I spent 40 years working with and designing for professional machinists. During that time I built countless things on professional tools for my own use in the lab (or for boats). I am now retired. When I retired, the idea of not having access to world class machinists and professional tools was so distressing that I bought a decent Bridgeport and Hardinge HLV lathe. I have since put together quite a good professional quality machine shop in my garage which I use regularly to make (sometimes quite complex) parts for myself and friends. But I do not make a penny doing it. Sadly, I could not maintain my access to world class machinists, and I miss those interactions very, very much. Practical Machinist is my source now for learning from others, and for getting advice. Occasionally, I am able to comment on someone else's problems, hopefully constructively.
But does this make me an amateur or a hobbyist? I have a lifetime of experience with the machining trade, but never actually worked as a professional machinist. I build things because I am compelled to use what skills I have, as well as I can. I do not view myself as a hobbyist, because I do not machine things to "entertain" myself. I am very serious about trying my best and learning new skills. But AM I a hobbyist? I cannot say how others would define my activities. I DO know that the things I HAVE learned from professional machinists over the years have changed my life, made it possible for me to be successful in my career, and taught me more than I can relate in a post. I have seen the huge value to newcomers to the machining world that advice given to them on Practical Machinest has been. It certainly has been of value to me.
When one is starting out, perhaps motivated by a You Tube channel, asking questions an experienced person might regard as "stupid" is inevitable. Many times some kindly soul will patiently explain WHY the question is naive or sort of obvious to someone in the trades. I always appreciate seeing those responses. The world of machining is very complex. Even learning the terminology is difficult for a newcomer. We all suffer from this syndrome when exposed to new and unfamiliar fields of knowledge.
I guess my point is that in this world of shrinking regard for craftsmanship and hard learned knowledge, Practical Machinist has become a kind of community where like minded people can share their expertise, frustrations, successes, and to learn from each other. Any person trying to enter a new and unfamiliar community will make mistakes, say dumb things, and generally fumble about a bit. I count myself as hugely fortunate that when at the age of 18 I wandered into the physics machine shop with my thumb in an unmentionable orifice asking dumb questions, and instead of being sent packing by the busy professionals, was invited in, made welcome, and educated. My sincere hope is that members of the forum can show the same kindness to newbies wandering into Practical Machinist forum that was shown to me. If a particular question or thread is not "professional" enough for someone's taste, perhaps rather than shooting the originator down in flames, they could just let the issue lie and move quietly on. Most threads die a natural death quickly if the topic is not generally interesting. If the person asking the "stupid" question is not humiliated and tossed out the door, they may, like me, eventually able to contribute to the community in their own right.
All the best,
Michael