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Kasey
Guest
I've been wanting to learn how to smith for some time now. Do smith's take on an apprentice these day's....... I'm a full time welder so I couldn't go to a full time school. Any suggestion's
MColeman
Club Coordinator
You could start by taking night classes in machine shop. The two main tools you should know are lathe and mill and in that order is my advice. I never was interested in one of the gunsmith schools because of my proximity to them and I'm not interested in learning how to make a stock out of a slab of wood.
I've had a few people to ask me to teach them but that's almost a no-win situation for me. Most young people expect a paycheck after putting in a week in a shop instead of paying me to teach them and when I'm teaching them (and watching them like a hawk) I get nothing done that pays the bills.
I would like to have someone I respect and admire come into my shop because I'm not going to work all my life unless I fall dead in the shop (I've come close to that, too). It seems a shame to have the equipment and customers and just let it all pass. My son-in-law has expressed interest but is finding it hard to move into the area due to job problems.
I've had a few people to ask me to teach them but that's almost a no-win situation for me. Most young people expect a paycheck after putting in a week in a shop instead of paying me to teach them and when I'm teaching them (and watching them like a hawk) I get nothing done that pays the bills.
I would like to have someone I respect and admire come into my shop because I'm not going to work all my life unless I fall dead in the shop (I've come close to that, too). It seems a shame to have the equipment and customers and just let it all pass. My son-in-law has expressed interest but is finding it hard to move into the area due to job problems.
jackie schmidt
New member
Kacey
Most Community Colleges have night courses in Machine Shop Practice. If you are going to be a Gunsmith, that is really the first thing you need.
I know it is tough working all day and then having to go to school for 2-3 hours, but many do it.
If you walked into a 'Smiths shop already poccessing a fair amount of machine shop skills, he might be a lot more inclined to give you a try........jackie
Most Community Colleges have night courses in Machine Shop Practice. If you are going to be a Gunsmith, that is really the first thing you need.
I know it is tough working all day and then having to go to school for 2-3 hours, but many do it.
If you walked into a 'Smiths shop already poccessing a fair amount of machine shop skills, he might be a lot more inclined to give you a try........jackie
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Kasey
Guest
.....
Once I go through with the lathe and mill schooling, should I just contact smith's. I've made up my mind that I want to be a gunsmith. I'm just not sure how to approach asking a gunsmith to teach me his trade. I dont even want any money, I just want to be taught. I
Once I go through with the lathe and mill schooling, should I just contact smith's. I've made up my mind that I want to be a gunsmith. I'm just not sure how to approach asking a gunsmith to teach me his trade. I dont even want any money, I just want to be taught. I
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koginam
Guest
www.taogart.org helps employers, schools and states set up U.S.Department of Labor approved apprenticeship programs. I don't believe their is a active gunsmith program in Virgina but they can help get one started as well as help you find a sponsor. Going threw a approved U.S.D.O.L. or state program makes you eligible to receive federal and state assistance for school and tools in some cases. You can also use your GI bill. Their are also incentives for sponsors in the form of tax breaks and funding for training an apprentice.
Which ever way you go good luck.
Which ever way you go good luck.
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Spott3r
Guest
Some other thoughts..
If you don't already think about competing in one or more of the disciplines..
It really helps you understand what guns can do and why people need gunsmiths.
If you don't already think about competing in one or more of the disciplines..
It really helps you understand what guns can do and why people need gunsmiths.
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aleaddict
Guest
Kasey --
Besides learning some basic machining skills, I would suggest taking a class in mechanical drawing. Learning to use CAD software is an invaluable skill, especially when it comes to gunsmithing. Even without a mill or lathe, you can still create a virtual firearm using nothing more than your computer. Having a good set of plans will also save hours of time when making a custom part for one of your future builds.
-- Brian
Besides learning some basic machining skills, I would suggest taking a class in mechanical drawing. Learning to use CAD software is an invaluable skill, especially when it comes to gunsmithing. Even without a mill or lathe, you can still create a virtual firearm using nothing more than your computer. Having a good set of plans will also save hours of time when making a custom part for one of your future builds.
-- Brian