My father was a machinist, but he never got the chance to teach me much of the art before he died in 2003. I couldn’t keep his Bridgeport mill or metal lathes since they were just way too big for the space I had available at the time. Later, though, I did manage to buy a Smithy from a friend of a friend. Since then I’ve been too wrapped up in Toolmonger and other endeavors to really dive in. But recently I realized that I might not always have the nice big garage I have now, so I’d like to get out and put some hours on it before I have to let it go, too.
I’ve got the standard school text Machine Tools and Machining Practices, and I’ve got the Smithy manual. That’s it. I really need something more basic to hold my hand (so to speak) through the process of making my first few cuts and turns. Might any of you have suggestions as to where I could start in terms of books, videos, or online resources to get me going?