Young machinist

[3faze]

I hope this is the right area to post this. I am 16 years old and am a fairly good tig/mig/stick welder and have take a machine course at the local college (made a v block,fitting excersize and turning project) I have many machine tools because my gradfather was a machinist for massy furguson before they went bankrupt, but unfortunatly he passes away almost 10 years ago. I am looking for some advice because i want to learn more about machining and our school shop is almost no existant. I am in london ontario Canada and would be willing to sweep floors in a shop in return for some education. An apprentce ship isn't really an option because i plan on going to university but i love using my hands to work. anyone have any suggestions because i really want to learn more about machining. I have a tig welder but the only place I see lathes and mills is my J&L catalogge. Any help is appreciated. O by the way i have read pretty much every machining book i can get my hands on. Thanks a ton

[Geof]

What's wrong with completing an apprenticeship and then going to university? You will probably get a lot more out of your university years if you have some real world experience and if you are able to get part time and summer work as a machinist while going to university you will make more money than slinging hash at the local Dennys.

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

3faze I bieleve Geof has the right plan. Of course, I'm prejudiced. Thats what I did. Our apprenticeship requires 1,000 hrs. of associated math courses. As long as I was at the local university extension for those courses, I took additional courses. Then I took additional night courses. First thing you know, I completed the requirements for an ME degree. Next thing you know I had formed a habit. I retired a year ago without missing a year without adding at least one more course/seminar/or ? . You will find learning is catching and fun and you can earn a good living while doing it.

[Gandalf]

Originally Posted by 3faze I hope this is the right area to post this. I am 16 years old and am a fairly good tig/mig/stick welder and have take a machine course at the local college (made a v block,fitting excersize and turning project) I have many machine tools because my gradfather was a machinist for massy furguson before they went bankrupt, but unfortunatly he passes away almost 10 years ago. I am looking for some advice because i want to learn more about machining and our school shop is almost no existant. I am in london ontario Canada and would be willing to sweep floors in a shop in return for some education. An apprentce ship isn't really an option because i plan on going to university but i love using my hands to work. anyone have any suggestions because i really want to learn more about machining. I have a tig welder but the only place I see lathes and mills is my J&L catalogge. Any help is appreciated. O by the way i have read pretty much every machining book i can get my hands on. Thanks a ton

Hi there, I am located in Midland/Ontario. We are always looking for eager young people that want to pick up on the trade. I have 3 kids going to University as well and know how you feel. My oldest was the same way. If you are serious about this stuff you should not have any problems finding a place. You can look at our website www.northsimcoetool.ca and/ or drop me an E-mail at general@northsimcoetool.ca. You can leave a Resume for us to look at as well.
This trade is exciting if you are in the right place.
How long do you want to spend in that environment and what do you want to do with your life?

[3faze]

Thanks for the advice guys, i'm in grade 11 right now so it will be two more years before i do an apprenticeship or go to university. Right now i'm looking for a place where i can volunteer my time, i would be willing to sweep floors in return for a chance to learn a bit. Because i am school during the day i can really only volunteer on the weekends and it is apparent that most machine shops arn't open on the weekend and secondly most shops aren't interested in this proposition. Gandalf thats for info but it will be a while before i start and apprenticeship (possibly) and i would need to find a local shop. Anyone have any suggestions for finding a shop where i could sweep the floors in return for a chance to learn a few things? Awsome advise so far guys Thanks Brandon

[Gandalf]

Do you guys in London have Co-op? Up here the kids in grade 11 go for Co-op. I just took a Co-op student in. It is a great way to accomplish what you are looking for. On top you get credits for it. Ask your guidance counsillor for it. Usually Co-op department or shop teachers that know about it can help locate an employer that is willing to take you.

Try and maybe.......

[DareBee]

Like Gandolf, we as well almost always have a Coop student from highschool