Student’s love for gunsmithing turns into passion for machining at TSTC

(HUTTO, Texas) - Aidan Parker came to Texas State Technical College to prepare for a career in gunsmithing and found a passion for machining along the way.

Parker, a Thrall native, is in his third semester of working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Precision Machining Technology at TSTC's East Williamson County campus. He found his way to TSTC by asking for guidance on becoming a gunsmith.

"I went to a gun shop on U.S. 79 and asked them how to get my start being a gunsmith," he said. "The owner told me I needed to go to a technical college to learn to machine and get experience in the field for a while. I asked where a good program was, and he told me 'up the road at TSTC.'"

Parker focuses on his studies, which he said helps him learn better and stay balanced.

"I don't do well with school and work, so I treat school like work to do better in school," he said. "I know how I am and that if I do both, I'm likely to burn out because I won't have personal time. I'm trying to make sure I avoid that."

Parker's focus has made him a standout student, resulting in his selection by instructors to recreate a special hammer using a mill and lathe for Kevin Fincher, chief executive officer of the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association, during the second semester.

"I had to make a prototype of the original hammer for Kevin to see if the project would work and how long it would take," he said. "The handle was the most time-consuming part of that. It was the most difficult part to make because it had threads, steps and grooves, compared to the head that was just angled brass."

Parker said he valued the experience of working closely with Fincher for the special project.

"It took time, but it was good," he said. "I really do enjoy being able to play around with machines."

The hammer project, however, did not change Parker's mind about his career focus after graduation in 2025.

"I still want to work with a gun company after school," he said.

In Texas, CNC (computer numerical control) tool programmers earn an average annual salary of $62,160, according to onetonline.org, which forecast the number of such positions to grow 47% in the state from 2020 to 2030.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion in Precision Machining Technology, as well as a certificate of completion in CNC Machine Operator, at its East Williamson County, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas and Waco campuses.

Precision Machining Technology is one of nine programs at TSTC that have money-back guarantees. For more information, visit tstc.edu/mbg.

Registration for TSTC's spring semester begins Oct. 28. To learn more, visit tstc.edu.

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