machining in northern california?

[anchange]

I'm a college student spending the summer back home in northern California (SF bay area / Palo Alto). I want to spend the summer learning how to mill / lathe. Does anyone know of any classes I might be able to take at a community college?

I have to take units over the summer for my degree so I'm hoping I can find something at a community college so I can get credit for it. But more then anything I just want to learn so any resources that you know of would be great!

Thank you for your time,

Brad

[ckm]

I know that City College in SF has some classes, but perhaps more interesting would be classes at either the Crucible in Oakland or TechShop in Menlo Park. I would look for an internship as well, even if you don't get paid.

chris

[Zumba]

Sign up for the manual and CNC courses at De Anza College in Cupertino. They have a good program.

[anchange]

thanks for the help! De Anza is very close to me. You recommend the program? I'm having a really hard time figuring out what courses they offer from thier website/catalog would you know course numbers or class names by chance?

[TKBuisan]

Go to the following link:
http://www.deanza.edu/appliedtech/manufacturing/
You can also stop by during the day. Ask for Mark (tool room guy) or for Mike (instructor).
TKBuisan

[anchange]

simply awesome. thanks for the help!

[beez9]

Hi, total NOOB here, been lurking and doing a LOT of reading threads on the cnczone. Really excited to get started! I would like a class or a mentor in the east bay, I'm in Oakland. I looked at Laney, but it seems like I'd have to enroll. True?

I'm also considering just diving in and buying one of the 7x12 mini lathes and a training DVD or two. Minilathe.com seems to have the good poop on which lathe to get. What training DVD(s) would be good for a noobie like me?

Thanks!
Chris

[anchange]

check out http://techshop.ws/
they have beginner classes that will teach you what's what and give you a better idea of what you need before you start buying anything. Those minilathes are crap by the way.

[beez9]

Great advice, I looked at the TechShop, so much so that my wife bought me a gift membership for xmas! ;-))

However, There's nothing like a real mentor, and something closer would be better for me. I live in Oakland and work in Vacaville so Menlo Park is the wrong direction.

However, I've been studying a lot on cnczone, which I found through five bears. I believe I will get some small "starter" machines and bootstrap myself up into a design like the one Swede did.

Can anyone recommend any beginner training materials? Also, if anyone is able to take me under their wing, I'll be forever buying the lunch/dinner/beer or whatever else )
Thanks!
Beez

[ckm]

Terrible advice, actually. Techshop is terrible and the classes are even worse. I have a paid-up-front membership and would never use the place.

If you really want to learn something and are in East Bay, try the Crucible instead. Much, MUCH better classes and a much higher level of knowledge in general. It does have a bit of artist arrogance, but if you can get past that, you'll learn a lot.

Chris.

[ckm]

Oh, and learn how to use a lathe first. I've spent a lot of time and $$$ on mills, and I actually find that the a lathe is much more useful on a day to day basis. It's also easier to grok than a mill.

If you're ever around San Francisco, give me a shout, I'd be happy to get together.

[123CNC]

The MIT videos and free online courses have been linked to in other threads on the Zone.

The price can't be beat, and they are worth your time. Most in manual machining, but still appropriate.

http://techtv.mit.edu/genres/24-how-...machine-shop-1

Grab some popcorn and enjoy.