2025-11-03 – Weekly Machinist News : Air gage use in titanium bores

Last week in our machinist community, discussions ranged from technical tools to career transitions. Members shared insights on using air gages for precise measurements in titanium bores, a conversation that sparked interest due to its complexity and relevance in high-precision work. There was also a buzz around career mobility, with some considering shifts into programming, and others debating the value of an active security clearance in their career decisions. These topics underscored the evolving landscape of the machinist profession, where technical skills and strategic career moves go hand in hand.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Air gage for tenths on Ti bores
Members are diving into the nuances of measuring with air gages for titanium bores, a topic crucial for those working with high-precision parts.
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2025-10-31 – Weekly Machinist Jobs : Explore CNC roles in growing firms
A roundup of the latest CNC opportunities, perfect if you’re eyeing a move to a dynamic company.
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Considering a jump into programming
Discussing the potential career pivot into programming, this thread weighs the benefits and challenges machinists might face.
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Active Secret worth switching shops
A lively debate on whether an active security clearance justifies switching jobs, highlighting the strategic career considerations for machinists.
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GD&T-to-toolpath cheat sheet recommendations
Members are sharing tips and resources to bridge the gap between GD&T knowledge and practical toolpath applications.
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FAQ/Guidelines
For newcomers and seasoned members alike, a refresher on our community guidelines ensures smooth sailing for everyone.
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Admin Guide: Getting Started
A helpful guide for administrators to navigate the intricacies of managing our forum.
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Interested in Becoming a Machinist? Here’s What You Should Know!
An introductory guide for those considering a career in machining, covering the basics and more.
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What Skills Are Essential for a Successful Career as a Machinist?
A detailed discussion on the key skills that can make or break a machinist’s career.
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How Did You Start Your Career as a Machinist?
A thread of personal stories on career beginnings, offering inspiration and advice for newcomers.
Read more here


Wishing you a productive week ahead. Keep engaging and sharing your valuable experiences.

On those titanium bores, I get better repeatability by zeroing the air plug on a master that’s been sitting at machine temp and measuring with low, dry air (about 25 psi) — otherwise the stream cools the bore a couple microns and you chase offsets. If you don’t have a Ti ring, keep the steel master beside the cell and re‑zero between runs; the CTE mismatch shows up when the shop warms up after lunch. @CNCMark, that “let it soak” habit from last week saved me one.

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Quick tip: mount a mini-regulator and coalescing filter at the bench and purge 5–10 seconds before zeroing — stops the slow creep I used to get from long, cold hoses on Ti bores. If the part has cross-holes or lobing, a 2‑jet plug shows it; I’ll swap to 3‑jet when I just need size, @CNC_Parker — only caveat: keep the plug orientation consistent or the reading will “grow” a few microns for no good reason.

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