Best machine shop course

Check out the local tech schools. I've taken several evening classes at mine. Just signed up for another semester. All the machines, tooling, and material I can use for my projects for $300. Break a expensive tap or need a new cutting tool? Instructor just gets you another one from the supply drawers. Need a big piece of steel, bronze, or aluminum? Just get a piece of stock and cut what you need from the stock room. Learning first hand from an experienced machinist how to set up and run a machine and tooling is priceless. It has also helped me make wise choices on my purchases for the home shop.
 
I just recently joined the forum and have learned a great deal from the guys on here. I purchased the "machine shop course" on the metal lathe by Darrell Holland about 5 years ago, found it on ebay for $400.00. My schedule didn't allow to take a night course at the local trade school so I opted for the course. I for one think it is a great solution for beginners and still go back and review sometimes. Recently purcased a new E-Mill by Acer and I choose to go the same route, as I have a bandwith problem as well so decided to purchase just the mill course on CD. Good investment in my humble opinion.
Apology for the long post.
 
ranch23 said:
To answer one of your comments, no one was born knowing how to do anything but eat, crap and cry. We have all wrecked tooling, laid out, drilled, tapped, machined a hole .100 off, or some other seemingly dumb thing. I normally call my Dad, Mom, Daughter or one of my Brothers or Sister and say: Aaaagggghhhh, you'll never believe what I just did! Then we visit and it's alright again. We learned just like you are. I'm a Gunmaker by trade, I come here because it's fun, there are great people here, you're interested in things I'm interested in, and I LEARN NEW THINGS.
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Sir RANCH23
The problem is a pen-pusher can't be expected to suddenly operate machinery professionally.
To become a Gunmaker U spent years studying, had tutelage and also was personally supervised whilst operating machinery.
So U had the background already.
We concede one can learn a lot from the Forum here as U Guys are indeed magnanimous, if not liberal with advice in steering one in the right direction.
However, we feel we need to get our own basic act right first, instead of sponging on U Folks for tuition.
No offence meant but we guess it's the principle of the way we would like to go through life.
aRM
 
gi_984 said:
Check out the local tech schools. I've taken several evening classes at mine. "Learning first hand from an experienced machinist how to set up and run a machine and tooling is priceless."
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Regrettably our Tech Schools here don't run night classes - and we require them to so desperately !!!
U hit the nail on the head in Your last statement above. That is exactly how we see this issue.
We started our career in Accounting that way, learnt Knifemaking like that and we learnt Engraving via the Internet by tuition as well.
We are just tired of continuously crashing our tooling on the machines and think that rightfully we need to solve the problem once and for all by seeking out the proper expert TUITION.
Thanks for Your input.
aRM
 
Sandia said:
I just recently joined the forum and have learned a great deal from the guys on here. I purchased the "machine shop course" on the metal lathe by Darrell Holland about 5 years ago, found it on ebay for $400.00. My schedule didn't allow to take a night course at the local trade school so I opted for the course. I for one think it is a great solution for beginners and still go back and review sometimes. Recently purcased a new E-Mill by Acer and I choose to go the same route, as I have a bandwith problem as well so decided to purchase just the mill course on CD. Good investment in my humble opinion.
Apology for the long post.
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SANDIA
U never need to apologise for stating the TRUTH !!!
And it was not a long post at all.
We can clearly relate to what U say and fully appreciate the way U had improved Your machining Skill level.
U have stated exactly the way we would like to proceed on our journey and have given us the convincing impetus to commence via that route, LORD WILLING.
Thanks a mill
aRM
 
The good thing about this place is that there's nothing wrong with asking any kind of question, even if you are embarrassed.

Another thing you should look forward to... Once you get some basic information and develop basic skills, you can really start to learn on your own faster. That feeling of being lost doesn't last forever. Be careful though and don't take chances. The most important thing you must learn is safety. All other learning mistakes come with the territory.


Ray
 
Check out the free MIT Machine Shop videos: http://techtv.mit.edu/search?utf8=✓&q=machine+shop&x=0&y=0

I don't know that I would call these a complete course, but they are good overview, and you can't beat the price. You can watch them directly online, but for best viewing experience (being able to pause, fast forward, etc.) I recommend downloading them and then watching them.
 
kevin said:
Check out the free MIT Machine Shop videos: http://techtv.mit.edu/search?utf8=✓&q=machine+shop&x=0&y=0

I don't know that I would call these a complete course, but they are good overview, and you can't beat the price. You can watch them directly online, but for best viewing experience (being able to pause, fast forward, etc.) I recommend downloading them and then watching them.
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KEVIN
Thanks for this.
However, have already seen each and every one of them. They are very good for starters.
Good idea to download and review
aRM
 
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