A place or person in the Dallas/Denton, Texas area where or from I can learn at least some basic skills

[Romanthree]

I live in denton and have an Atlas 10D latheand a Craftsman 109. I am an extreme newby and could use and would greatly appreciate any help learning to use
my machines; especially the 10D. I can be reached vis email as follows: thanks in advance.

 

[markba633csi]

Hard to imagine the 109 doing anything the 10D couldn't do better, but for very small parts the 109 might be useful- nothing wrong with just jumping in and mangling some metal, just be safe doing it. Learn how to grind HSS lathe tools, it's not hard and it's a valuable skill. Read everything you can about metalworking, including on this site.
I lived in Dallas and worked in Denton around '76
Ever go to the San Francisco Rose in Dallas?
Mark

 

[projectnut]

Have you looked into the availability of any classes at a local technical college. Most technical colleges in our area offer evening classes for hobbyists. I attended one a few years ago when I was looking for a surface grinder for the shop. A local vendor suggested I take the evening class to try out some of the machines they had in their shops. It turned out great. The school had over a dozen different brands and models I tried out over the course of the class.

The classes are designed for everyone from the person who has never seen a machine tool in their life to professionals wanting to use machines they don't get exposed to in their work environment.

 

[cbellanca]

Look for a high school or community college that offers an evening machining class. Another source would be a small job shop that may offer you some part time apprentice work. I had a couple of classes in college 50 years a go, the rest has been learned by watching others work and by trial and error. Don't be afraid to make a few mistakes along the way. good luck its fun and rewarding.