Lathe 101 - (DFW, N. TEXAS)

[AMG04]

I've really enjoying carving rifle stocks, but I've always wanted to learn how to run a lathe so I can thread and chamber my own barrels.

There are a couple 16+ week courses at local North Texas Colleges, but I was hoping to find something less formal. Im not looking for certifications or careers with this... its a hobby.

Does anyone know of a guild, or club type organization where experienced members are willing to teach others, and have access to the machines & equipment?

Im west of Fort Worth, but will make time to travel in the greater DFW area.

 

[Sray53TXTN]

Look on Hobby-Machinist.com lots of good starter info there.

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www.hobby-machinist.com

 

[Kings X]

There is a Gunsmith School over in Desota.

 

[DaveTooley]

Knowing the basics with some hands on experience will short the learning curve. I would suggest take the formal course. Get some hands on machine time. It will save time and money in the long run. You will probably be able to build some of the fixtures you will need and have help with any problems.

 

[10XSHOOTER]

Take the class!

 

[Hal]

I would take a class in a heartbeat if one was available. You might meet so like minded guys .
Beats sitting around watching TV .

 

[falconpilot]

Speedy does some classes..might check with him..

Gunsmithing is kinda of like learning to fly...You can set in class all do reading, studying, but it really all comes together when your ass hits the seat in the plane..

 

[V35]

How for West of FW are you?

 

[Judd]

I tried to get into a class at Richland college and while they said they had all the equipment they didn’t have the interest to have a class. That was almost 8 years ago, might be different now. As someone who read the books, watched the videos, absorbed as much as I could here and finally ran into someone who would mentor me. It’s definitely better to start with general machining…my education has and continues to be expensive because it seems I have a doctorate in learning things the hard way.

Good luck!

 

[cramfarm]

I put my own barrels on and enjoy carving on steel and if it was me I would take the class but you have to make sure the class is on manual machines if that is what you want to use, I tryed to find a class to take lately and there were no manual machine classes available, only cnc machines which don't interest me