control to achieve smooth, parallel, and accurately dimensioned surfaces.
91) Grinds profiles: Involves grinding complex profiles, contours, or shapes on the workpiece using specialized profile grinding wheels, dressers, or templates to achieve intricate surface patterns, curves, or angles.
92) Grinds internal and external cylindrical and tapered surfaces: Includes using precision cylindrical grinding machines to grind internal, external, cylindrical, or tapered surfaces on workpieces with accuracy, concentricity, and geometric precision.
93) Grinds tools and cutters: Involves sharpening, reshaping, or restoring cutting tools, drills, milling cutters, or inserts on a tool and cutter grinder to ensure sharp edges, accurate profiles, and optimal cutting performance.
94) Finishes holes using a honing machine: Refers to improving hole geometry, surface finish, and dimension accuracy of drilled, reamed, or bored holes in workpieces using a honing machine with precision honing stones or diamond abrasives.
95) Performs basic CNC programming: Involves writing, editing, or modifying CNC (Computer Numerical Control) programs using programming languages or software to control the movements and operations of CNC machine tools.
96) Review process documentation: Includes reviewing written instructions, blueprints, drawings, work orders, or process sheets to understand machining requirements, specifications, tolerances, and sequencing for a machining operation.
97) Calculates coordinates for the tool path: Involves determining the precise X, Y, and Z coordinates for tool movements and cutting paths based on workpiece dimensions, tooling sizes, machining strategies, and programming requirements in CNC machining.
98) Creates basic program: Refers to developing a CNC program using G-codes, M-codes, or conversational programming techniques to specify tool movements, speeds, feeds, cutting depths, or other instructions for machining operations on CNC machines.
99) Inputs program into control memory: Involves transferring the CNC program from a computer, USB drive, or network server to the CNC machine control unit memory for execution, ensuring the correct program version, safety checks, and verification before machining.
100) Optimizes program: Includes refining the CNC program by adjusting toolpath strategies, speeds, feeds, cutting parameters, tool changes, or additional commands to enhance machining efficiency, accuracy, quality, or tool life.
101) Select tooling and tool holders for CNC machine tools: Involves choosing suitable cutting tools, inserts, end mills, drills, or tool holders based on material, cutting requirements, machine compatibility, spindle type, and programming considerations for CNC machining.
102) Sets up tooling and tool holders for CNC machine tools: Includes installing, aligning, and securing cutting tools, inserts, or holders in the machine spindle, magazine, or automatic tool changer and validating tool offsets, lengths, and tool paths for accurate machining.
103) Sets up the workpiece on the CNC machine tool: Refers to positioning, aligning, and securing the workpiece on the machine table, jig, or fixture using clamps, vises, or magnetic holders to ensure proper orientation, stability, and accuracy during machining.
104) Establishes work datum: Involves setting reference points, workpiece origins, or part zeros on the CNC machine control system to define the starting position, axes orientation, and coordinate system for machining operations based on part features or program requirements.
105) Verifies program: Includes checking the CNC program, tool paths, feed rates, tool changes, and safety stops, performing simulation or dry runs, and visual inspection of the tool movements to confirm the correctness, integrity, and safety of the machining program.
106) Operates CNC machine tools: Involves starting, running, and controlling the CNC machine, running the specified program, monitoring tool movements, cutting processes, and machine status to ensure proper operation and part quality during machining.
107) Adjusts offsets: Refers to modifying tool offsets, work offsets, or program settings to align tool positions, tool lengths, or workpiece origins with the desired machining positions, dimensions, or part features on the CNC machine.
108) Monitors machining processes: Includes observing, measuring, and analyzing machining parameters, cutting performance, tool wear, chip formation, surface finish, and coolant flow during machining to ensure process quality and address any issues promptly.
109) Interrupts program cycle: Involves pausing, stopping, or halting the CNC program execution to address malfunctions, tool breakage, material issues, or safety concerns, ensuring operator or machine safety and preventing damage to workpieces or tools.
110) Restarts the program cycle: Refers to resuming, restarting, or reloading the CNC program after an interruption, tool change, or adjustment, ensuring that the machining operation continues from the correct program point without errors or deviations in the workpiece.