Asking tips from experts: machining

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around seeking advice on machining and related mechanical engineering practices. Participants explore various methods and resources for applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings, including welding, CNC operations, and 3D printing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to expand their engineering projects beyond electronics into machining and mechanical fabrication.
  • Another suggests looking into local community colleges or adult education programs that offer classes in metalworking, welding, and CNC operations.
  • A participant proposes that starting with 3D printing might be an easier entry point into creating mechanical parts.
  • Reference is made to a book on manufacturing processes, specifically one by Schey, as a helpful resource.
  • A link to a practical machining forum is shared, indicating it may be useful for further exploration.
  • One participant mentions the books by Dave Gingery on building machine tools from scratch, noting that while the results may not be precision instruments, they can serve as a starting point for learning.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of being cautious when asking beginner questions on professional forums, recommending a more beginner-friendly site for discussions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of education and resources in machining, but no consensus is reached on the best starting point or method for beginners.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions depend on local availability of classes and resources, and there is no resolution on the effectiveness of different approaches such as 3D printing versus traditional machining methods.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in expanding their engineering skills into machining, hobbyists looking to create mechanical parts, and those seeking educational resources in practical engineering disciplines.

thegreengineer
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Good afternoon people. Today I don't want to ask something related to electronics or mathematics, but rather on another subject. In this case is about machining (as well as making my own mechanical pieces).

So what's the matter? You may ask. Well let me explain to you. In the last couple of years I've done several electronics projects, including a programmable clock, a twilight light circuit, a chick brooder, a variable power supply and a DC motor drive.

However I've thought that I should include more elements from other engineering disciplines, such as mechanics, fluid power, control engineering, etc. So I started looking at first on the branch of mechanics. I have taken the courses and read books on basic subjects ranging from classical mechanics (physics), vector mechanics (statics + dynamics), mechanics of materials and machine elements design. I have the theory, yet I don't know how to start on applying the concepts on making real world applications (like machines and robots).

I don't want to limit all my projects within the electronics realm as well I want to diversify my projects, so I want to know how to start doing things like welding, or machining, or CNC, to produce my own mechanical parts (of course I know that some of them are already made and can be bought in places like Grainger).

I would appreciate your tips and insights on how to settle a "journey" on this. Peace.
 
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Do you have a Community College or Continuing Education or Adult Education facility near you? They will often have very helpful classes like Metal Shop, Welding, CNC Operations, etc. In those classes, you get to work on projects (often of your own choice after you complete the basic project). :smile:
 
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Would it be a little easier to get started with 3D printing?
 
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A good book on manufacturing processes might be helpful here. I like the one by Schey.
 
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It may be worth reading one or more of the books Dave Gingery published on how to build machine tools from scratch. The result isn't a precision instrument, and buying a used lathe is cheaper than the labor hours involved, but building a Gingery lathe was a common stepping off point.
 
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MarcusAu314 said:
I would appreciate your tips and insights on how to settle a "journey" on this.
You can start... here .

And, some links from the Homepage...

Then, of course... YouTube .Then, when you've perfected your skills... you can build one of these !

Personally, I'd really like to have a machine like this... . :cool:
 
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The site Nidum linked to is very good, but it is run by and for professionals so you have to be careful about how you ask beginner questions. This other site is a little more friendly

http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/forum.php

It's a pretty active place.
 
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