Back in the early 80's I worked in tool and die. One place I worked at we made molds for plastic sanding blocks. The blocks were different shapes (rounded, triangles, etc.) sold in a blister pack to consumers. The mold maker would create the desired shape in carbide and use that for the electrode. When the EDM process was done, there was a perfect impression of the electrode in the block of steel that would eventually become the mold.
The next place I worked was a more traditional tool & die shop. We had an entire "EDM Department" there that included machines that were stationary as well as early CAD/CAM wire EDM machines that could cut radiuses in the parts. Also cool, but a slow process. The operator had one of the best - and highest paying - jobs in the shop. He would set up the machines, push a button and then read a book. No standing at a mill or drill press for him!! I don't know if being the son of one of the upper management guys is what landed him in that position or not!
I went back to school in '83 and got an accounting degree. I went into public accounting and had several clients that were in the tooling industry. Touring their shops they were always amazed/amused that their accountant knew what most of their equipment was, knew how to use some of it and could also read a set of mics! :laughing:
