Machine Shop Tours: TJ's Machine Shop

What does a 100% manual machine shop look like? Take a look... We are visiting TJ's Machine Shop, the last machine shop of its kind, just north of the Corpus Christi Port, in Corpus Christi, TX.

Especially these days, a fully manual machine shop is quite the gem to discover. Technology continues to advance thus shifting our attention away from the origin of our metalworking industries. We're bringing it back to our metalworking roots.

Alec, from TJ's Machine Shop takes us for a tour of this father & son business. TJ's Machine Shop primarily serves marine chemical and oil companies and supports a plethora of machining applications. From one-off parts to specialty tools, rebuilding crane blocks to turning out tug boat rudders, as Alec says "If it can be measured, it can be made."

What did you think of this manual machine shop tour? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Stay tuned for more machining videos!

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[johnw.peterson]

Job shops like this one and the good people who work in them are the heart and soul of America. Great job, you and your dad. I feel the same about CNC. Two hundreds years from now this type of shop will still be going strong and will always be needed. Thank you for showing. What a honor to see.

[geraldjohnson]

I am 87yrears old. am glade to see a real machine shop again, Thanks

[gulesreynard]

This is the soul of US can-do attitude.These are men to be admired and respected, unlike some others.

[garysparrow]

So cool to finally see the shop. I’m a retired mechanical designer and metal fabricator who worked in that area. I got to work with your dad many times on our projects back in the day. He did a lot of mighty fine work for us and was always a pleasure to visit with. Hope your dad is doing well and tell him I said hello.

[FCleff]

Real, highly skilled machinists doing one-offs supporting other highly skilled trades may not be pretty but the result is a thing of beauty. Thanks for the tour.

[christopherdwayne]

Thanks for showing us your shop, good to see a real shop that is still working, and some decent people making a living
Enjoying what they do .Dwayne Newzealand.

[garyhollifield]

Congratulations on the Air Force and the machinist job, I enlisted in 1974 thinking all along the way that I was going to be a machinist. Well, as we know, the needs of the Air Force come first and I ended up as an Air Freight Specialist. Thank you for your service.

[keithdouglas]

So nice to see a shop that actually looks "Lived In" thanks

[jimpritz]

What a great shop tour. To many it may not look pretty but I bet you and your Dad can lay your hands on any and everything you need in that shop. Working with your Dad has got to be a blessing everyday. Hope you have many more years together to serve your community. Many thanks for the shop tour.

[valkman]

The entire shop is a movie set! Love the authenticity and how all that accumulated rust, grime and dust just makes the perfect balance. When supply shortage becomes real, your business is not the one going bankrupt, Titans of CNC is.

[manningdriscoll]

Nice shop! Glad to see an old school shop still running . Not sure why anyone would give this a thumbs down?

[TheRealSlowhand]

Awesome family bred, family bled, family pride... Hope to see you running the next generation as well....

[timothywardWILDMAN]

NICE SET UP HOMBRE!..LUCKY TO HAVE YOUR FATHER BY YOUR SIDE FOR SOOO LONG.😎🤙👨‍🏭👨‍🔧⚙️🔩

[ActiveAtom]

Very nice family share story and this is a great time to learn what you do in your shop. Manual machines are fine. Keep having a great time California Desert, we are happy for you and we love the shop, what a great place. Lance & Patrick.

[realstihl]

My brother and I own a large machine shop you are on your way just like we were 20 years ago keep up the great work, dedication and enthusiasm in all jobs, that’s what make a great shop!!

[scania]

Thank you for the tour. That is my kinda shop.

[jongerber]

A working shop is not spotless . Looks good to me . Thanks for sharing . We are a dying breed . Proud of our elders and payed attention to what they were saying . I have tried to pass my knowledge along but no one wants it . Too bad .

[DemiFlower]

Just wanted to tell you great job and your father should be proud. Very well mannered. Thank you for the video

[tonylenge]

I really admire you for running the business you have and the way you do it. Thanks for sharing.

[robinherrera]

A REAL Machine Shop! I miss these old places where you can virtually make or repair anything. We had a bunch in Signal Hill, Ca for the oil fields and Aircraft Maintenance. Plus, with Lions Drag Strip nearby, the owners would invent new dragster parts on the fly! They're all gone...