http://machinechat.freehostia.com/

I started a machinist chatroom a month ago or so, and we've got a couple regular people hanging out. More are always welcome. If you like it, I recommend you get a real IRC client instead of using the web chat.

Newcomers to machining are certainly welcome even though the room's primary focus is serious hobbyists or professionals discussing general machining topics. Basic questions about learning machining, or building your own CNC are outside the scope of the chatroom. You're better served asking in an appropriate forum anyway, as you'll get many more answers.

The web chat is verified to work under both IE and Firefox. If you have problems, or java security dialogs freak you out, you are on your own to troubleshoot your java installation.

Instant messaging clients such as Trillian and Pidgin can connect to this chatroom, the server information is given on the front page.