• This Forum is for adults 18 years of age or over. By continuing to use this Forum you are confirming that you are 18 or older. No content shall be viewed by any person under 18 in California.

Wanting to learn more about lathes

Fern

Silver $$ Contributor
Not sure why but over last couple years been fascinated with lathes.
I see it as an art form being able to turn some hunk of steel or object and turn it into something.
Been wanting to learn more but honestly not sure where to start.
Would love to sit and watch someone work in a non creepy stalker way lol
My wife’s uncle who was a tool and die maker unfortunately passed right when I was getting into it.
Any advice or tips or anyone in Phoenix want to let me watch some work?
 
In Phoenix, I’d imagine that there are a lot of technical schools or colleges that have hands on continuing or adult education night classes on manual machines. That’s what I did in my area. Also, Utube
 
I watched Abom79 on youtube for years before owning a machine. I picked up a ton of good info from him, so when I got a machine, everything kinda made sense. I'd be watching his older stuff if I were you.
 
Just buy a lathe and get started . We didn't have you tube when I started ,I got tool catalogues and tried to figure out how the different tools worked and just applied what I learned. I started with a 3x8 sherline lathe then a 10x 24 logan and now a 12x36 atlas. Even though it isn't the best I do alright with it . I've chambered barrels , made receivers , made tuners and knobs for my rests. You wont learn it in a week but It's kept me entertained for the last 40 plus years.
You tube is a great asset and I've picked up some ideas from that. you don't need to spend a ton of money to get started. You can always upgrade later. Most of the places for cheap tooling are gone now but WT Tools is still there and they have a line of RDX tooling that's still affordable.
 
It's like folks that wait for kids until they have enough money..... you'll never have enough money for kids. God intended for you to have kids when you're young and stupid....

I'd find a retired machinist in your area,and go ask him if he knows where a decent "starter" lathe is. Check with your local real welding joint(NOT LOWES)...someplace that sells welding gases. They'll know the guy you're looking for.

Good luck.... and find lots of stuff to accurately turn and thread before jumping into gun work. Buy some used equipment and fix it up with your lathe.... you'll surprise yourself.
 
Thanks guys for the great advice. I will check out the you tube recommendations.
Would love to just “pick one up” but that’s a big investment and not in my means right now.
I know once one has it there are bunch of accessories that will be needed
 
Fern said:
Thanks guys for the great advice. I will check out the you tube recommendations.
Would love to just “pick one up” but that’s a big investment and not in my means right now.
I know once one has it there are bunch of accessories that will be needed
Click to expand...
Fern,
Your fascination is what will keep you motivated to learn and advance. This is a very good thing to have! Keep looking and you will find someone to mentor you and they will be happy to do so. If not, keep looking until you find the right person as they are out there. Being a machinist is a fascinating field to work in, especially in today's world of CNC machines and programming. If you are so inclined you can learn something new most every day, as it is a vast trade. I wish I had started in the trade 20 yrs prior to when I did (1997) as it has been a very interesting journey. And the journey continues! The sooner you start making chips the better, at least it was for me. Good luck with your endeavor.
Paul
 
I lost the article about a fellow that found a small lathe in a barn or shed. He cleaned it all up and barreled a rifle up pretty much on the tailgate of his truck. He was an Arizona snow bird if I recall for.
So if there is a will there is a way.
 
I would recommend evening classes at a technical college. You'll be on machines almost immediately. This will help immensely when it comes time to select a lathe to buy for yourself.
There are lots of other people with the same thoughts as you have, but most of them want to build model engines, etc. You'd be surprised at the spectrum of people that want to learn machining.
 
jpx2rk said:
Is this one of those "hobby lathes" ???
Click to expand...
Only if your hobby is making money!! Said with tongue in cheek and with great respect and admiration

for Jackie and the business he and his family built.

There is a thread on here somewhere that shows Jackie's dedicated gunsmithing sized lathe at his home.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Upgrades & Donations

This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.


Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.

You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.


To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.

Classified Ads

Forum statistics

Threads
165,517
Messages
2,197,827
Members
78,961
Latest member
Nicklm

Share This Page

Back
Top