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SGman's avatar
2hEdited

Part of the story involves war time spikes and the post-WWII period where America was pretty much the only game in the for manufacturing. That period's end - due to technology advancements and competition - do a lot to explain why the US doesn't have as many machinists now.

It also depends on what the government wants to incentivize. As noted here, China is subsidizing a lot of (likely unsustainable) growth.

Stable industrial policy/strategy could help here, but that means there being some form of agreement politically on these matters - and right now there isn't. Companies can't really invest if policy changes every couple years. For example: the Obama and Biden presidencies were prioritizing electrification and making treaties to subvert China's growth/influence. Trump killed both the treaties (first term) and incentives for electrification (second term).

These are just my immediate thoughts, I'm sure there will be more.

Addendum: I recall one thing that needs be said - we are still producing pretty much the most we ever have, we just do it with a lot fewer people involved.

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Curtis Stinespring's avatar

Truest words ever. I've been amazed at what machinists, sheet metal workers, pattern and die makers and carpenters can do by instinct. Their artistic skills and ability to visualize the finished product in three dimensions sets them apart from many engineers - maybe most.

The USA makes schools and training too easy, makes leisure the priority and rewards the wrong things.

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