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Machine Shop

Comprehensive Certified Machine Shop Training Course
Teaching Professional Gunsmithing for Over 30+ years – Established 1993 – Thousands of Graduates

Machine Shop Course overview

Machine Shop Course description

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.  Now you have a front row seat in the classroom of the future!  Our writers and producers have put together a professional training course using personalized DVD 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.

Compare Gunsmithing Course Levels

There are 4 levels of Certified Professional Gunsmithing courses available. Click The Button Below To Compare Course Contents

AGI Certified Gunsmithing Courses Comparison Chart:

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LEVEL ONE

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175 Hours Of Detailed Instructions!

LEVEL TWO

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255 Hours Of Detailed Instructions!

THE MASTER

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363 Hours Of Detailed Instructions!

ADVANCED MASTER

Learn More
574+ Hours Of Detailed Instructions!
Introduction to Professional Gunsmithing – 5 Hours
Handgun – Pistol & Revolver Design, Function, and Repair – 35 Hours
Shotgun Design, Function, and Repair - 41 hours
Rimfire Design, Function, and Repair - 27 hours
Rifle Design, Function, and Repair - 44 hours
The Money Makers - 4 hours
The Complete History of Smith & Wesson - 3.5 hours
Buying & Collecting Used Guns Without Getting Burned - 2 hours
Professional Gun Cleaning Secrets - 2 hours
Super Tuning the Factory Rifle - 3.5 hours
Relining and Restoring .22 Barrels - 2 hours
Gunsmithing FFL (Federal Firearms License) starter kit
Digital Firearms Schematics Reference Drive - 2,000+ pages
Drill and Tap Chart
Stock Refinishing - 2 hours
Building the M1-Garand from a Parts Kit - 2 hours
Glass Bedding for Accuracy - 2 hours
1 Year Silver Plus Membership in the Gunsmithing Club of America
AGI Certified Cowboy Action Armorer’s Course - 12 hours
Hands-On Vouchers - In the Classroom Training With an AGI Instructor
AGI Certified Machine Shop Course: Lathe, Mill, General - 30 hours
A Day at the Bench with Master Gunsmith Bob Dunlap – 4 Hours
Professional Metal Finishing & Hot Caustic Bluing - 4 hours
Advanced Trigger Jobs and Systems - 8 hours
Building the Custom Mauser Rifle - 8 hours
Classic Slow Rust and Nitre Bluing - 3.5 hours
Pillar Bedding for Accuracy - 2 hours
Selecting, Understanding, & Buying Rifle & Pistol Scopes - 2 hours
The Art of Making Flat Springs - 1 hour
How to Make Coil Springs - 1 hour
How to Case Harden Metal Parts - 1 hour
How to Heat Treat Carbon Steels - 1 hour
Heat Treat Temperature Guide for Carbon Steel
Custom Barreling Bolt Action Rifles - 2 hours
Business Success System Package - 18 hours
AGI Certified 1911 Pistolsmith Customizing Course - 27 hours
AGI Certified AR-15/M4 Riflesmith Customizing Course - 12 hours
AGI Certified Glocksmith Customizing Course - 17 hours
Bob Dunlap’s Gunsmithing History and Philosophy - 6 hours
AGI Certified Advanced Welding Course - 22 hours
Building the G3 from a Parts Kit - 1.5 hours
How to Rebarrel and Blueprint Military Bolt Action Rifles - 5 hours
Exclusive Gunsmithing Flat Rate Manual - How to Price Your Work
Marketing Manual - How To Market Your Business
Handgun Advanced Training Expansion Module - 36 Hours
Shotgun Advanced Training Expansion Module - 36 Hours
Rimfire Advanced Training Expansion Module - 15 Hours
Pivot Barrel, SS, O/U, SxS, Double Barrel Shotguns - 24 Hours
Complete Library of Armorer's Courses - 68 Titles - 100+ Hours
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LEVEL ONE

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LEVEL TWO

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THE MASTER

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ADVANCED MASTER

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Machine Shop Enrollment Options

Tuition Paid In Full (DVD)

This course contains 30 hours of detailed machine shop instruction covering the Lathe, Mill, and General Machining delivered on DVD.

For full details on course contents view the detailed course description above. For complete tuition details click the Enroll Now button and view the course enrollment agreement.

TOTAL TUITION: $1,497 plus shipping and handling
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Tuition Paid In Full (Online)

This course contains 30 hours of detailed machine shop instruction covering the Lathe, Mill, and General Machining delivered through the AGI Online Student Portal.

The online program tuition includes two (2) years of online course access, additional access may be purchased for $197 per year thereafter.

For full details on course contents view the detailed course description above. For complete tuition details click the Enroll Now button and view the course enrollment agreement.

TOTAL TUITION: $997
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What Our Students Have To Say

I give the American Gunsmithing Institute five stars due to its positive impact on my learning. The course material is excellent, the instructors are great, and the student support is outstanding. After retiring, I enrolled in the course, but unfortunately, I lost all the course material in a flood. When I reached out to the American Gunsmithing Institute to replace the material, I encountered some difficulties due to a miscommunication with a new employee. However, once Gene Kelly, the president, was informed, he promptly addressed the issue. I was truly impressed with the exceptional customer service provided by Gene Kelly. He was friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond to ensure my satisfaction. I wholeheartedly recommend the American Gunsmithing Institute for its dedication to customer satisfaction and its commitment to resolving issues efficiently.

