Hi, I just wanted to ask someone for the Machine Shop training. I see that the previous topic was closed many years ago. I also shoot a message to machineshop.vhs@gmail.com But I guess it makes sense to ask here as well. I do have a bit of previous experience with machining so it shouldn’t take much time.
Cheers,
Dima
If there’s a training happening I’d love to tag along. I have a probably a lower level of experience. Have only used a Torchmach personal CNC mill in college and manual lathe some time after that.
I’d also like to tag along if there’s a training session. I’ve only previously used a manual lathe and mill a few times so any kind of training would be a lot of help.
On Slack in the machine shop channel, one of the recent posts (nov. 14), goes over somes suggestions for who to contact for mill and for lathe training. I took the manual mill training recently, and it was great.
Thanks) I already did that but still no reply so far.
hey all, if there’s a training happening, i’d love to tag along. but i’m confused about the process to get training. is the main communication channel Talk or Slack?
Message machine shop channel on slack, and use @ Emerson, to notify him, as he has been doing manual mill and CNC mill training.
@Emile, could you pass on the slack link?
I assume you mean joining the slack more generally. Check the “Welcome to VHS” email you would have received when you became a member for details on this.
I would like to be checked out on the machine shop. I use a mill and manual lathe at work but I understand that VHS needs to supply instructions and ensure that newcomers are safe. After I am vetted I can be available to help instruct people.
Cheers
Michael/electron/nuclear1
I would also like to direct people to a great resource online. Blondihacks on YouTube has 2 great tutorial playlists on lathe skills and milling skills. Her videos are thorough and easy to watch.
I only disagree with her opinion on the milling video where she supports climb milling rather than the traditional milling. Eg whether to feed the work against the direction of the cutters (traditional) or in the same direction of the cutters (climb) With a manual mill with feed screw backlash, climb milling can suck the work into the cutter because the bed is held against the screw threads in one direction and the cutting forces are in the opposite direction. Otherwise good videos. Also just my opinion.
thanks for offering to help out with onboarding in the machine shop. it greatly helps out members get started and using the space the way they want to! it also is a great chance to build community within the space!
thanks for this @electron
Would LOVE some shop training in 2025. Is there a time in the next couple of months you’d be up for it?
Thanks!
Greetings,
Your December reply to me just arrived in my inbox. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
As a newcomer I have yet to be vetted for machine shop use, however once that happens I am happy to share what I know and give you safety training and some basic guidelines on machining. The topic is huge and literally can take a lifetime to become a master machinist. Is there anything in particular you are interested in doing in the machine shop?
I can show you how to drill an accurate round hole on the mill and lathe and how to face your stock etc.
If you have the time check out the blondihacks videos on youtube. (I should also publish a list of helpful videos. )
Do you have a particular material you want to machine? Each has its own needs. For example the angle the cutting tool edge makes with the material changes with material because some materials like brass and plexiglass grab your tool and the cut becomes way too deep causing grief to your material and maybe tool edge. So for these we not much (maybe even zero (perpendicular)) cutting angle whereas for steel we use a 10 degree cutting angle. Also the feed rate is different with each material and can be counterintuitive. For example when cutting stainless steel, it work hardens and so when it starts screeching you need to make a deeper more aggressive cut when your instinct is to back off on the feed pressure.
Cheers and I am looking forward to meeting you and showing you how to use the machine shop.
Mike/electron/nuclear1
Hi Mike/electron
I believe I’ll be mostly working with Stainless Steel and Aluminum. I’ve watched a friend weld stainless to cromoly with a lot of success. My goal is to engage folks with spinal cord injuries, and build ramps, vehicles, and elevators for them.
I’ll certainly watch each of the Blodihacks videos; thanks for the pointer
I’m new to Van Hack Space, and going to my first open house today. Looking at the other comments in this topic, I think you are going to become quite popular. May I suggest opening up a small series of workshops? Maybe 3 students at a time? I don’t think it needs to be comprehensive or sophisticated, just enough to get us started. Just a thought…
Cheers
Bob/movinrad
Hi Bob
Stainless Steel is one of the trickiest materials materials to machine. It work hardens quickly and easily and will then proceed to break your cutting tools. Once you get a feel for steel and the limit of how hard you can cut it before breaking your tools and straining your machine then you can start on stainless because you will be able to be appropriately aggressive with it. Too gentle and you will be in trouble. I still break my tools occasionally on stainless steel because my feed rate was too slow or my tool wasn’t perfectly sharp. I’m happy to give you some training.
Cheers
Mike/electron/nuclear1
Hi Mike
Thanks for your knowledge!
I finally accessed the space, and paid my membership. I believe I’ll be invited to the Slack channels soon, and I suppose we will meet there.
As I took my tour, the member mentioned you, and I hope things work so that you are available to share your knowledge. I believe I’ll have to work with other members first, to be allowed on the machines.
…Looking forward to talking with you soon…
Bob
It is great to have you onboard. I am looking forward to meeting you. I am not sure how to proceed with training.,Perhaps I can set a time each week and whoever wants to show up can. Maybe people can self sort into their skill levels? Class 1 is for people who have no experience and then each class is for the next level up? I don’t know how we should do this.
I’m thinking about the options. Do you have any suggestions?
Cheers
Mike
Hello there,
I’m a new member.
I signed up early January, and just paid my first month’s membership.
I would love some orientation on the machines.
Please let me know how I can be supportive towards this.
Thank you.