We’re excited to highlight one of our dedicated team members, Trevor Huckabay, as part of our Meet the Innovator’s campaign. With years of experience and a passion for precision, Trevor has become an essential part of our machining team. Here’s a deeper look at his journey, challenges, and insights in his own words:
Inspiration: What led you to become a machinist, and how did you take your first steps into the machining industry?
“When I decided to get into machining I was working a lot of seasonal jobs pipeline in the summer and drilling rigs in the winter—that was a very long time ago, wow lol. Almost never worked during break-up season. I was invited to go to a trades show in Kindersley, Sask. during break-up. I went and was blown away by CNC machining and all the things it could do. I inquired about pre-employment programs. To my surprise there was one that winter. I registered that day. The program was welding and machining—2 weeks of welding and 2 weeks of machining—then they evaluated you and recommended which one you were best suited for. My teacher told me I was excelling in machining, so I decided to take the 8-month machining course.”
Proudest Memory: Can you describe one of your favorite or most rewarding memories from working as a machinist?
“Just a couple years ago I was field machining a 32-inch Graylock hub. I could not get a machining line out of the sealing surface no matter what I tried. There was minimal material allowed to be removed—I was stuck. I went home after my shift that night. It really bothered me all night. After a sleep it came to me and after a lot of elbow grease I hand scraped the angle in with High Speed Steel and a very simple jig I made. When I had completed the job I was very relieved as well as proud of the work I had done.”
Hardest Job: What is the toughest job or project you’ve tackled, and what made it particularly challenging?
“It took a lot of years to start getting well-rounded and confident enough in machining to take on large, intricate jobs. Working in a machine shop many years ago the owner came to me with a very large job—machining a central tire inflation system and 8 rims for a drilling rig they were trying to get into the muskeg. The parts were very intricate and all would be made manually, which presented challenges because of the tight tolerances. In the end I did it in a week—it was very challenging and at one point the owner of the shop said this could make or break his shop. It was very satisfying once I had finished, to say the least.”
Skill Development: What’s one new technique or area of knowledge you’re eager to learn or refine in your trade?
“I see a lack of hot tappers in this industry and would like to expand my portfolio by getting some training in that field.”
Craftsmanship Insight: How has your journey as a machinist influenced your perspective on craftsmanship and innovation?
“It’s given me a lot of insight as to what is involved in manufacturing tools and equipment. It’s like I was naïve before I went through the engineering and manufacturing process. As far as the machining process goes, it is so much more advanced than when I started. I always strive to do the best job I can.”
Trevor’s story is a testament to the resilience, curiosity, and skill that drive the Innovator team forward. We’re proud to have him on board and grateful for the expertise he brings to every project.
