
Originally Posted by
Mousse
I've taught 3-4 guys machine shop practice in the last 20 or so yrs. Two became target 'smiths, and the last guy was a veterinarian by trade. The fact that I was in the cellar at my lathe gave him a clue as to which side of the machine to stand. Just kidding, and he was a very good student. He was reading numerous books as he spent time with me(1.5-2yrs). His day off was Tues. and every other Sat.. 6-10hrs each day(lunch was included in this time).
I worked my career in a large shop(the shop and parts were BIG). We had to carpool(1970's to 1990's). The two guys that I rode with had more experience than I was old. Combined, they were in the 50+ yrs. They everything with me. We used Carbide inserts but we also used a lot of high speed steel tools. I was taught that in my trade now, HS tools are a better investment cost wise. You have to go slower so as not to burn your tool, also you can customize your tool for any finish you want.
One job that has come up of late is: High power shooters that have a sight band on the end of their barrel. I used to turn it to about .001-.002 big then polish to size. I tried to grind a tool with a different radius and now I cut to size and it has a mirror finish. We go to used machinery places and they always have drawer upon drawer of old tool bits(HS) and we pick out what we want and they only cost about 1-2 dollars each. The only tool that I have now that is carbide is my threading tool. I bought from Mesa Tool in Ore. The tool and a box of inserts cost me around 70-80dollars.
Anyway, there are books out there as other people have mentioned, as well as DVD's. My vet student says that Tubal Cain was the best. Good luck in your adventure.
Mousse