I’m a new member, and it looks like the metal shop and wood shop basic classes fill up very quickly. Is it possible to “test out” of a class? For example, I have my own welder, just not the shop space. I know the basics class and the MIG classes aren’t the same class. After I’ve found a basics class to attend, can I just show someone that I can stick two pieces of metal together instead of waiting for a class? It seems as if my first month of membership is waiting for classes so that I’m authorized to use the tools. I understand the reason(s) for classes, and I promise this isn’t one of those posts about classes not applying to me. I’m hoping that I can show someone that I can use the tools properly and safely.
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A significant reason for taking the classes are to impart the committees “rules of usage & expectations of care and usage”. This is somewhat independent of “I know how to use the tool”.
AT the last member meeting a methodology for online review and testing may help this greatly and demonstrating proficiency may become an option, depending on the committees view and rules.
Chris Marlow @John_Marlow et al have begun a tool survey risk assessment to help guide this process and identify what tools may not require a formal class. We are making progress towards this goal.
In my own case, I know if we can make the classroom portion of the Bridgeport on line, the time of the class can drop for approximately 4 hours to 2 hours. This would make it easier to teach more classes more often and more importantly more advanced skills.
If you are skilled, I’d ask you to volunteer to help produce these materials and or teach some classes. Everyone benefits.
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I agree with the classes to teach the rules of usage, expectations, etc. I also realize that each member has a different level of experience with the tools available. In general, are there enough people wanting to take the basics or a specific tool each month that already have experience using the tool?
At the current time, I’m not even authorized to power on a welder, much less teach a class. I do like the idea of making a video that’s generic regarding safety, basic usage of a tool, and the expectations of cleanup, etc.
You trust people to use the Bridgeport without supervision after 4 hours of instruction? >=)
Yes. I just finished a class tonight on the Bridgeport. They know enough to start to practice, I provide them each a block of aluminum to turn into chips. Most people when they first do something on their own come get me or someone else to come out and watch them or if they need help with something like fixturing they come for help.
It definitely doesn’t make them a machinist - and I don’t consider myself one, but it does make them safe enough to work and practice on that block to gain confidence and at least not hurt themselves or the machine. No doubt they may burn up a cutter in the learning process or ruin a part.
What I’d say the training does, is they know what they don’t know to a greater degree and when to ask for help.
I’d be curious if the people that took the class tonight or other night’s have comments about what they got out of the class.
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I very much enjoyed the class. I also know this is the very first, tiny step in learning how to become what one may consider skilled in machining. I do feel a bit of confidence, not overwhelming, that I know which levers and buttons to use. More importantly, which ones NOT to use.
I appreciate the class and the time you took to teach it.
It is obvious that this is the very most basic information I need to proceed.
I think it could be an interesting class/project to use the milling of the drill press vice as a learning experience.
I got a lot of great information out of your class night as well. Safety first, always. The Bridgeport is no longer scary, and understanding what all the knobs do makes it less overwhelming. The Aluminum block is a great idea. I feel very confident now getting to use the Bridgeport.
I’m sure I’ll have questions so thank you for offering to help!
I would say it was quite informative. I found you to be quite easy to approach with questions and great answers. Each piece of equipment has it’s own idiosyncrasies even if you’re familiar with the concepts.
Thanks for teaching the class.
I really enjoyed the class. It was a great start and introduction into milling, and probably most importantly set me up with the right questions to ask.
Certainly there is a lot more to precision machining but thanks to your class I now have the basic understanding of operating bridgeport.