BIM/CAD-to-CAM career change...?

[DavidBoren]

I have an associate's degree in CAD design, and have been working in the industry for almost a decade. I have learned a lot of different programs, methodologies, and have been exposed to a variety of different codes and standards. I would like to think that I am well-versed and proficient in the field of BIM/CAD.

I think I hate my fucking job...

Pay is decent, but I am just sorta burnt out in this industry. Or at least this branch of the industry.

And, right meow, getting a little closer to the machines sounds appealing. I am envious of those of you whom post about using the mill at work for random paintball crap. I have worked in a machine shop before, so I know the environment, too. Played around with a few HAAS CNC mills, and some other old beast of a CNC machine we used for stainless. It seems that my CAD knowledge would be applicable to some degree. And I am not afraid to learn new programs.

Is it worth it to pursue switching from CAD to CAM? I imagine pay is about the same, but are the fields so similar that being burnt out in one automatically negates the other? If it is worth it, do I go for a degree or a certificate program?

[Magoo]

As a machinist of 10 years now, I want to point out that a disconnect between machining and programming has always been trouble in my experience. A programmer who doesn't understand the physical intricacies of machining is gonna have issues. If you want to get into manufacturing, I'd recommend machinist education.

That said, actually understanding CAD-CAM software is pretty easy. Especially if you have a background in CAD. I'm most familiar with MasterCAM, and my shop is small enough we get to program and run our own parts, so it's all quite hands on for me. My boss just got Hyper Mill, but I haven't had time to sit down with that one yet.

Don't get BobCAD.

Edit: Actually, CAM software might be a challenge. There's a lot less design work. We usually get models directly from customers. CAM is largely selecting the best tool paths, tooling, speeds and feeds, etc. That's where machine knowledge comes in. Also, if you're used to decent CAD software, the design side of CAM software will likely drive you up a wall. It always feel like it's missing something...