The independent reference on machining

Todo sobre el oficio de mecanizador: what it is, how to train, and how to make a living from CNC.

A neutral, global guide to metal cutting: lathe, milling machine, numerical control, blueprints and metrology. No hype — real, up-to-date data.

Start here → Try the game: machine to size

~20.766 €Average salary, Machining programme (Spain)

Vocational diplomaMechanical Manufacturing family

3 sectorsMetal, automotive and aerospace

Short answer

A machinist is the person who makes precision metal parts by removing material — cutting chips — on machine tools such as the lathe and the milling machine, today almost always under numerical control (CNC). They read drawings, program the machine, set the tooling and check the dimensions with metrology instruments. In Spain the usual route in is the intermediate vocational diploma in Machining, and most of the work is in general metalwork, automotive and aerospace.

Where to start

The topics that actually matter if you work (or want to work) in machining

Four core guides, written for beginners and for veterans who want a refresher. All checked against official sources.

⚙️

What a machinist is

Real duties, day to day in the workshop, types of machining, and how it differs from a turner or a fitter.

Read the guide →

🎓

How to train

Vocational training, professional certificates, what you study and how to get in without prior qualifications.

See the path →

💶

What it pays

Ranges by experience and role (operator, CNC programmer, workshop manager), with salary sources.

See salaries →

🛠️

CNC lathe and milling machine

How numerical control works, basic G-code, cutting tools and good workshop practice.

Learn CNC →

Why mecanizador.com exists

An honest resource, not anyone's catalogue

✓ Datos, no adjetivos

Salaries, training and processes with cited sources. If a figure isn't verified, we don't publish it.

✓ Neutral y global

We don't sell machines or courses. We explain the trade so you can decide for yourself, in several languages.

✓ Del taller, no del folleto

Plain language, real parts as examples, and the vocabulary people actually use at the machine.

Mini-game · workshop precision

Machine to size

You are turning a shaft. The tool feeds in and the diameter keeps dropping. Stop the feed inside the tolerance on the drawing — without going past it, or the part is scrap.

Target Ø 24.00 mm Tolerance ±0.05 Level 1

24.60

Current Ø (mm) — digital caliper

tolerance

oversize ▸◂ undersize

Parts to size

Streak

Best streak

Tip: press the space bar to stop. Every good part moves you up a level: more feed, tighter tolerance.

Explore

All of machining, in one place

Trade guides, training, salaries, the machines, a directory of real workshops, the most complete glossary in the sector, and a challenge to test your steady hand.