Posted: 9/26/2007 10:04:37 AM EDT
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I'm going to sound like a complete newbie asking this, but that's appropriate because I I want to learn about metalworking. From when I was a kid, I started building my own computers and since then I've always enjoyed building my own anything. I'd like to get to a point where I'm able to produce my own firearms (lock, stock and barrel -- the whole she-bang) with my machines. Unfortunately, though, I know little to nothing about metalworking. I've done simple things with hand tools (who hasn't) but beyond that my knowledge and experience are rather non-existant. I figure there's three things I'll need to get to that point - space, knowledge, and money. Since I'm 23 and live in a condo, I figure there's going to be plenty of time for me to acquire all three. What sources out there should I have a look at to learn about metalworking? Where should I start? What can you recommend? I'm sorry if this is out of scope for this board, but after looking around at the various boards on ARFCOM I thought this was the best place for me to put it. Thanks in advance! _MaH |
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I am in much the same boat you are in. I really started tinkering with metal last year when I decided to build an XM607 stock from scratch. When I started I had never used any machine tools in my life, but I taught myself and asked the shop foreman lots of questions so my skills have come along from where they started. With patience anything is possible. My project You could see if there is some sort of hobbyist work shop in your area. It's basically a gym, only with machine tools. I've heard of some popping up on the west coast, but I'm not so sure about VA. Basically, you purchase a membership to a shop where you can go and work on your stuff or tinker around at your convenience. I would love if there was one in my area, but fortunately I'm a college student at a rather large engineering school, so I have all sorts of machine tools at my finger tips. Another thought you might want to look into is to see if there is a gun builder in your area. If they're nice enough they might let you apprentice them and pick up some skills. I think this combined with some class at your local community college would be a good starting point. One thing you have to realize when you first start out is that you are going to ruin a lot of parts completely on accident, so be prepared to have to make a part several times until it comes out the way you want, so patience is key. |
I'll look into the community college option - I live just down the street from one. As far as getting a job in a machine shop, that would only be possible if it was a part-time gig. Even then, if I did it I would be forced to give up my part-time job at the local FFL. Won't do that, because I think I could learn a few things along these lines there, too (or even contribute to it by learning this skill). _MaH |
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Start reading "Home Shop Machinist" and "Projects in Meta" both by the same publishers. Available at book stores or subscription. They have a lot of great tips and articles on having a machine shop at home and on the cheap. Those magazines really helped me out when I was starting up. Home Shop Machinist efxguy |
If you are serious you can and should avail yourself of the Community College. You're paying for it whether you use it or not (one of my pet peeves in life). You will spend a couple years, but you will know enough to have a fall-back job if you ever need it. Most don't have classes for hobbyists--they will only teach you to be a machinist, and welder, etc. I think you are doing a wise thing, BTW, as you will be amazed at the things you can do. 
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Thanks for your thoughts. More people supporting the community college idea makes me feel more comfortable about heading that route. Now I only need to decipher the course catalog to find what I'm looking for. I guess it's a side-effect of working at a FFL/range/gunshop. My day job involves sitting behind a computer and auditing network security. Pay is good, but I actually want to do something where I'm making things with my hands, dammit! _MaH |
Call and ask if you can talk to someone who teaches their machine shop courses. That person can probably recommend to you what courses you should sign up for. Or just head up there and ask to talk to an advisor/admissions person, who will be able to point you in the right direction, as well as explain what paperwork you need to do to enroll, etc. |