I am seriously debating a career change. Now that I am 45, the printing industry is getting harder on this old bod.
I am thinking about learning the gunsmithing trade instead. Does anyone know of a smith within an hour or so of Chicago that is willing to take on an apprentice?
Any other options/tips are appreciated.
[This message has been edited by Mr_Magoo (edited 06-21-2001).]
Not sure if it would be a downturn. Granted, printing pays well, but in lots of other ways it sucks. I am tired of the sore back from hefting stock for 10 hours a day.
I would rather spend my time working with firearms for 1/4th the pay if it gives me satisfaction. Besides, the more I am around guns, the more it PO's the ex...
There is a place in Vernon Hills (N. side close to 6 Flags) but I don't know if they will take apprentices.
I am all for following your hopes and dreams (heck, that is what my business does!) but I also echo Rays thoughts, it is not a responsible way to support a family. If you don't have that need, and would be happier doing something you love and eating a lot of soups, then by all means follow your hopes!
If you are still interested send me an email and I'll look it up for you.
Mark
Posts: 7794 | Location: Between 2 rivers, Middle USA | Registered: 19 August 2000
Ray, I was waiting for your comments. I am waiting to see what others post. PS, I am a cranky old bachelor, with no dependents, it sort of helps in this dumb job I have.
Posts: 1055 | Location: Real Sasquatch Country!!! I Seen 'Em! | Registered: 16 January 2001
(1) a master machinist to make it "right" (2) an artist to make it pleasing to the eye. (3) a perfectionist who won't send something to a client he/she isn't proud of. (4) have at least 3 hands and lots of patience to talk to me on the phone when I call to see how my rifle is coming. (5) someone who doesn't hunt so he/she is available during the hunting season if needed. (6) not care about long hours or much $/hour. (7) Finally, the patience of Job.
Posts: 4360 | Location: Sunny Southern California | Registered: 22 May 2002
Thanks a lot guys, now what am I gonna do when I hit MY mid-life crisis? I was gonna be a smith too. Now I guess I'll go to plan B...Talent scout for a brothel!
I'm posting this here because you don't have an email listed, but could you contact me? I can relate to what you are trying to do and hopefully can provide so help in the right direction.
Posts: 7794 | Location: Between 2 rivers, Middle USA | Registered: 19 August 2000
No flames, please, but a good machinist seems to be able to make a decent living. Couldn't one train as a machinist, make a living doing it, and use the skills learned to indulge one's smithing urges as a hobby or part time business? JMO, Dutch.
------------------ For evil to prosper, good men must do nothing. (Burke)
Posts: 4564 | Location: Idaho Falls, ID, USA | Registered: 21 September 2000
Hello, Here is an idea for your career change. Learn gunsmithing, but also focus on "machine shop" work. Then you can open a "split business". Here is what I mean. There is a man my hunting partner knows that is a great gunsmith, he makes some wonderfully accurate, very lightweight rifles. But he makes most of his living owning a business that makes special screws for the medical industry.
------------------ Safety & Ethics,Accuracy, Velocity, Energy Joe M
Funny you should mention the link between a machinist, and a gunsmith, I can turn down a shaft and thread it for a farmer, within .020 tolerences, charge $150, and he's happy, I turn down, thread, chamber, & fit a barrel to an action with .0005 tolerence, and the gun owner thinks it is highway robbery, cause "Joe" in timbuctoo does it for $80, go figure. It seems that everybody is predicting you to die a fool and a pauper for wanting to learn an Honorable trade. I don't feel like either, but if it will make everybdy feel better I will raise my prices 50% so I can make some money at this business!
