Gun Smithing Tool Advice

[JoeStreet]

Hello everyone,

I am trying to put together a business plan for a gunsmithing business. I’m trying to find a tool list that would include the all of tools that I would need. I intend to provide a fair amount of services ranging from repair to bluing and other types of finishes. I’ve spent a bunch of time on Brownell’s site and I’ve searched for “Starter Tool Sets” and while they have some available they don’t appear to be very inclusive, not being critical but I am trying to build an all-inclusive list so that I can fully capture all of my startup cost. I’m hoping to include things like a mill and a lathe as well as all of the essential hand tools. If anyone knows where I can find such a list or have ideas regarding tools that need to be on the list I’d be very grateful for the help.
Thank you very much, Joe S.

Joe Street

[hammermill]

you need to look at the weapons that you intend to work on, develop the list seperate for each sub catagory and a look at what is used in your area.

pay attention to simple maintance needs, i suspect like most you will see lots of cleaning and lubing for casual customers.

[ken572]

Hello Joe,

I agree 100% with hammermill.

With that said, I would suggest you first take some
gun smithing schooling, and then upon graduating
get all your A.T.F. Licensing, Federal, State, and Local,
Tax numbers, and other city permits you will need.
By this time you will better understand all that you
will need, and also a start putting your business plan
together and in a presentable state which will help
in getting a business loan at your bank.
I wish you much success, which you will have as long
as you keep and do things in the correct order.

Here are some sites that might interest you:
Gun Smithing Schools
- - -
http://www.directoryofschools.com/gunsm ... school.htm
- - -
http://www.nragunsmithing.com/
- - -
http://education-portal.com/articles/Li ... he_US.html
- - -
http://www.technical-schools-guide.com/ ... hools.html

Ken.

[GeorgeGaskill]

If you do take some hands on schooling, you will likely make a goodly number of tools as class projects, as well as buy a bunch that you need for class projects.

[earlgo]

In the early 70's I went to the Colorado School of Trades in Denver (Lakewood) and got a year's worth of hands-on experience. Their first day was to outfit you with a toolbox and a set of hand tools that you would need. (You paid, of course.)
They were basic tools, files, wood chisels, scribers, toolmaker's square, pin punches, center punches, small hammers, 2 sizes of plastic faced mallets, sharpening stones, micrometers (1" and 2"), small level like the Starrett 135, Dykem blue, Prussian blue or Brownell's transfer black, and a few other odds and ends like pliers and screwdrivers.
Their shop had all the power tools required: lathes, mill, surface grinder, pedestal grinder, buffing stations, band saw, disc sander, welding equipment, barrel vise, barrel straightener, blueing tanks, etc.
The instructors also taught design, disassembly and repair, mathematics and business courses, and emphasized the legalities and licensing required for opening a shop.
In 1970 the course was 2000 hours long and it was time and money well spent.

http://www.schooloftrades.edu/

--earlgo

[Rex]

If I were wanting to do this, I would seek an existing business with an owner/gunsmith wanting to retire. Get some training as part of the deal.
The most expensive way to start a business is buying all new stuff and opening a shop from scratch. Buying an existing business brings a much better chance of lasting beyond the 2nd year.

Yeah, I know that wasn't your question. Have you tried calling brownell's?