OT: wanna be Machinist ... Where to start?, and what equipment to look for? Options

[cha914]

Hey all,

So I would like to get into doing my own machine work, but don't really know where to start. About three years ago I started welding, and now have a pretty decent welding setup (mig, tig, bender, plasma, bandsaw, drill press, grinders, etc...) but as I progress to more and different projects I am finding that being able to do some machining would be real handy, and I get green with envy every time Muller and others start posting their creations...

So, I really want to know where to start...it doesn't seem that the local schools offer a course (would like to find something where I could get some hands on experience). Can you suggest any good intro books and/or websites/forums/etc...

Just from some preliminary reading it seems like a smaller lathe would be a good place to start, or would you suggest different? If I am on the right track, what would you suggest to start looking for? Most of my projects are car related, so I won't need a huge lathe, but something that should be able to handle brake and suspension components. And of course being a 914 guy, it has to be cheap (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/tongue.gif) Seriously, I would like to spend around 500 to get started, but could probably go to a grand if I found something I couldn't do without. Not really in a rush, so I can look around for those old guys who are selling their hobby stuff, or auction stuff, but don't really know what to look for yet.

Any and all help/advice appreciated, you guys are a great resource...

Tony

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/welder.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/sawzall-smiley.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smash.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/idea.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/type.gif)