The grizzled senior hand who learned on manual machines, keeps his own tools in a wooden box and can hold a tenth by feel. Crusties are a source of both knowledge and scorn, and winning one's approval is a rite of passage. The word is affectionate: being called a crusty is half a compliment.
Ask the old crusty on the jig grinder, he's made more of these than the whole engineering department combined.
Earning a crusty's trust usually starts with cleaning the machine you used and putting his tools back exactly where you found them.
Also heard as
- old crusty
- crusty old machinist
- old-timer
Do not mix it up with
- Keener: A keener is the overeager newcomer; the crusty is the gruff veteran who has seen it all.
Related terms
Keener
Canadian slang for an overeager newcomer who volunteers for everything and tries a little too hard.
Shop rat
Someone who practically lives in the shop, on the clock or off, and is happiest at a machine.
Machinery's Handbook
The thick reference book every machinist owns, covering threads, fits, materials, speeds and formulas.
Guys on the tools
The tradespeople actually doing the hands-on work, as opposed to supervisors, planners and office staff.