Machine Tool Technology - TCAT Shelbyville

08/24/2026

We had a great field trip this week to Kennametal Inc in La Vergne, TN. Kennametal manufactures a lot of the tooling we use in our industry. The La Vergne facility produces carbide inserts.

Students got to see first how these inserts are made. From the Toolroom machining the dies, then to the presses where the carbide powder is pressed in to shape, hardened, and precision ground for use.

Kennametal employs several TCAT Graduates in the Toolroom and Grinding Departments. Thank you Jaime Glaze for this opportunity to tour, and showing these future Machinists what career opportunities await them.

08/12/2026

We recently had the opportunity to upgrade 2 of our Haas CNC mills. So we are selling our VF2 and Vf1 machines. The link to GovDeals.com is in the comments.

Haas VF2 CNC Mill with Trunnion – Features 25 Tool Carousel, Renishaw Probing System, Through Spindle Coolant, & Programmable Coolant Head.
Trunnion – TR160 Head 11/13/2008
Machine Info:
Date of MFG – 10/2008
3 Phase
Run Time – 8184 HRS

Haas VF1 CNC Mill - Features 20 Tool Umbrella Tool Changer.
Machine Info:
Date of MFG – 06/2006
3 Phase
Run Time – 14,926 HRS

08/05/2026

Students are excited for some new additions this week! 3 Bambu X2Ds to continue to teach advances in manufacturing.

07/31/2026

The CAD department has some awesome things going on!

07/27/2026

Second trimester students, Riley and Nekoda designed and manually machined this custom adapter for a pump and 1.25in hose. Well done boys!

07/17/2026

We are speaking at the Bedford County Fair Tonight! We're excited to share all things going on here at TCAT and the opportunities a Machining Career has to offer!

06/28/2026

We are selling some of our equipment to make room for new equipment! Follow the GovDeals lonk to bid online!

There are 4 Manual Lathes, a really nice Jet Mill with a CNC Acurite Controller. A 40in Vertical Band Saw. And a Cincinnati Tool Grinder!

GovDeals' online marketplace provides services to government, educational, and related entities for the sale of surplus assets to the public. Auction rules may vary across sellers.

06/25/2026

It's Game Day America! FIFA World Cup!

This year at the National SkillsUSA Competition, the final CNC assembly created this trophy to commemorate the 2026 World Cup in the USA!

Competitors from across the nation competed in CNC 3 Axis, CNC 2 Axis, and CNC 5 Axis Machine Programing. The three completed pieces assembled together to form a complete trophy. The base was a 5 Axis Machined Part that represents Atlanta's Stadium that will host the World Cup.

Phillips Corporation

06/22/2026

We visited with Mastercam at the National SkillsUSA Competition. They let us tryout their Titanium Electric Guitar. Fully customize and machined from titanium. Est cost of materials is $10,000 🤯🤘🎸