New Member Introduction - Hammond, LA

ConductorX

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May 1, 2017
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Greetings everyone,

If this post is in the wrong place please move it and let me know.

I am completely new to using machine tools. I have experience with all kinds of wood working. I know how to operate most woodworking machines safely and I produce good results. I also weld, cast aluminum and restore scientifically compressed rust otherwise known as aircooled Volkswagens. I want to learn how to safely use a machinist lathe and milling machine. I have the tools and I am in need of some skills and practice. I am by no means an expert of any kind but I do have opinions.

My tools:
All sorts of metric and US hand tools along with numerous VW specific hand tools.
Homemade furnace for casting aluminum, (should be able to do copper, bronze and brass)
Grinders, saws, drills of all sizes.
Milwaukee Sawsall, metal cutting circular saw and deep throat band saw
Craftsman Table Saw
Craftsman Compound Sliding Miter Saw
Craftsman 14" dual speed band saw
Evolution RAGE 3-DB 10" miter saw that is supposed to cut anything.
Miller Plasma Cutter
Miller DVI Mig Welder
Alpha Tig 200x AC/DC Tig / Stick Welder
Aurora Camel Back drill press 1910-1920
Seneca Falls 10x36 Star Machinist Lathe - (looking for some parts)
Grizzly G0759 Mill (a whole month old)

My current shop is a 20x20 steel building with an 20x20 covered lean-to all on concrete.

My future plans is to build another 20x20 shop to separate out the wood work from the metal and add a Grizzly G0752Z 10x22 lathe to my collection of tools.

Thanks for adding me to the forum,
"CX"
 
Welcome to the forum. I am also a woodworker/turner who recently started working with metal. In my case to make jigs and tools for the woodwork/turning hobby. I have a used Grizzly G9249 lathe and used Grizzly G1008 mill. I have not yet tried my hand at welding.

I had my share of VW Beetles SuperBeetles back in the late70stomid ' 80's. A lot of memories, both good and not-so-good. A lot of maintenance. I recall frosty windows in PA winters with the heaters barely being able to get warm air to the windshield.
 
Hi and welcome to the site. Many on the site are wannabe or newbie to machining. There are lots of guys and ladies who are machinists in varying fields. Like I am , had my training and apprenticeship back in the 70 s . But I also grew up building houses and woodworking , auto, small engines, appliances. My father and I fixed or built everything . So I'm adept in many ways.
Any questions we will try to answer, I suggest watch some YouTube videos by Mr Pete 222 , Tubalcain, Abom79, There are others but these guys are very good at teaching the craft.
One warning when this bug bites it's forever.. you'll figure it out. Yupp
 
It is completely possible to be a self taught machinist. You will need to read and study (and watch YouTube videos!), and hopefully find a mentor as well. With your background you should catch on quickly.

Welcome to the forum!
 
Welcome! This is the best forum on the net for learning machining. You'll fit right in with the rest of us who are not machinists but want to learn. Feel free to ask questions and show your work. You won't be ostracized or flamed here.

Roy
 
Howdy neighbor.
I'm in Metairie and have been "learning" for about 2 years now.
In the process of rebuilding/restoring a Bridgeport 2J to go along with my restored 1918 Southbend 13"x7'.
 
Thank you all for the warm welcome. Sounds like some great projects Cgantner5150.

CX
 
Another from LA! I just joined as well. Looks like our kind of place to me!
 
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