How to Set Up and Operate a Lathe and Mill Like a Master Machinist

The most comprehensive and easy to understand instruction ever offered on the proper set up and use of the lathe, mill, and machine shop equipment - GUARANTEED!  You will acquire the knowledge to become a machinist in a matter of hours!

Is it really possible?  Can you learn how to operate a lathe by just watching our courses?  Yes! In fact, it will only take a few hours before you can start turning out your first quality parts.  Instructor Darrell Holland breaks down the information into its simplest components.  Each technique he teaches prepares you for the next skill level.

Become an expert on the lathe.  Our writers and producers have put together a professional training course using personalized video instruction.

With our comprehensive course outline, specialized production techniques, and knowledgeable instructors, you will receive detailed instruction you could NEVER get in the classroom.  Our course will take you from the most basic machining skills right through the tricks, tips, and techniques of master machinists.

We teach you everything you need to know about the lathe: what to look for if you are buying one, the function of each part of the machine, how to set it up, grinding your own tool bits, complete facing, turning and boring operations including turning precision diameters and tapers, boring holes and turning threads (internal AND external), knurling, finishing, and more.

Darrell doesn't just show you how to operate the machine, he teaches you the core knowledge required so you really understand what you are doing.  How to select the proper materials for the application and calculate turning speeds and feed rates are covered as well as measuring tools and measuring techniques.

Master the Milling Machine.  The Milling Course is just as thorough and complete as the Lathe Course.  Once again, Darrell comes through by giving you unique insight into the capabilities and features of the vertical mill.  He tells you exactly what to look for when purchasing a new or used mill as well as tramming the head, fixturing, X,Y, & Z axis movements, locating centers, locating edges, types of cutters, cutting speeds and fluids, chip load, material selection, fly-cutting, climb-cutting, precision hole-drilling, angle cuts and boring.  AND . . . he goes into detail on how to use edge finders, collets, chucks, clamping tools, digital readouts, measuring tools, specialty cutters, rotary tables, indexers and much more.

Climb into Darrell's head.  Just knowing the techniques isn't enough, we give you insight into the way a Master Machinist like Darrell thinks.  In the section on "Making a Part: Start to Finish," Darrell takes you through the thought process of how you approach making a part.  He shows you how to think through the entire process in your mind before you start the machine and the differences between machining a single part and setting up for a production run.  It's the sharing of this kind of knowledge and information that sets us apart from any other course or institute.

Darrell covers (in his usual detail) how to design and set up your shop, buy materials and perform heat treating as well as how to use the belt sander, drill press, blast cabinet, cut-off saw, pedestal grinder, surface grinder and more.  The detailed tricks and techniques he gives you will save you loads of time and make you more money, like how to remove broken screws and resharpen drill bits.

Darrell then rounds out the course by demonstrating the abilities and limitations of the less expensive mill/drill combination machines available.  He gives you his own personal recommendations of when and how they can be used effectively and if that wasn't enough . . . BONUS VIDEOS:  Two more instructors will show you how to set up and operate an automotive-cylinder boring machine and an automotive brake lathe. Armed with this exclusive information you could start doing contract work for a local garage.

Pass the Ultimate Test!  So you can prove you have learned the material completely, we have two levels of optional testing. The first level test is Machine Shop Theory.  We will provide you with a multiple choice test that you complete online. If you pass, we will provide you with a personalized certificate in Machine Shop Theory.  The next level of testing is a chance for you to demonstrate your new machining skills. When we send you the course it includes the blueprints and materials needed for you to machine a few pre-selected parts. This is your own personal Fire Walk. It's a true test of your skills. If you pass, you will be issued a certificate of completion showing that you have met our high standards, which will read "Machinist in Practical Applications" with your name on it.

When you complete this course, you will have the knowledge required to setup and operate a Lathe, Mill and General Machineshop Equipment which will enhance your Gunsmithing capabilities.