Freelance CNC programming and CAD design for job shops, startups and builders. Mastercam and Fusion programming for 3, 4 and 5-axis mills and mill-turns, plus DFM reviews and fixture design, from a machinist with 13+ years as a job shop owner, manufacturing engineer, lead programmer, journeyman machinist and CNC operator.
Overflow programming for shops that are short on programmer hours.
Models and drawings that are built to be machined, not just to look right on screen.
Hold the part once, cut it right every time.
For shops that have the machines but not the systems around them.
| Flat-rate package | Price |
|---|---|
| DFM reviewOne part. Marked-up print and a call to go over it | $150 |
| 3-axis programPosted code, setup sheet and tool list, one or two ops | $150–300 |
| 4-axis or multi-op programIndexing or several setups, simulated | $300–500 |
| 5-axis or mill-turn programSimultaneous or B-axis work, main and sub spindle, full simulation | $500–750 |
| Soft jaw setModel and program for the jaws | $150–250 |
| Fixture designModel, drawings and BOM | $350–750 |
| Part model and drawingFrom a sketch, sample part or old print | $150–400 |
CAD and CAM work is done directly on your company's Mastercam or Fusion license, through a secure remote connection set up with your IT team. Your models, programs and post processors stay on your network, and finished files are saved where your team already works.
Jobs that don't need CAM, such as simple profiles, hole patterns, macros and edits to existing programs, are written entirely on my end. You receive the finished, commented program by email, ready to load at the machine.
Your designs and processes are treated as confidential from first contact.
Yes. CAM work is done on your own Mastercam or Fusion seat through a secure remote connection set up with your IT team, and posted through your post processor. Mill-turns with B-axis heads or turrets and Y axis, main and sub spindle, and 5-axis mills are all covered.
No. CAM programs are made on the license your shop already owns. Simple jobs, macros and edits to existing programs can be hand-written as G-code with no software access needed on your side.
The part model and/or print with the current revision, the machine make, model and control, the material and quantity, and the workholding you plan to use. For the job itself I'll also need the programming and operator's manuals for that machine and control, and your tool list if you have one.
Hourly rates are $65 for design and modeling, $75 for 3 and 4-axis and lathe programming, and $90 for 5-axis, mill-turn and advisory work. Flat-rate packages run from $150 for a DFM review or simple 3-axis program up to $500–750 for 5-axis and mill-turn programs. Every job gets a fixed quote before work starts.
Quotes usually go out within one business day. Turnaround for the program is set in the quote, based on the part's complexity and your due date.
Yes. I'll sign your non-disclosure agreement before reviewing any blueprints, models or other sensitive documents. Files are used only for your job and are never shared or reused. I'm also willing to complete a background check, and to obtain a security clearance, up to Top Secret, for contracts that require and sponsor one.
Yes. I stay on call by phone or video while you run the first part, and fixes to my own programs are part of the job. On-site support is available in the Portland, Oregon area at the advisory rate.
Jobs are invoiced through Square, so you can pay by card or bank transfer. Shops sending regular overflow work can be billed monthly.
| Experience | 13+ years: shop owner, manufacturing engineer, lead programmer, journeyman machinist, CNC operator |
|---|---|
| Software | Mastercam, Fusion 360, Vericut, SmartCam, Varco setup sheets |
| Files accepted | STEP, IGES, Parasolid, SolidWorks, Mastercam, DXF/DWG, PDF prints |
| Machines | DMG Mori / Mori Seiki NTX mill-turns and NL lathes, Mori NH horizontals, Haas lathes and VF mills, Mazak QT and SQT, Toyoda bridge mill, Nakamura, Matsuura |
| Specialties | Multi-axis mill-turn, bevel gear cutting, macro and G-code programming, GD&T, cell manufacturing, metallurgy basics |
| Business side | Quoting, job routing, vendor sourcing, ERP tracking |
| Format | On site in the Portland area, or remote |
Send the model or print and what it runs on. I'll get back to you with a fixed price.