Want to learn machining

[txfireguy2003]

If you wanted to learn to run a manual lathe and/or mill, but didn't own either (yet) and didn't want to take a job in a machine shop, how would you go about it?

I want to purchase a lathe, or possibly lathe/mill combo to do some hobby gunsmith work and Form 1 suppressors, maybe even make it a side business after I've got some machine time under my belt (and an FFL of course). My concern is that I don't want to spend thousands on a machine that I don't know how to run, so I thought I'd try and get a crash course first.

[hellbndr23]

Maybe try looking for a "maker space" near you. Like gym membership but they have equipment like welders, lathes, paint supplies etc. They are all different.

[COOLDAD1]

If you were closer I would teach you. I'm a machine shop supervisor, but your a little to far. You could learn the basics in a couple of weeks.

[GrapeApe]

Start with Southbend's "How to Run a Lathe" Pretty good basic book and cheap. I learned by just getting in there and making stuff. Aluminum and Delrin are cheap and easy on tools.

I got into it for the same reason as you. Now I have a healthy side business of friends of friends who need things fixed or modified. In the beginning it was for the cost of materials and a case of beer, now its cash on delivery.

I've upgraded from a Grizzly benchtop mill and lathe to a Pacemaker that was on a ship in WW2 along with a couple of Haas machines now.

Still though, I spent a lot of time just putzing around making bottle openers, keychains, pens, knives and knife parts, lots of jeep accessories and camping gear.

I spent a few months sweeping the floor of my local real machine shop for free to get an in with a mentor. The only thing I learned there was how not to manage a business and how to sweep like a bad*ss.

YouTube has some really good tutorials now also, check out: MrPete222, Abom79, Tom's Techniques, OXToolCo, DoubleBoost, NYC CNC, Tactical Keychains, Keith Fenner

[wsteffen]

Check with any area community colleges. They probably have some courses and if you are lucky they will be continuing ed classes that are a lot cheaper.

[txfireguy2003]

Maybe try looking for a "maker space" near you. Like gym membership but they have equipment like welders, lathes, paint supplies etc. They are all different.

Never heard of such a thing. Where would a guy go to look for this type of space?

[txfireguy2003]

Start with Southbend's "How to Run a Lathe" Pretty good basic book and cheap. I learned by just getting in there and making stuff. Aluminum and Delrin are cheap and easy on tools.

I got into it for the same reason as you. Now I have a healthy side business of friends of friends who need things fixed or modified. In the beginning it was for the cost of materials and a case of beer, now its cash on delivery.

I've upgraded from a Grizzly benchtop mill and lathe to a Pacemaker that was on a ship in WW2 along with a couple of Haas machines now.

Still though, I spent a lot of time just putzing around making bottle openers, keychains, pens, knives and knife parts, lots of jeep accessories and camping gear.

I spent a few months sweeping the floor of my local real machine shop for free to get an in with a mentor. The only thing I learned there was how not to manage a business and how to sweep like a bad*ss.

YouTube has some really good tutorials now also, check out: MrPete222, Abom79, Tom's Techniques, OXToolCo, DoubleBoost, NYC CNC, Tactical Keychains, Keith Fenner

This is probably what I'll end up doing, just buy a machine, watch YouTube videos (which I've already done a lot of) and figure it out. My problem is that I want to be able to fit barrels on bolt actions, so that requires a fairly large lathe, and it's quite an investment to just jump right in without any training.

[Tower43]

I think I am about at the same point you are with my gun hobby. I had a cheap mill in mind and a bunch of practice on cheap stuff. And a lot of YouTube

[NewTexian]

Maybe try looking for a "maker space" near you. Like gym membership but they have equipment like welders, lathes, paint supplies etc. They are all different.

Thank you for this. I too never heard of this place. Im would like to learn how to weld but do not want to pay the college $1000 for a hobby.

[doublearrow]

I have mills, lathes, pantograph mills in my knife shop that ingot before I had any knowledge of what I'm doing. . I used forums, YouTube, and screwing up stuff to teach myself. I tried finding a night college course or someone who operated manual machines that had time to teach but never lucked out.

[planomustang]

Sorry, I thought this thread was about "machine learning", rather than "learning to machine". Unfortunately, the convergence is coming.

[Goldeneagle]

Most of the CC's only teach CNC. Manual machining is starting to become a lost art. I've been machining for a living for 40yrs. My father was a machinist and I learned manual lathes when I was 12yrs old. The HS's used to have trade classes, but that went away long ago. Plano had a machining class. I wish you were closer, I would be willing to teach you.

[alec73065]

I know in Round Rock next to the Lowes at LaFrontera there is a place called techshop that lets you come in and buy machine time. Looks like they offer classes as well. I always mean to stop in there but never have time. You could buy my machine shop in the classifieds and I could spend some time with you I just have a garage shop but have everything you would need. I simply don't have time to use them anymore , I started traveling a lot for work. Robert


techshop.ws/austin_round_rock.html

[Bowtech38]

Could try Titan machine on adams ave they may beable to help you out as far as some classes or to just ask questions.

[miket]

If you decide to buy some machines this is a good time. Lots of machines for sale down here in the Houston area right now. Most are CNC but with manuals mixed in. Shops closing down and laying off.....