Jeffrey Tichenor
Lady Lake, FL

I have really enjoyed and learned a lot from the videos, and after seeing some of the examples of other internet-based schools I love the fact that you use the cutaway guns that show a lot more detail and especially the sections at the end of each chapter that go into tricks tips and different ways of repairing guns. Although due to some health problems I have been a little slow getting through the videos and taking the exams I am still very interested in becoming a gunsmith. Thank you for all your support and work that went into these lessons, it really is appreciated by those of us that have not had experience with a lot of these guns.

Tom Emery
Dallas, GA

AGI definitely prepares you to work on guns. Yes, you need to get your own guns to work on to master the teachings. The systems approach prepares you to work on almost any gun. I have three guns in my shop that were not in the course. One, a CZ720, when you take it apart it is largely a Remington fire control group mated with a Benelli gas operating system. Recognized those two systems immediately. The program works!

David Straub
Payson, AZ

AGI has been very good at working with my disabilities from the Marines. I started out cleaning weapons like they said and the benefits paid off three fold. I charge for tearing the weapon down to the last screw and q-tip clean like the Marines. Since I have to put it back together anyway I only charge for the part. I get to learn and improve my polishing techniques, I learn all the different weapons from old to new and how they function, I don’t have to buy training weapons to learn from, and people love what I do. The sonic cleaning is a real asset to those weapons you shouldn’t take apart and those stubborn places you can’t get to. I get faster at disassembly on the repeat types and can now identify common problems when people ask questions. My system gets me a few hundred a week. Auctioneers bring in guns to clean prior to auctions and they’ve been doubling their money even on the less expensive models. AGI was correct all the way, I’ve still got more to learn and had to expand!

Steven Bannick
Leslie, AR

I researched several companies and chose AGI based on everything I’ve read. I’m glad I did. I highly recommend them over any other. Customer service is top notch and they are always there if you need help. Very friendly, knowledgeable, informative, and quick to respond.

Christina Hill
Mesa, AZ

AGI provided me the the knowledge and building blocks to get hired on by a professional gunsmithing shop, and eventually work at a major manufacturer as a gunsmith. It’s been almost three years since I started, and it’s been nothing but a joy working with AGI as I have started my career!

Levi Snodgrass
Marthasville, MO

AGI is a great way to study for gunsmithing. All of the materials are provided including study notes and videos on the processes. Customer service and counselors are easy to reach.

Paul "Brian" Cole
Millbrook, AL

I grew up next to an eighty year old gunsmith. I was 60 when it clicked that I should use some of the skills I learned as a multi-craft maintenance in a plant for 37 years for my own benefit. Still I thought I wouldn’t leave one of my firearms with someone I thought was just starting to practice on. AGI seemed like a perfect fit! I have often spoke, don’t treat the symptom- fix the problem! Design, function and repair sounded like if I didn’t learn I would be a hypocrite. I really like the idea of certificates on my shop wall to show I’m not just a fly by night place. I still have much to learn and not enough time in the day but I opened two months ago and feel an excitement from learning new things when I was younger that I thought was long gone. It was more expensive but I have it all on DVD and with our poor internet service here I can review when ever I need to. Thanks for all your attained knowledge AGI instructors! Join the Gunsmithing Club of America also. Good Stuff. – GD GunWorks

Gary Davidson
Washington, PA

The information was great , every firearm I touched I was able to take it down to a pile of parts and know how to reassemble it to working order . The videos made it understandable to retain the knowledge passed to me by the master gunsmith instructors. I highly recommend this course, so if you want to work on firearms professionally, or just your own collection. It’s all here. I plan on getting the rest of the other courses next year after the holidays.

Gino Salmeri
American Canyon, CA

My name is Anthony LeFebvre and I am a certified professional gunsmith. I opened my business about a year ago. I am currently still working my full time job as a firefighter. I have about five more years left and I can retire with thirty years of service. I am working in my shop part time and let me say that I am covered up with firearms. AGI has gave me the freedom of owning my own business and being my own boss. When my customers tell me that it was their dad’s or grandfather’s gun that hasn’t worked in years and now they can enjoy with their kids it’s priceless. AGI Courses gave me the confidence to take on most any firearm and fix it. Knowing I can go back and watch the videos is great. I can’t say enough about this school. From the top down and in between I have had a great experience. I do plan to finish and become a master gunsmith. Thanks again for being a great school. Feel free to reach out anytime. Thanks , Anthony

Anthony LeFebvre
Brooklet, GA
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WHAT OUR STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY

“Good Thing he had a Plan ‘B’ !”

How gunsmithing helped my finances

JR Pannell

All AGI Courses ARE taught by MAster GUNSMITHS

AGI Instructors are all professional gunsmiths & experts in their fields with over 500 years of combined experience in gunsmithing.
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Darrel Holland

Master Gunsmith | Gunsmithing and Machining Instructor

Darrell Holland is a Master Gunsmith and renowned rifle builder for long range shooting and hunting. In addition to teaching the complete Machine Shop course, Darrell has taught many of AGI’s rifle building and accuracy enhancement courses. Darrell has traveled the world as a hunter and shooting instructor and has created a shooting school in Montana specifically designed for training individuals on how to make the perfect shot when hunting for that once in a lifetime trophy.  Darrell has also designed dozens of products for hunting and Gunsmithing and holds numerous patents.