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.
|
LEVEL ONELearn More175 Hours Of Detailed Instructions!
|
LEVEL TWOLearn More255 Hours Of Detailed Instructions!
|
THE MASTERLearn More363 Hours Of Detailed Instructions!
|
ADVANCED MASTERLearn More574+ 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 | ||||
| Close Comparison Chart |
LEVEL ONELearn More Enroll Now! |
LEVEL TWOLearn More Enroll Now! |
THE MASTERLearn More Enroll Now! |
ADVANCED MASTERLearn More Enroll Now! |
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.
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.
I‘m a current student of AGI. It was the style of training that drew me to AGI. For me, it’s like having my own personal instructor with me whenever I study. I really appreciate that I can study at my own pace, and if life’s events happen, I can step away and then come back when things have settled down. Since there is no pressure or deadlines, I can relax and go a little slower through a harder section to allow myself to fully understand the information. I did a lot of looking before I decided on AGI, and when I did my research, it kept bringing me back to AGI. All in all, I’ve been very pleased with AGI, and there is so much more than just the courses. The forum and website are filled with quite a bit of additional information that becomes a huge resource to assist you as you are studying and when you move on to a career in gunsmithing.
The AGI Design, Function, and Repair school of gunsmithing is a proven system. I was worried when I first got into this business. I have gotten to be more confident in my abilities because of how they teach. They make you think through the problem. I have enjoyed this journey. I am currently in the Master Gunsmith Course. Their customer service is top notch as well. Anytime I have had questions they have answered them.
As I near retirement age I was searching for something to keep me busy and provide a post-retirement supplemental income. I am an avid shooter, a machinist by trade and have worked in the ammunition industry for over 20 years. AGI checked all of the boxes as far as learn at your own pace, large variety training topics and a great reference library I can use when I need it. The training courses are detailed and thorough and the instructors are knowledgeable in their field. I have completed my Master’s level course, launched my own business, acquired my FFL and I am slowly building my niche in the vast firearm market and securing my future. Thank You, AGI!
AGI is top notch with regard to the education that they provide. I have been a student for over 10 years and continue to learn from them. The student help is outstanding. With their help I have formed a Gunsmithing business. Thank you AGI
AGI has done a good job of preserving the tradition of gunsmithing and also making it relevant to the always changing landscape of the firearms industry. They have something for all levels of interest. Whether you are looking to learn about just a single personal firearm, or want to launch a full service shop, AGI can help. Their people are very helpful and very responsive. I highly recommend AGI.
I have always loved working on guns. From cleaning my granddads shotgun after turkey hunting to being the unit armorer. Now I’m living it. Love this course and felt it was an important milestone for a new start at a career after leaving corporate America. Thank you so much Gene and the AGI team for making this the least stressful of courses I have taken.
Great program so far. Coursework is informative and in depth. You can tell Gene, Ken, and all the instructors are true gun guys and have a passion for the industry. Getting to learn from Bob is a great opportunity, as his knowledge was immense (big thanks to Gene for making this possible). The exams are NOT an easy “correspondence” and challenge you to know the course material. I feel confident having the ability to venture out into the business with the ability to apply what I’ve learned to provide a QUALITY and valuable service to customers. If you are hesitant of whether you’ll be getting great instruction, DON’T be. AGI is the real deal! One of the best things I’ve ever decided to do.
The advanced master class is just what I needed! I have always been a gun enthusiast and now to know the design, function and repair of all firearms systems is priceless. It goes beyond that! From making my own tools, parts and much more, I am well equipped to tackle anything firearm related with confidence. I would recommend anyone wanting to gunsmith for hobby or business to utilize this institute of knowledge if you want the best. Invest in yourself with AGI ~ MR GUN MASTER
As a recent retiree from the Marine Corps, I was on the lookout for a meaningful and practical career path. This gunsmithing course has truly exceeded my expectations. Not only does it provide a comprehensive curriculum, but it also offers a wealth of resources and tools that are essential for building a successful business. Despite dealing with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), I found the course incredibly accommodating and supportive. The instructors are knowledgeable and understanding, and the course structure is designed to ensure that anyone can thrive. Additionally, my experience working at a gun store beforehand really helped me grasp the practical aspects of the trade. I’m confident that this training will help me launch and sustain a successful gunsmithing business. For those who are living in 2A restrictive states this course will also apply to the guns that you do have available to you, so it wouldn’t be a situation where you take the course and then you’re out of luck.
After doing some research on schools I contacted AGI and enrolled. I have to say after six months, I am already living the dream. I haven’t finished school yet and already have a thriving business. I followed the advice on starting my business, getting an FFL and building the business. In more than one class segment they warn you about not getting so busy you don’t have time to get the education done. Well, I got my FFL and established my business in October 2025. It is now January 2026, and I am slammed with work. I recently semi retired as a first responder after 36 years and wanted to find something I could do at my own pace and on my own schedule. I love firearms and am now living my dream of becoming a gun smith. At AGI you will learn design, function and repair. Using this basic philosophy I have been able to fix guns I have never seem before. If you are passionate about firearms and want to make a living fixing them, I recommend AGI. The staff at AGI are amazing!
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.