Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Donald Westfall

Chandler,IN

Summary

Dynamic machinist and certified welder with extensive experience at Electronics Research Inc., excelling in precision machining and quality control. Proven ability to enhance production efficiency and reduce waste through effective troubleshooting and machine operation. Adept at blueprint reading and fostering team collaboration, consistently delivering high-quality results under tight deadlines.

Talented Machinist with 29 years of experience setting up and operating machine tools to produce precision parts. Talented at assembling and disassembling equipment to create parts from various materials. Energetic and dedicated to completing each job to meet customer satisfaction standards.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

MACHINIST

ELECTRONICS RESEARCH INC.
06.1996 - 07.2025
  • Inspected completed parts to verify compliance with specifications and quality standards.
  • Utilized micrometers and calipers to measure and verify precise tolerances.
  • Operated drill presses, lathes and milling machines to produce required parts.
  • Manually set up machinery, lathes, and grinders.
  • Adapted to frequently changing priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment, ensuring timely completion of all assignments.
  • Read and interpreted blueprints, technical drawings and schematics to determine parts dimensions.
  • Demonstrated flexibility in working with various materials, including metals, plastics, and composites, to produce high-quality machined components.
  • Used CNC and manual equipment to perform both initial and final machining.
  • Adjusted machine settings to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
  • Worked with team members to improve production processes and procedures.
  • Supported team members in troubleshooting complex machine issues, sharing knowledge and expertise to resolve problems quickly.
  • Studied daily work instruction, sketches, drawings, blueprints, and manuals to determine dimensions and tolerances accurately.
  • Assisted in training new machinists on company procedures, best practices, and safe operation of equipment.
  • Monitored equipment to detect and report malfunctions and prevent accidents.
  • Optimized tooling performance through regular inspection, cleaning, sharpening or replacing worn tools as needed.
  • Achieved tight tolerances by carefully calibrating machines before beginning each job.
  • Supported recordkeeping by logging daily production, scrap rate and machine maintenance data.
  • Completed projects on time and under budget and maintained equipment and tools.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality work standards.
  • Performed preventative maintenance on machines regularly to minimize downtime due to breakdowns or malfunctions.
  • Maintained detailed records of completed jobs, tracking materials used and time spent on each project for accurate billing purposes.
  • Lubricated parts and performed minor and preventive maintenance to improve machine function and increase lifespan.
  • Calibrated machines to maintain required productivity levels and adherence to quality standards.
  • Collaborated with quality assurance team to resolve discrepancies and implement corrective actions for non-conforming parts.
  • Enhanced production efficiency by setting up, adjusting, and operating various machines according to specifications.
  • Reduced waste and increased material utilization with precise measurement and cutting techniques.
  • Improved workplace safety by performing routine maintenance on machinery and ensuring all equipment was in proper working order.
  • Collaborated with engineers to develop new parts, interpreting blueprints and schematics for accurate production.
  • Suggested new methods of machining that resulted in better product quality with reduced production time.
  • Maximized machine uptime by efficiently scheduling jobs based on priority level and resource availability.
  • Reduced error and non-conformances with by utilising fixtures and cutting tools on CNC machines.
  • Increased precision of manufactured components by implementing quality control measures and using advanced measuring tools.
  • Reduced machine downtime, conducting regular maintenance and troubleshooting minor issues.
  • Fostered safer workplace by adhering to and promoting strict safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Mastered various machining operations, including milling, drilling, and turning, to expand production capabilities.
  • Enhanced precision in product manufacturing by operating and adjusting CNC machinery for optimal performance.
  • Achieved consistent quality, performing detailed final inspections and adjustments on completed parts.
  • Ensured compliance with environmental regulations by properly disposing of waste materials and chemicals.
  • Delivered complex projects on time, managing multiple machining tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
  • Adapted to rapidly changing production needs, quickly learning new machining techniques and technologies.
  • Collaborated with engineering teams to refine product designs for manufacturability.
  • Enhanced team productivity, sharing technical knowledge and machining tips with new machinists.
  • Customized machining techniques to meet unique project specifications, ensuring client satisfaction.
  • Streamlined production processes, setting up machinery and tools before each project.
  • Supported cost-efficiency efforts, identifying and implementing ways to reduce operational expenses.
  • Increased operational efficiency by recommending improvements to machining processes and equipment.
  • Facilitated smoother project transitions by maintaining clear and detailed production logs.
  • Contributed to project planning, estimating timelines and material requirements for upcoming projects.
  • Optimized tool usage, selecting appropriate cutting tools for different materials and tasks.
  • Improved product quality with meticulous inspection of machined parts against strict industry standards.
  • Minimized material waste, calculating optimal cutting paths and material usage in advance.
  • Repaired and maintained machine tools, fixtures and other production equipment.
  • Used various precision measuring instruments to check workpiece accuracy.
  • Operated CNC and manual lathes, mills and drill presses to produce precision machined components.
  • Inspected and measured machined parts for conformance to specified tolerances.
  • Measured, examined or tested completed units to check for defects and verify conformance to specifications using precision instruments such as micrometers.
  • Trained and mentored new and existing machinists on proper machining techniques.
  • Established machining parameters and test runs for new parts and components.
  • Developed jigs, fixtures and tooling to meet production requirements.
  • Adapted quickly to new and changing technologies in machining field.
  • Calibrated and aligned machine components for proper functioning.
  • Studied sample parts, blueprints or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
  • Collaborated with engineers and other machinists to develop optimal machining processes.
  • Devised and implemented process improvements to enhance production.
  • Recommended adjustments to production processes to optimize product quality.

