For example, potentially damaging torque on small tools is difficult to measure in a large milling center. He also lamented the shift away from the skilled machinist of the past to the button pushing operators of today. The chips are the material removed from a work piece by the cutting tool. Over the last century, the basic function of cutting tools has changed very little. Machine operators are replacing machinists.
Technology is replacing technique.
While the financial reasons for this shift are understandable, the loss of cutting tool knowledge is regrettable. We can if we're smart, regain the knowledge lost with out losing our technological edge. Currently, the computer related disciplines are well represented on the seminar circuit. What is harder to find are classes on how cutting tools work and how to sharpen cutting tools. As makers of cutting tool sharpeners we place a high priority on cutting tool knowledge.