I suppose reading is the number one answer but eventually you need to get your fingers dirty without cutting them off. I've looked into classes at the local JC but some thing need a Pre. Req. or they aren't offered in the evenings so us working stiffs can attend. I'd love to learn more about machining but I don't want to spend thousands on a a tool only to fawk it up learning.

I went to the local community college. The had the pre. req, but when I spoke the the instructor and basically let him know what I was looking to learn then he approved me without them. Like for instance I took advanced welding without the basics, I took advanced milling without machine shop basics. Basically he told me if I was interested in a career in a machine shop I would really want to take those classes, but when I explained that I was just looking to make some parts in my garage he seemed content.

Best I can figure:

1. if you're lucky enough to have a friend who's a machinist (or whatever)

2. offer to scrub toilets and sweep at the local shop if they'll teach you a bit (hard for us working stiffs during normal business hours)

3. find a larger community college which will offer evening classes that just teach the basics without forcing you to shoot for a full-blown degree or certificate

as for machining, it's not really that hard.......... I'm not a machinist, but I
have a bunch a tools at home....

so, ask around on what you would need to buy to do the stuff you want to
do.... then start surfing the net looking for deals..........

go buy a mill, or lathe or whatever you're looking for.......

rope some freinds into helping you get it set up.... then try and get advise
from a small shop or worker in a shop....... beer is your freind in negotiations
like this.....

--Sherpa

at my local jc they offer alot of night classes and as before if you approach the teacher he may wave the prerequists. also the machine shop idea is a good one. also post up in the wanted section and see if there is a local guy to you that is willing to show you how to do some stuff.

I started out with some basic background, but not near enough. Took a couple of assorted evening classes at the local technical school. That made a definite jump in my skills, but any school is going to be somewhat hampered by the class size - you typically aren't going to get a lot of individual attention for all the specific things you want to learn.

I took a chance and stopped in at a local welder's shop - an older guy with a little shop. I had seen some of his work and was impressed with his skill. So I made the offer that if he told me what his favorite beer was and what he liked to eat I'd stop by at the end of the day with takeout if he'd in turn give me some pointers. So I'd give him a call to see how his workload was and head down to his shop at the end of the day with some food, beer, and something I was working on. He'd look my welds over we ate and critique them - then when we were done eating he'd spend some time showing me what I was doing wrong and how to correct it. I learned quite a bit and I think that he got a kick out of teaching someone.

Just a matter of showing the proper respect and that you're willing to learn.

as for machining, it's not really that hard.......... I'm not a machinist.--Sherpa

How do you know if your not a machinist? You stupid fuck!!!! Being a machinist is more than just chopping a fucking piece of metal there are tolerances you need to hold, smaller than your dick. My wife can cut metal better than you. Can you chuck a chuck, lets try first by turning down that big head of yours and I'm not talking about the one you think with. Are you a red neck fucker or what? Beer must be your best friend if you can think you can get away with this shit, don't tell me that machining is easy coming from a machinist. How about we test your knowlege. What does 2 +2= , hint not 1.

or find a shop that works nights like the one i work at.

-ben

How do you know if your not a machinist? You stupid fuck!!!! Being a machinist is more than just chopping a fucking piece of metal there are tolerances you need to hold, smaller than your dick. My wife can cut metal better than you. Can you chuck a chuck, lets try first by turning down that big head of yours and I'm not talking about the one you think with. Are you a red neck fucker or what? Beer must be your best friend if you can think you can get away with this shit, don't tell me that machining is easy coming from a machinist. How about we test your knowlege. What does 2 +2= , hint not 1.

Easy killer, I would think he was trying to say that it's not terribly difficult to make mediocre parts (such as what a hobbyist would need). Even holding .020 will be sufficient for a hobbyist in the 4x4 arena.
However, of course you know, it is very difficult to make professional grade, one off parts.

I would shop around for used equipment like everybody says. A standard manual mill and lathe aren't complex peices of machinery, and parts are readily available for name brands. Pay attention and keep you hands off the leadscrew/power feed until you get the hang of things and you shouldn't break too much.
With that being said, I have been around people how just don't have the aptitude to do it. If you doubt yourself, check it out before hand in a class or shop like previously mentioned.

Grant

Another resource for learning is to subscribe to Home Shop Machinist and Machinist's Workshop - http://www.homeshopmachinist.net/

A lot of what they are doing are the scale engines that really run and things like that - but if you can learn to do that level of detail you can pretty much do anything. Over the course of several issues they'll put together a project with all the details of how it is done. You can learn a lot just by seeing how they are doing the parts.

If someone walked into my shop right now and said they would help me out here and there in exchange for training/experience....I wouldn't hesitate a second. I get guys who are interested in working, think the job would be cool but then after an actual few days of work I either tell them to get lost or they quit. Reason is they watch too much tv and have no clue that there is a lot of work involved or are just plain lazy.

Easy killer, I would think he was trying to say that it's not terribly difficult to make mediocre parts (such as what a hobbyist would need). Even holding .020 will be sufficient for a hobbyist in the 4x4 arena.
However, of course you know, it is very difficult to make professional grade, one off parts.Grant

OK,SORRY(Sherpa) guys.I guess Ive been in the trade to long.When someone sez machining is easy and their not a machinist,it raises a flag.Some parts are easy to make and some not and I'm referring to precision machined parts that have to be made to print and sold to customers.

As far as training,you would be lucky to find a machine shop with someone there that would have the time to teach.Machine shops have to compete more than ever to get and keep work because of all the foriegn outsorcing.

I would try to get into a JC or an adult vocational class if you cant find a shop willing to teach you.

I have three lathe opennings and 1 mill openning right now all trainee positions. So i think you just have to find the right shop

-ben