I'm 32, and I've been informed that my job will be eliminated no later than July of this year, and possibly between now and then. So it's time to start making some plans. Current job as a software instructor will have very little worth outside of the current employer.
A bit of background: I've always been a very mechanical person. Always working on cars, motorcycles, RC aircraft, and about anything else I can use a tool on. Also very technical minded. I attended the University of Missouri-Rolla persuing an Electrical Engineering degree, however I did not complete school. Knowing what I know now, I should have went Mech E instead. Oh well.
My grandfather was a well driller, and a small one at that. This mean he always had to fabricate the replacement parts for his drills, diesel engines, etc. He lived in the middle of a pretty substantial "private salvage yard", which we always referred to as "the empire". Everything from old VW beetles to huge old military-esqe Mack trucks, and everything in between.
Having always been a DIY guy, and loved building "stuff", I've decided it's time to persue something I've always wanted to do: Machinework. Specifically, I'd like to start my own business machining small "niche" products for things that interest me (motorcycles, guns, etc). It would be nice if this could -eventually- be a full-time source of income, but I have no expectations of that in the near future.
Here is my initial plan: I thought I could learn some basic machine skills (where?), and get a mill / lathe (probably Grizzly combo) of my own. Then I could prototype out things I wanted to build (lots of trial and error, I imagine), and once I had a workable unit, CAD it out and take it to a CNC outfit for production (small runs). Eventually, I would be able to work up to my own small CNC, and bring production into my (already built) small personal shop.
So, my question is this: Where is a good place to start this process? A local community college offers Machining courses, however these won't be availble again (entry level, anyway) until next Spring. I've been unable to find any other local schools offering classes. I had planned on finding another job in the next few months, and trying to work this on the side. As such, an apprenticeship / employee situation at a shop isn't really what I'm looking for (though I wouldn't rule it out). I currently make a bit over $20 / hour, but due to my low financial obligations, I am considering jobs starting in the $10 / hr range.
I'm curious about input from those who already have the skills I would like to learn. I can always pick up a small mill / lathe, and just start banging parts in the shop. I should state that I have -0- experience working a mill / lathe (well, high school shop years ago, but I've forgotten most of that). At the very least, I'd like to find an efficient way to get through the steepest part of the learning curve, so that I can start destroying my own tools in my own garage.
Any ideas would be appreciated. I'm located in Springfield, MO.
02-16-2009, 01:27 PM
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