This isn't a production job. The shims are for the pallets that hold the production parts while they are being machined. Paul maintains the machine tools, does some set up, and approves cutting tool purchases for a fairly large machine shop. They do a lot of aero space work for Boeing. A recent contract is for boom skins for the Air Force's new tanker. It's a good job to have because the booms have to be replaced periodically so it's a long term contract.

I don't know how thick the shims actually are, but they came from Japan oversized. The Makino tech rep said a tolerence of .002 to .005 would be adequate but Paul said he was having fun and decided to see how precise he could get them. He said the grinder doesn't make any sparks or noise as you sneak up on it because you're not taking off very much metal.