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How long does it take you to program?

Let’s say someone gives you a metal part with 150 dimensions. How long would it take you to study the print, figure out fixturing, create a setup sheet, and program it? You’ve never seen this part before and it’s somewhat complex. Assume the print makes complete sense to you after studying the print—so you don’t need to ask the designer any questions.

Also, would the program run perfectly the first time? If not, how long would “proving out” the program (making adjustments) take you?

I ask these questions because I get them a lot being the only programmer at a significantly large company with 3 machines. I’m curious what other people’s experiences are, and I’m open to any tips. I will state my answers to these questions in one week. Hopefully I get a lot of responses.

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  • There's a lot of good detailed responses here, and I have a follow-up question.

    Is there any tips from the people who have responded to improve programming speed that could help just about everyone? Even if it's a small thing.

  • I get a lot of productivity boost from setting up custom shortcut keys for the software features I use most.  Then programming those key combinations to an MMO mouse.  I like the Logitech G600.  It has 12 side buttons and a shift button for the right ring finger that allows any button to have a second function.  In addition to speeding up my work it has the benefit of making it more ergonomic for long programming sessions.  I don't have to hunch over the keyboard so much. 

    The downside is that I look like a complete Nube when I have to program on a stock software install - I have kind of forgotten where to find many of the software features in the drop down menus.  

  • multi-function mouse w/ buttons are fine, unless you have huge meat-hooks for hands.  Mouse with one hand, keypad for the other.  The small one (which I have) has 24 keys, BUT, you can also make the keys dual-layer for 48 keys, er, 6 keys since one key has to be the level toggle, but using a dual-layer button limits you to 110 keystrokes for each layer.

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