David Gafford
Theodore,AL
Summary
Goal-oriented Machine Shop Manager with expertise in machining and fabrication. Improved equipment reliability and minimized downtime through effective maintenance and innovative machining techniques. Committed to delivering high-quality results while adhering to safety protocols and enhancing operational efficiency.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Machinist
Gulf Coast Electric Motor Service
Pensacola, Florida
09.2024 - Current
- Operated manual and CNC machines daily to produce components for electric motors and repair parts, ensuring high-quality standards and functionality.
- Operated CNC machines to fabricate precision parts for electric motors.
- Maintained and repaired mechanical systems in electric motor assemblies.
- Collaborated with engineers to improve machining processes and techniques.
- Coordinated daily operations to ensure efficiency and attended weekly production meetings.
Machine Shop Manager
Enterprise Electronics Corporation
Enterprise, AL
04.2023 - 09.2024
- Managed daily operations of machine shop to ensure efficient workflow.
- Led CNC and manual machining of radar components, ensuring precision and adherence to specifications.
- Managed fabrication department, coordinating tasks to align with production goals.
- Set up all jobs on a batch system in order to speed up the production process.
- Oversaw daily operations of paint department, maintaining quality standards and optimizing workflow.
Manual Machinist
Advanced Sawmill Machinery
Holt, USA
05.2021 - 04.2023
- Machine various parts for sawmill equipment by following blueprints.
- Close tolerance bearing fits on shafts and bearing housings.
- Machined sprockets and gears using precision equipment.
- Operated manual lathe and mill for precision machining tasks.
- Also used blueprints for final assembly on various saw mill components after complete fabrication and all machine parts were finished.
- Collaborated with machine shop foreman to prioritize jobs, ensuring timely shipment of completed projects.
- Machined components for large projects while managing daily small orders, balancing workload effectively.
Machine Shop Manager
Nelson Electric Motors
Opelika, USA
09.2016 - 05.2021
- Repaired AC/DC electric motors, including shaft, bearing housing, armature, and motor frame modifications, enhancing motor performance and reliability
- Troubleshoot and problem solve in a safe and efficient manner
- Weld components using various techniques to ensure structural integrity.
- Managed safety protocols and organization within machine shop, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency
- Troubleshot and resolved mechanical issues, maintaining a safe and efficient work environment
- Laser Alignment of pumps, motors, and gearboxes
Owner and Operator
Tri-State Machine Works Inc
Saraland, USA
11.2010 - 09.2016
- Serviced 7 electric motor shops across three states, ensuring reliable operation of motors and pumps.
- Performed welding and fabrication tasks on-site, ensuring quality and precision in metalwork.
- Conducted field service work, including alignments, troubleshooting, and on-site machining for equipment repair. (alignments, trouble shooting, on site machining)
Inside and Traveling Machinist
ARC Controls Inc
Mobile, USA
01.2004 - 11.2010
- Constructed and restored decompression chambers for commercial diving, ensuring operational safety and efficiency.
- Machined precision parts for chambers using lathes and mills, contributing to overall chamber integrity.
- Welded and fabricated various components for projects.
- Traveled across the United States and internationally to repair decompression chambers using portable milling and line boring machines, enhancing service availability.
Education
High school or equivalent -
Citronelle High School
Citronelle, ALSkills
CNC programming
Precision machining
Manual and CNC machining
Machining operations management
- Mechanical troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting techniques
- Microsoft excel/programming software like Fusion 360
- Welding techniques
Additional Information
I'm a manual machinist with no CNC experience. I am a welder/fabricator. I am very comfortable with tight tolerance work from my electric motor experience. Enjoy a job shop environment. Also open to opportunities in sales and management.
Timeline
Senior Machinist
Gulf Coast Electric Motor Service
09.2024 - Current
Machine Shop Manager
Enterprise Electronics Corporation
04.2023 - 09.2024
Manual Machinist
Advanced Sawmill Machinery
05.2021 - 04.2023
Machine Shop Manager
Nelson Electric Motors
09.2016 - 05.2021
Owner and Operator
Tri-State Machine Works Inc
11.2010 - 09.2016
Inside and Traveling Machinist
ARC Controls Inc
01.2004 - 11.2010
High school or equivalent -
Citronelle High School