Saving Our Skills!
How many times have we all been head down into a project only to be stalled by that important missing bolt, nut or spacer? Now that’s fine if you live next door to a huge emporium of fasteners or to a handy person who can rustle up a bespoke component, but sadly, few of us are that lucky. Now, the ideal solution would be to make that special part yourself without being a precision toolmaker…
If you think that sounds ludicrous or pie in the sky, think again. Bob Rolph has been machining since 1975 when he started an apprenticeship at the Colchester Lathe Company. His career eventually led him to teaching engineering at a local skill centre where all was great until 2020 when the Covid-19 situation forced his employer to change direction and give up the training courses.
But Bob has always been passionate about passing on his skills and so he opened Bob’s Machine Shop where he can now offer handson machining training for restorers and hobbyists. A two-day course will give you the skills and confidence to use a small lathe or milling machine and all courses are delivered within a safe and comfortable workshop under the guidance of Bob, who is a qualified time-served engineer and restorer.
Special ‘Machining for Restoration’ courses are available and these are ideal for the classic motorcyclist. As well as a having a long and varied working career, Bob has also been riding motorcycles most of his life and he now races in pre-65 motocross, so who better to pass on some of his hard-learned skills! You may be relieved to hear that there are no exams or tests to pass but every student will receive a course certificate and you will be amazed what you can learn and produce in two days with the right tuition!
Bob’s Machine Shop is situated on the lovely
Somerset/Devon border, so why not make learning a new skill part of a nice holiday break? With so many small hotels and B&Bs needing our support, it’s a perfect idea to take a break in a lovely part of the country while thoroughly enjoying yourself with proper machinery! Please call 07483 838689 or email robertrolph8@gmail.com for details and dates.