CERTIFIED WELDER

ELECTRONICS RESEARCH INC.
06.1996 - 07.2025
  • Welded in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
  • Inspected welds and checked critical measurements to meet specifications.
  • Bolted, clamped and tack-welded parts to secure components prior to welding.
  • Fabricated shop parts directly from blueprints.
  • Clamped, held, tack-welded, heat-bent and bolted component parts to achieve required configurations and positions.
  • Examined structure and texture of parts to detect imperfections.
  • Operated hoists, cranes, and power tools to dismantle equipment to find and remove defective parts.
  • Removed and repaired unacceptable welds with air arc and grinder to meet quality guidelines.
  • Completed welding projects using gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc, flux-cored arc, plasma arc, and shielded metal arc equipment.
  • Chipped off excess weld, slag, and spatter using hand tools.
  • Set up and operated shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.
  • Maintained correct arc length and movement speed to form specified fusion depth and bead.
  • Conducted special welds with extremely low tolerances for industrial operations.
  • Interpreted verbal and written instructions from work orders and welding blueprints.
  • Detected faulty operation of equipment and defective materials and promptly resolved issues.
  • Salvaged and rebuilt parts to achieve cost savings and reduce waste.
  • Repaired manufactured products by dismantling, straitening, reshaping, and reassembling parts.
  • Blew out machines, checked welding leads, and wiring and changed filters for preventive maintenance.
  • Observed hydrostatic and dimension tolerance tests to evaluate weld quality and conformance to specifications.
  • Used MIG gun arc to melt and deposit metal from electrode to workpieces.
  • Excelled in challenging work environments, adapting to varying temperature conditions while maintaining performance standards.
  • Optimized material usage through accurate measurement and cutting processes before welding.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of advancements in welding technology, implementing new methods when appropriate.
  • Implemented effective time management strategies to balance multiple projects concurrently without compromising quality.
  • Ensured compliance with industry standards, consistently producing high-quality welds meeting specifications.
  • Streamlined workflow efficiency with proactive troubleshooting of potential issues during the welding process.
  • Developed custom metal fabrication solutions for unique design requirements presented by clients.
  • Improved client satisfaction by effectively communicating project progress and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Provided expertise in blueprint interpretation, ensuring accurate execution of required specifications.
  • Strengthened team collaboration by providing guidance and support to junior welders.
  • Contributed to successful project completions by collaborating with cross-functional teams and departments.
  • Increased productivity with meticulous attention to detail during the welding process.
  • Promoted a safe working environment, strictly following safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Mentored new hires on best practices for welding techniques, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the team.
  • Enhanced weld quality by executing precision welding techniques and adhering to safety regulations.
  • Safeguarded workplace integrity, consistently conducting thorough equipment inspections and maintenance.
  • Consistently met deadlines under high-pressure situations, contributing to overall company success.
  • Supported management in resource planning, offering insight into material needs for upcoming projects.
  • Demonstrated versatility in welding capabilities, mastering various techniques for optimal results.
  • Reduced project completion times by efficiently managing workload and prioritizing tasks.
  • Prepared welding equipment to perform advanced welding work.
  • Utilized blueprints and diagrams to compare finished products against design specifications.
  • Welded metal components in vertical, overhead and flat positions.
  • Cut, grinded and bent edges of materials to be joined for snug fit using power grinders and hand tools.
  • Maintained safety by wearing protective equipment, staying alert and following procedures.
  • Welded various connections with high-quality final results.
  • Inspected welds for accuracy and conformance to specifications.
  • Prepared for assembly by positioning, aligning and securing parts using tools such as jigs and vises.
  • Cleaned material surfaces to remove dirt or excess acid using chemical solutions, wire brushes and grinders.
  • Avoided warping, shrinkage, and distortion by carefully controlling welding processes.
  • Selected and operated shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.
  • Inspected pieces for defects, measured, and checked with straightedges or templates for compliance with specifications.
  • Chipped away debris and thick crusts of rust, slag, and other materials to ready surfaces for welding.
  • Completed projects safely by closely monitoring conditions when lighting torches and using tools.

Education

High School Diploma -

CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
NEWBURGH,IN

Skills

  • Blueprint reading
  • Machine operation
  • Troubleshooting
  • Lathe operation
  • Precision machining
  • Machine setup
  • Manual milling
  • Quality control
  • Visual inspection
  • Precise measuring
  • CNC machine operation
  • Machine maintenance

Timeline

MACHINIST

ELECTRONICS RESEARCH INC.
06.1996 - 07.2025

CERTIFIED WELDER

ELECTRONICS RESEARCH INC.
06.1996 - 07.2025

High School Diploma -

CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL

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Donald Westfall