Advice on training

[joconnor]

Hi Vincent
I have an interprovincial industrial mechanics licence, can machine anything that will fit in my machinery, multi-process weld or braze and repair anything from a clock to a tractor. I never went past high school, but I have spent my life learning new skills and I can tell you if you can read, have mechanical aptitude, the equipment and some ambition the sky is the limit. Formal training may speed things up, but where's the fun in that. Have fun and enjoy machining, it's an awesome hobby, but it might be a boring job full time, as is most things. I almost didn't send this because it makes me seem like a hell of a braggart, but I worked hard for my skill set so here it is.

 

[TinkerTim]

I think it was Thomas Edison who said "I have not failed. I just found 10,000 ways that don't work". Thanks again for the support.

Vincent I am 74 years old and bought my Smithy lathe-mill-drill 3 years ago. Yesterday I found the on/off switch. Actually I'm learning a little each day. I've made a few simple tools and now I am working on a 5C collet chuck. Before I bought my lathe I only read a few books about it. I only regret I didn't start sooner.
The Tinker

 

[NodakGary]

Hi Vincent
First of all, welcome to this site, loaded with really fine skilled individuals willing to help us noobs out. One of the things I did when I first started out on this enjoyable hobby, was to check out Smartflix. They have many videos you rent that are first class. And like was mentioned before be sure to google Tubalcain metalworking videos. He is a retired machine-shop teacher with a really keen sense of humor. (He cleaned up some gunk on a recently bought lathe using his wife's toothbrush. But he was going to do a good job of cleaning it so she wouldn't mind.)
NodakGary

 

[Andre]

You can teach yourself anything. I taught myself how to run a mill, lathe, and soon a surface grinder. The info is out there!

 

[vincent52100]

I have found a wealth of information, both on the web and printed. It seems like Amazon is a great source. I've gotten 4 books from them and also downloaded 4 or 5 books from various websites.

 

[Andre]

I have found a wealth of information, both on the web and printed. It seems like Amazon is a great source. I've gotten 4 books from them and also downloaded 4 or 5 books from various websites.

Library book sales are also a great place to get books. Pay like $5 for a large paper bag, I got a (as far as I know) complete series of 15 books on home improvement and tips and tricks. Sparks the creative side and they are great to read through. Also any Popular Mechanics books are a great find! The "The Boy Mechanic: 700 Things for Boys to do" is a great book.

 

[drom68]

All the replies are why I keep coming back to HM. I too am self taught and I continue to learn from this site. So, good luck and keep coming back. Before you know, you will be part of this great group teaching others what you have learned and replying to a post similar to yours just as others have done for you.

Welcome aboard and start making chips….

 

[jumps4]

hello Vincent
We have a similar story. I was an auto mechanic for 37 years with no machine shop skill.
In 2006 I decided to add a lathe and small mill to my tools at home. mostly to just make odd parts.
I had to teach myself everything and if i didn't have the right tool I made a tool or I had to find another way.
The key is not to give up, if someone else can do it, you can learn to do it if you really want to.
everything I have learned is from the internet, I'm not one to read an entire book, I just skim for what I need to know and skip the fluff.
pictures are worth a thousand works and most of the time you never see this part of someones projects.
I like to call this my "pre-machined future projects box" . there are a lot of failed attempts in there
not counting the pieces I have all ready made something else out of or melted down and cast into something else. The last pic is what can be achieved with
constant failure If you don't give up and complete your goal.
Steve