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How corona and this forum have influenced my future

DngBat7

Silver $$ Contributor
I’ll try to keep this short. Few years back when I was getting into shooting, knowing nothing, I was in the search for the off the shelf super precision rifle. My brother, a former competitive prs shooter suggested, “why don’t you shoot benchrest, since you are so obsessed with accuracy”, me: “what’s that”?? Did a small internet search, found the forum, and instantly became a paid member upon finding my new passion.


Now being in the forum, learning about precision reloading, using dial indicators, mics, Lathe’s, etc,... over the years I became obsessed even more. Then starting to follow all the incredible Gunsmith’s and machinists on this forum building the most accurate rifles in the planet peaked my interest once again.


Because of all this, I have taken a huge interest in machining, figuring it would become the next logical step in learning. Then, bam, corona happened. My career ended within a week. I was deemed non essential. My wife is blessed with a good job, and luckily we would be ok despite my unemployment. Not knocking anybody, I just did not want to sit and collect unemployment. So being in my 40’s figuring it’s not to late, I made the decision to make a career change. And very luckily in one day got a job as a shop hand in one of the best precision machine shops in the state.


Even tho I’d be making a lot less money, I figure, what else do I have going on? Now I am also signing up for Cnc precision machine courses and traditional machining courses in the fall. And even better, the owner who is a phenomenal machinist recognized my passion for this and has instantly put me on all the machines and has taken a real interest in teaching me. Best part is, he is heavily involved in the firearm industry and possibly wants me to head up the dealer and manufacturing of this side of his business.



This may not seem like much to most reading this. Through a few words from my brother, this forum and a virus, I just find it interesting how things can evolve in life. Don’t know if I will ever become a benchrest gunsmith, but very excited to see where this goes. Can’t thank enough several members on this forum for answering my endless relentless questions. I have just become so passionate about this since being on this forum, I can officially say it’s been life changing.
 
Sometimes we pick our paths, sometimes the path picks you. In this case I'd say both came together. Working in the industrial field for years, I can tell you that well trained people with hands on experience are hard to find. CNC programmers and machinist are hard to come by. So if this path doesn't work out for you, with the training and experience you will gain in the fast future, you will be able to find a job in the field you have now chosen.

Good luck with you new path in life!
 
Working metal is absolutely fascinating imo being a retired toolmaker. Always, always, always something to learn or improve on.
Don't forget your EOBs......there will be less stuff torn up after the noise stops.*** :p:cool::D
It is great that the boss with his talents has recognized your interest and desires.
I was right at 42 when i grad'd from the apprenticeship.

*** I was deep in a peck cycle w about a 13/16 drill on our cnc lathe when the missing EOB was discovered..... :-/
 
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It takes a lot of intestinal fortitude to make a career change even under ideal conditions. I applaud your decision. Having spent 51 years in machining and manufacturing I'm of the opinion that passion is one of the best criteria for success. Good luck to you.
 
Congratulations. I know that took some hard soul searching to make such a move. I have had to change paths in my life several times. Sometimes, those things completely out of our control will lead us to something we may never had considered and would have missed out on.

I wish you all the best, you never know where this new path may take you. It may end up being something completely unexpected.
 
I’ll try to keep this short. Few years back when I was getting into shooting, knowing nothing, I was in the search for the off the shelf super precision rifle. My brother, a former competitive prs shooter suggested, “why don’t you shoot benchrest, since you are so obsessed with accuracy”, me: “what’s that”?? Did a small internet search, found the forum, and instantly became a paid member upon finding my new passion.


Now being in the forum, learning about precision reloading, using dial indicators, mics, Lathe’s, etc,... over the years I became obsessed even more. Then starting to follow all the incredible Gunsmith’s and machinists on this forum building the most accurate rifles in the planet peaked my interest once again.


Because of all this, I have taken a huge interest in machining, figuring it would become the next logical step in learning. Then, bam, corona happened. My career ended within a week. I was deemed non essential. My wife is blessed with a good job, and luckily we would be ok despite my unemployment. Not knocking anybody, I just did not want to sit and collect unemployment. So being in my 40’s figuring it’s not to late, I made the decision to make a career change. And very luckily in one day got a job as a shop hand in one of the best precision machine shops in the state.


Even tho I’d be making a lot less money, I figure, what else do I have going on? Now I am also signing up for Cnc precision machine courses and traditional machining courses in the fall. And even better, the owner who is a phenomenal machinist recognized my passion for this and has instantly put me on all the machines and has taken a real interest in teaching me. Best part is, he is heavily involved in the firearm industry and possibly wants me to head up the dealer and manufacturing of this side of his business.



This may not seem like much to most reading this. Through a few words from my brother, this forum and a virus, I just find it interesting how things can evolve in life. Don’t know if I will ever become a benchrest gunsmith, but very excited to see where this goes. Can’t thank enough several members on this forum for answering my endless relentless questions. I have just become so passionate about this since being on this forum, I can officially say it’s been life changing.

Good skilled, passionate, hardworking employees are hard to find . . . just ask any employer. Congratulation on finding a new path and having the courage to follow it.

Corona changed my life too when I retired . . .

Corona.jpg ;) :D
 
Many go through life trying to create the place they want to be , but the really lucky ones find the place where they're always meant to be . Glad to see you found your , "Place" ...... Enjoy the journey , and never stop asking those questions , cause the only stupid question is the one not ask .
 

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