Machine Shop Apps That Make Work Easier

Machinist’s Calculator

The Machinist’s Calculator has been around for 12 years, providing a simple method to calculate just about anything. It has a clean, easy-to-read interface. Some of its capabilities include:

• Speeds and feeds
• Drill size conversion
• Drill point and countersink depth
• Measuring threads with wire calculations
• Hexagon and other regular polygon calculations
• Tapers on shafts and pins
• All types of trigonometry
• Sine bar calculations

The app is available on PC, Mac, Android, iOS, Blackberry and Windows Phone. More information is available here: http://machinist-calculator.com/product-overview/

VibePro Preventive Maintenance System

Made by GTi Spindle Technology in New Hampshire, the VibePro Preventive Maintenance System operates on the iPad and iPad mini. It makes it easy to record, monitor and evaluate data, showing indicators for vibrations and balance and other conditions.

You can get more information from this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU59tLnPlVk

Machining Mate

Machining Mate by Arkatek Studios was designed by machinists specifically for the needs of machine shop workers. It has calculating functions plus CNC codes. Calculations include:

• Spindle speed
• Chip load
• Cutting speed
• Feed
• Rate
• Tape feed rate
• Cusp height

CNC codes covered include G codes, M codes and letter addresses.

This is an Android app. You can get more information at Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.techrds.machiningmate&hl=en

Any.Do

Any.Do, a cloud-based app, is available on Android devices. It lets you track appointments and meetings, while keeping your team in the loop. And it’s free.

It performs basic calendar functions but also pulls in contacts from your phone or tablet address book, lets you add map information and will send out invitations or reminders to others about meetings. If you are running late, you can send others a message.

You can get more information here: http://www.any.do/

Google Keep

Another free Android app, Google Keep is a to-do list app that is flexible and highly visual. You can add items in one of four ways:

• add notes by typing
• add notes by speaking
• put items into a list
• take a photo of what you need done

Items are added to cards, much like 3x5 notecards tacked to a bulletin board. It is easy to get an idea what needs to get done at a glance. Checking your tasks off the list is as simple as tapping the box beside it. It is easy to add alarms and take photos to keep track of chores.

You can find out more on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.keep&hl=en

iMessage

This iOS app lets you easily send and receive messages from your team. Messages can be in the form of email, calendar alerts or SMS text messages. It is made to be usable even if you are currently using another app on your iPhone or iPad.

Group messaging is easy and you can name conversations to keep communication organized.

You can find out more here: It supports QuickType, Swype and SwiftKey, which speeds up the typing process.

You can find out more here: https://www.apple.com/ios/messages/

If you need help with repetitive tasks, keeping track of information or for communicating during your workday, there is probably an app available for your mobile device. A quick search online provides ample possibilities to help your day go more smoothly.