B. Graham,
A bit of unsolicited advice, most people don't listen to me though. I wouldn't just quit my present job, work until you have full retirement. It is hard to start fresh and make a living as a gunsmith, a decent retirement helps a lot. You seem to be rounding up equipment and experience now, while you are still working, that is good. I was not much older than you are now when I retired. There is one thing that hits us all, age is a bear. There are a lot more than 10 years between 50 years old and 60 and especially between 60 and 70. Age influences everything you do, unless you are very very lucky. If you can't stand in front of a lathe or mill very long, it is really hard to work from a stool and dangerous also. Hand polishing a gun or letting in a stock is hardly possible, sitting on a stool. Keep all this in mind when gathering equipment and setting up your shop as well as deciding what to specialize in. good luck.
