Although Nathan Rekstad had a strong background in working with his hands, he knew almost nothing about machining when he enrolled in Dunwoody’s Machine Tool Technology program.
Rekstad’s dad owns a residential remodeling and repair business, so he grew up making things out of scrap wood. In high school, he learned how to repair and maintain small and large engines. He also completed two semesters of online PSEO classes.
But when it came time to choose an actual major and career, Rekstad decided he wanted something related to mechanical engineering.
This led him to Dunwoody’s Machine Tool Technology degree, and even though he may have not been super familiar with it when he started, he’s done well enough to receive an Academic Excellence Award.
Rekstad ascribes this achievement in part to his upbringing: “My dad has taught me the value of going the extra mile to make something look or function really well, and not just do a ‘good enough’ job. This work ethic has been a blessing.”
But a work ethic is even better when it’s paired with a passion for learning. Rekstad mentioned that his instructors “have always been happy to teach me new things, even when it’s not necessarily part of the course outline.”
That kind of enthusiasm is infectious.
Machine Tool Technology instructor Bob Kanawyer said, “Nathan is the kind of exceptional student who elevates their surroundings.”
A key to that is his decision to focus on his college experience.
Rekstad said, “One of the most important things you can do is show up every day. It’s amazing how fast your skills can develop if you put your phone in your locker and get every minute you can out of your lab or studio, or whatever class structure you have.”
Getting every minute out of his experience also includes activities outside his program: Rekstad took over leadership of a Bible study group on campus during his first year of study and credits God for the faith, family, and faculty that shaped him during his time at the College.
Along the way Rekstad has discovered that he really enjoys machining, noting, “My injection mold design project in this final semester feels like a capstone in many ways, as I bring together what I’ve learned over the past two years. I’ve used SolidWorks extensively to model the part, MasterCam to program the CNC machine, and many general machining principles I’ve learned over three semesters in the shop.”
Indeed, although he isn’t sure exactly what his future holds, Rekstad, said he’s “become quite fond of tight-tolerance machining” and hopes that his career doesn’t range too far away from that core.
Rekstad is currently working in the precision grinding department at Andrew Tool & Machining.
He’s looking forward to having a bit more free time for his hobbies, including mountain biking and playing Ultimate Frisbee.
And he’s ready to progress in his career.
Whatever form that takes, it’s clear that Rekstad has very much embraced the role of machinist.
In fact, he shared an anecdote that says it all: “First year instructor, Jim Rowell taught me that if you know how to use a dial test indicator, you can machine anything. That’s a little tongue in cheek, but he’s mostly right.”