I've only done manual welding so far. I haven't taken any CNC classes yet

SMAW, GMAW, GTAW welder, CNC machinist, Certified Solidworks Associate here.

Looking to make knives, if anyone is in VA I will soon have access to full manual machine shop and woodworking shop through a family member. Interested in blacksmithing and knife-making. Have many contacts at job/fab shops nationwide.

Some cufflinks I made- mild steel, GTAW. Only about a year of experience, but I am retiring from the mil next month so hoping to make this a part time job. Here to help anyway I can.

Nice.

here is a knife I am working on for the lesson section

I'll post what I have done so far later tonight.

Great! Looking forward to it, and thank you for sharing brother.

Do you send out for heat treatment? I really like how you pointed out how much can be done with a $20 angle grinder- extremely useful tool. Mandatory for welders and could be used for locksmithing, too.

I'm going to quench harden and temper the blade myself.

I'm trying to cover the basic tools a goy should have to start. if there is anything else I should cover let me know

Clamps and vices?

Aerospace plant in Phoenix is shutting down, lots of CNC gear for auction. http://go.resellcnc.com/l/166542/2017-07-05/gdv6v

Nice saxon blade btw

The quick rundown on indicating a vise is up. i"ll post somthing on edge finding soon. let me know what else you goys want to see here.

@Deleted User Do you have any advice for a guy in trade school who wants to do custom fabrication someday?

I know that's what I want to do, design and make things

And fabrication is fun.

I would say Finish school, and find a job at a shop so you can get the experience you need then get a small mill and lathe for yourself. My bosses started there business in there garage.

https://www.gearbest.com/other-tools/pp_216958.html?wid=3

These are great to keep in your tool box. Mine have saved me many times.

I often miss machining. I went to half of a college course and started working at a machine shop setting up Cnc writing some programs and doing qc with cmm. I miss it for sure.

Curious for pins whats your perfered metal to work with I like brass, copper, and steel

I like softer metals for small stuff like that but 303 stainless steel would be stronger and not to much of a headache to work with

I’ve been a machinist for 7 years. It’s a great blue collar trade. Currently I’m making medical devices. If you break your leg, you may be getting one of my products.

I'm currently in technical training for manual machining and CNC and I'm loving it. Need to find a lathe to get for the basement

hey guys i'm looking to switch up current career choices, any input regarding machining?

@Felden - CO any advice since you've got some experience?