Skip To Content

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:

Website Logo

LEVEL ONE

Learn More
175 Hours Of Detailed Instructions!

LEVEL TWO

Learn More
255 Hours Of Detailed Instructions!

THE MASTER

Learn More
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
Close Comparison Chart

LEVEL ONE

Learn More Enroll Now!

LEVEL TWO

Learn More Enroll Now!

THE MASTER

Learn More Enroll Now!

ADVANCED MASTER

Learn More Enroll Now!
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
Enroll Now

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
Enroll Now

What Our Students Have To Say

I completed the Master Gunsmith course a few months ago and opened my “retirement” shop.
I thought I knew something about guns after competing in rifle and pistol matches for over 30 years, Law Enforcement Officer over 25 years, and fixing my own guns. That was farther from the truth. The information and combined knowledge presented by all of the instructors “blew me away” is an understatement! When I opened my shop, I had the knowledge, confidence, training, and understanding given by AGI to be able to tackle that first scope mounting up to doing a complete restoration of a customer’s “grand-daddy’s shotgun”. Knowing I also have the GCA disassembly/assembly videos and Ken’s “Over the Shoulder” videos, helps if I need a refresher on something I almost forgot, (like putting the cocking lever spring OVER the sear spring) on a Stevens Model 311.
I now have Insurance agents request I become a Certified Appraiser, so I just enrolled in that course. They are going to start holding orders for me BEFORE I’ve even received the course!
My wife is now getting annoyed at me because I’m “always working out in the shop, and now you’re going to do Appraisals”. Guns have always been a passion of mine, and AGI is letting me live a dream of tinkering with guns, AND GETTING PAID FOR IT! So much for retirement…
I wish I had done this years ago!
Any time I’ve had to call AGI with questions about testing, signing on to an area, enrolling, etc., Marcus and Chris have always been extremely helpful and friendly to talk with.
Thank you AGI/GCA, for giving me the skills to do what I love doing.

Allan Cameron
Battle Born Gunsmithing

Allan Cameron
Purvis, MS

This is without a doubt the most intense course I have ever taken. The classes are very well put together and Robert Bob Dunlap is the master instructor. The student advisors are there with you every step of the way. My hats off to everyone at AGI for helping me to start to fulfill a dream. I am looking forward to opening my own gunsmithing shop here in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

John Smith
Carlsbad, New Mexico

I love AGI training videos and professional courses. The instructors are awesome and the material is very informative. Thanks a ton!

Kurt Blackburn
Blanding, UT

I find that the instruction is wonderful, and the method of instruction works for me. Instructors “Show You” how to do each process and explain “Why” it is designed and functions as it does. This method of instruction gives the student the skills needed to diagnose and repair any firearm.

Doug Sweet
Oroville, CA

These courses are excellent. I’ve taken other so-called gunsmithing courses but none of them compared to this one. After taking these courses I do have the knowledge to diagnose and repair any gun that happens to show up at the shop.

Devin Sciranko
Manns Choice, PA

As a prior service marine who had plenty of background in firearms. I was blown away by the amount of knowledge that I was yet to learn. It truly opened my eyes to all the different types of systems that I had yet to come across and different ways to diagnose these problems.

Thomas Patrick
Mizpah, NJ

Without this course I would not have obtained my FFL and started

my part time gunsmithing business. I started with wanting this as a retirement gig, however word of mouth and I have business monthly. From cleaning, parts replacement, bluing etc. Learned it all from AGI!

Timothy Olk
Aguanga, CA

I spent over a year trying to decide which online/ digital schooling I should attend, since my family and current occupation made attending a far away brick and mortar one impossible. I wanted to better my knowledge and add a certificate on the wall, in preparation for opening my full time Gunsmith Shop. I decided to go with AGI and I have not been disappointed. Would most definitely recommend for anyone wanting to engage hobby or professional skills.

Jeremy Clark
Saint James, MO

Having done intensive research prior to enrolling in the Master Level Course, I found there is no other program with the in-depth training and flexibility that AGI offers.

Aaron Packard
Wichita, KS

I have always been interested in guns. When I was nearing retirement, I was wondering what I would like to do when I did retire. One day I was reading a gun book and I saw an advertisement from AGI Gunsmithing, and it hit me that Gunsmithing would be perfect for me when I retired.

With AGI I could finish the Course while I worked and have an enjoyable hobby when I retired. I did complete most of the courses and am a Certified Gunsmith now. I now have the option of picking and choosing which work that I want to work on, and I earn supplemental income.

I will say that the video way of instruction is excellent. AGI has it down to a fine art. If at any time you have a question, you just call AGI and talk to an instructor. One great thing about the videos is that you have them for future reference to review the course. AGI also offers hands on classes that I have attended. These are great classes and the Instructors are excellent. AGI is a class act and you can’t go wrong with them.

Chuck Smith
Yuba City, CA
View More Testimonials

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.
Instructor Image

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.