Sybil Meikle’s passion for antique automobiles runs deep. She recalls watching her father – an avid collector of classic cars, work on his beloved 1910 Stanley Steamer Model 60. She’d be there by his side, then a girl of 8 or 9, full of wonder and admiration.
“My dad was my hero,” Meikle explained. “And the Model 60 was always my favorite car. I loved it more than anything. It was like a living fire-breathing dragon.”
Today, the 60-year-old Cross Lanes resident owns her late father’s Stanley Model 60. And like him, she works to keep the old steamer in good working order. This can be a challenge. When parts fail, it’s not possible simply to buy replacements at the local auto parts store.
“If you break something on these cars, somebody has to make the replacement parts,” Meikle explained. “To even take the car apart, you have to make the tools to do it.”
Meikle connected with people spread out across the United States, a sort of cottage industry that machines parts for classic automobiles. She was intrigued by their ability to take raw materials and fashion precise replacement parts using manual mills and lathes. That curiosity led her to wonder: “What if I could learn to make the parts myself?”
She began combing the internet looking for training options. That search led her to the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) and its free Introduction to CNC Machining Bootcamps offered as part of America’s Cutting Edge, a U.S. Department of Defense initiative to strengthen domestic manufacturing by introducing more people to the machine tools trades. Meikle signed up for a spring 2026 weeklong camp in South Charleston.
Computer-numerical-control (CNC) machining was not exactly what she was seeking, but if nothing else, she thought, I can get exposure to the terminology, the language of the trade.
“Initially, my primary interest may have been in manual machining, just understanding some basics and hopefully learning some new skills,” she explained. “However, after taking this CNC bootcamp, I am really impressed and excited to learn more about both manual and CNC.”
Meikle said she is considering signing up for MAMC’s fast-track machining course or even enrolling in the degree-granting career skills program after she retires from her chemical engineering job with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
“For me, this class was fun, it was challenging and it was motivating. This really does expose you to what can be learned and what you can look forward to with a continuation of classes and the programs offered through the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center. I cannot say thank you enough! Fabulous experience.”
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MAMC is offering the free CNC Introduction to CNC Machining Camp in Huntington June 1-5 and in South Charleston June 15-19. The camps are open to individuals 16 and older. Learn more and register at www.mfg.marshall.edu/cnc-bootcamps.
May 27, 2027
