2A. I like machining but not as much as I used to. It was more interesting when I was learning how to do different things and how to run different types of machine tools.
2B. I was a mechanic in the Army. After I got out I kind of fell into machining while I was going to school in Boston as a way to pay my bills
Found that I was good at it and stuck with it. As far as mechanics go I hate working on my cars so I only do it if I have to, it's easier to pay someone else do it.