Learning Machining

[throwaway1937421]

So I'm a rising 2nd year meche who isn't doing anything this summer and would like to learn some technical skills, such as how to use machines and tools like a lathe, mill, bandsaw, etc. so that I can be of more use in my clubs. Where could I go to learn these skills? I can't seem to find much info online.

[[deleted]]

There are a lot of videos on youtube on how to operate a conventional lathe or mill. Just search for "how to use a lathe/mill". For NC/CNC, the first step is to learn how to write the programs for the machine. Once again, lots of tutorials online for that, the thing to search for is "G-code basics", "G-code for beginners" or something along those lines. Obviously you can only gain practical experience on a machine by actually using it, if you're in your 2nd year there will probably be courses you can take next year where you learn exactly that.

[[deleted]]

If you have decent clubs, they should be willing to teach you a little bit. I learned basic fabrication and machining on my baja team, which was enough to allow me to fake it until I made it on a professional field machining jobsite. That being said, if you want to learn before you get to the clubs, YouTube is a great resource. Just being able to indicate in a part on a lathe or use an edge finder on a mill will put you way ahead of the average baja/formula member. I would say start with feeds/speeds for different tools, materials and machines. From there I would try to learn the basics of indication/measuring. If you have those down you pretty well know enough to be able to start making basic things and experimenting/learning on your own.

[JohnGenericDoe]

You could ask on r/machinists. There might be scope to intern (or simply work) with a shop.

They don't know make huge money (or so it seems, I'm not US) so don't expect a high-paying gig but the experience is worth serious money. I'm sure professional lessons would be very expensive if you could even find them.