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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

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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 would highly recommend anyone interested in becoming a professional gunsmith or starting a home based business or just a hobbyist to enroll in one of these AGI programs. You will learn so much on design, function, repair, and customization from many of the best master gunsmiths in the business. Importantly, you will be able to do it all at your own pace. Now, because of AGI, I was able to start my own shop with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to be a successful master gunsmith. It can change your life. Thanks, AGI!

Jason Graham
Simpsonville, SC

The content is great and being able to go through the program at my pace is very valuable to me.

George Elliott
Knoxville, IA

It was a very good decision to take courses through AGI. I have retired from a career of 30 years, and now I have a small at home gunsmithing shop. Just enough to keep me busy and working on firearms. I got my FFL and also sell and transfer. I could not have accomplished anything like this, if it was not for AGI.

Jay Strine
Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Couldn’t be more thankful to be associated with a top notch organization like AGI!

Byron Youngblood
Lavon, TX

This is the most thorough and complete gunsmithing course I have found.

Jerald Barnett
Salina, KS

I checked into several Gunsmithing schools before deciding on AGI. I am really pleased that I selected AGI as I love the D, F, & R instructional videos by Bob Dunlap and Ken Brooks. They are informational and walk through many of the specific details and include model specific information necessary to be a quality Gunsmith.

Calvin Blanchard
Moore Haven, FL

A very good course of training especially for someone starting out. The instruction was comprehensive and at times intense. I’m sure that’s part of the learning process. The course surprised me as to the repairing of firearms I learned a lot about how to make a part versus just buying one. It was a challenge. I would like to say the staff were all great. If I needed help, had a question or just didn’t understand the process. They were there.

John Politano Jr
Boerne, TX

I would give these guys 6 stars if I could. If you are serious about wanting to be a professional gunsmith then these courses are a valuable addition to all the other things you need to know. Bob Dunlap has seen more firearm issues that you can shake a stick at and if one listens carefully to everything he has to say on these videos you can be better than the competition. I supplemented these courses by attending a technical college to learn precision machining and another technical college run by the University of South Carolina that has a gunsmithing school. Because of these courses I was better prepared to absorb the vast amount of knowledge thrown at me. Thanks AGI ….. and still, after many years I have to whip out these DVDs to get some good tech info about a particular firearm or operation. Of course that was a much younger Bob Dunlap 🙂

Del Murray
Brooksville, FL

It’s a great opportunity to learn and develop problem solving skills. You can also study and test at your own pace.

James Harrell
Sharpsburg, NC

I really enjoyed the online course. I Learned a lot and thought the course is well organized and thought out well. I enjoyed listening and learning from Bob Dunlap and the good down to earth and good humor in communication.

Doug De Haan
Wayland, MI
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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.