I learned how to operate a lathe while making my first silencer. I just used cone shaped or K shaped baffles of the type shown on various websites. the silencertalk forum was the most useful place I have looked at. I have posted several drawings of baffles and silencers there.
I recommend going the trust route instead of personally owning it, you can avoid the sheriff's signature and the fingerprint cards then.
Here is some of what I made.
Ranb