Beginner Course?

By now I have amply demonstrated my incompetence but I am at least persistent which I *think* is a good sign and I am showing signs of developing a thick skin

I see Axminster run courses wholly appropriate for someone of my skill level, though the 5 day course is fully booked up for October. Can anyone recommend an alternative preferably located in the Midlands or North?

Thanks

There was a time when local authorities ran adult education classes in the subject, but I fear they are long gone now. Might be worth checking with your local council though. I did attend one many years ago, though it was mainly an excuse to gain access to machinery which I didn't have at home. Help was always available for the asking though.

In addition to Gordon, a common practice was for local fully competent modellers to enlist on those cheap courses just to use the larger/better machines, but overwhelmingly to machine cast iron, to avoid cleaning their own machines of the grinding paste chippings!

I went on one (I was unemployed at the time, so reeelly cheap!) and found there was no real teaching - just having a project and being put right after one had gone wrong!

If you find a course, see if there is any formal demos or if it is just an "overseen" collection of users.

If you are prepared to part with real money for the support you might try jointing your local model engineering club and paying one of the members to train you - thus keeping the money in the hobby.

Actually Bazyle, that's not a bad idea, thanks for the tip...

The SMEE do run courses suitable for beginners and upwards, many seem to be on a series of Saturdays.

Unfortunately they seem to operate in London which could be a problem, unless of course you have a friendly relative with a spare bed!

Look at www.sm-ee.co.uk.

I did see the SMEE courses - I spend too much time in London during the week already and weekends away just aren't feasible

"There was a time when local authorities ran adult education classes in the subject, but I fear they are long gone now."

Our LA closed down a course years ago, with the comment "we're not running clubs for old men"

I searched high and low for some training with no luck

bit the bullet and traveled the 300 miles to go on an Axminster course

(I've now done 3)

all I can say is I found it excellent & thoroughly enjoyed it

Bob Rolff couldn't have been a better / friendlier instructor

I only heard one complaint - no phone reception in the workshop

Highly recommended.

Tony

Edited By Antony Powell on 20/07/2017 16:35:36

Andy,

Colleges do still offer courses part time in the evening for basic engineering.

They are usually a qualification but sadly the fees are now high like £600 ish.

I have had a look at my local college and they run a course Performing Engineering Operations at level 2.

https://www.dudleycol.ac.uk/Courses/Part-Time

This course covers as the practical activities

Producing components using hand tools and fitting techniques
Preparing and using lathes for turning operations
Preparing and using milling machines

Plenty of teaching by doing and little classroom work making it more suitable for the practical person.

Carl