Learning to be a Gunsmith

[ghettodub]

So I think I want to start the long process and learn how to be a gunsmith. I'm starting to hunt around on where to learn, and I came across this on Google.

http://www.schooloftrades.edu/default.php

Anyone have any input on learning to be a gunsmith? Any feedback is appreciated

[Mazin]

Spent a little time there and it was ok but I have heard it has changed a lot and cost much more now.

[BPTactical]

Great, just what I need, nuther Gunsmiff.........


Seriously though
Trinidad State or Yavapai.
Legions ahead of CST.

Whilst you are waiting to get in try to find a Community College that has machining classes.
Tis easier to machine and become a Smith than to become a Smith and try to learn to machine.

Slide by sometime

[Troublco]

Pickens Tech has a machining course.

My hunting/fishing/shooting buddy, also a Gunsmith by training, also recommends Trinidad; he went there himself. He has said that the quality of the program at CST has dropped dramatically in recent years.

[coop68]

Great, just what I need, nuther Gunsmiff.........


Seriously though
Trinidad State or Yavapai.
Legions ahead of CST.

Whilst you are waiting to get in try to find a Community College that has machining classes.
Tis easier to machine and become a Smith than to become a Smith and try to learn to machine.

Slide by sometime

This is what every gunsmith i have talked with has mentioned as fare as current schools offering the trade! and their suggestions!

i am young and currently in college focusing on a business administration and criminal justice degree double majoring. i plan to take some side courses at a community college on machining just so i know how to use certain tools and just cause i really want to learn! i don't expect to become a gunsmith but to learn something new and potentially useful later in my life and just another thing to add to the resume!

coop

[ghettodub]

Cool, thanks for the advice. Maybe I'll just start out my learning some machining!

[Wulf202]

emily Griffith downtown has evening machining classes. if you get the right lathe you get a view of diamond cabarets entrance...

[Mazin]

emily Griffith downtown has evening machining classes. if you get the right lathe you get a view of diamond cabarets entrance...

lol I can see it now...Ohh ohh look its a nipple...or an elbow.

[BPTactical]

Cool, thanks for the advice. Maybe I'll just start out my learning some machining!

Why not start with the original machining method?
I will give you a 1.5" square of steel. You provide a 10" mill bastard file and file a perfect 1" square, 90 degree corners and accurate to .0010 in all dimensions.
Then you can move onto a machine.
I have a friend of mine who apprenticed to an old German tool and die maker and that is how he started with his apprenticeship.
Makes perfect sense, the better you can manipulate the metal by hand then the better you can by machine.
Don't waste your time on CNC machining unless your idea of Smithing is watching a machine turn out 3K parts per day.
I think Emily Griffith still has manual machining classes. That is what you want, old school knob turning machine skills.
You need a huge knowledge and reference base for Smithing. Buy every book you can and read them.
You need to know many different mediums-steel-stainless-high carbon and low carbon steels-brass-copper-wood

[leatherneck448]

I scored an apprenticeship with a 'smith last summer. It would be my route of choice IMO, but im still probably going to end up going to school for it when I'm "of age", just to have the little piece of paper that says I did it.