Any Hawaii machinists?

[Cliffy15]

I'm totally new to the field - in fact, I have no equipment of my own just yet. But I am looking to buy a lathe and a mill in the near future to do some custom gunsmithing (airsoft guns).

I was wondering if there was anyone out there who would be willing to let me "shadow" them for awhile, in my spare time, or someone who could help me "get my feet wet" so I have a better base of knowledge so I know exactly what kinda of equipment, tooling, and skills I need?

[benedict]

I just moved to Hawaii a couple of months ago. My shop is still packed up in some crates, and for some reason the movers decided to stick them at the back of a 20' storage building. So at the moment, no, I wouldn't be much good to you. But once I get my shop set up, it'd be nice to have someone to trade ideas with.

I haven't really looked into it much, but some friends of mine in Texas are into airsoft. After I packed up my shop and took it with me, they finally bit the bullet (so to speak) and went in together on a lathe. I'm betting they'd be interested in trading ideas, too, albeit from Texas.

Just curious, which island are you on? I'm on the Big Island.

Tom

[Techtchr]

No, you can't shadow me, but I'd be glad to shadow you. Hawaii! I'm in central NY and I've got the fire place blasting because I'm freezing my butte off. Can't go into my shop because it's about 0 degrees out there and the belts and motors won't turn.

Think warm thoughts and remember that people on the net are right in your back yard. Not a professional machinist, but glad to help if I can.
Matt