Computers and the metalworker: General Industry Coverage

Although people may argue about whether the change is for the good, there is no doubt computers have changed the face of the planet. Many metalworkers deliberately shy away from computers and the machinery controlled by them, but to modern metalworkers, a computer is just another tool in their toolbox that allows them to do a different class of work or the same class in a different way.

My observations have led me to believe that, in most cases, an age barrier exists between those who accept and reject computers. This is not a concrete rule by any means—there are many crossovers. Regardless of age, metalworkers must learn a minimum of three skills with the computer or go the way of ice cutters after the invention of electric refrigeration.

1. Learn how to use a drafting program. So many other computer-related skills a metalworker will encounter start with this one. The specific program you learn doesn’t matter, only that you learn one well enough to function with it and make a good drawing. Once you have learned one software program, transferring that knowledge to another is a thousand times easier. You already have a major head start in electronic drafting because you know what a good drawing looks like, as well as the names of the different elements found in an engineering drawing.

Keep in mind the “microscope” effect that computer design fosters. Computers cause you to focus on too much detail early in the design process. In the early stages, a pencil and paper are the right tools. If you are scratching your head with a pencil about how to do something, think twice about jumping on the computer.

2. Learn to take, send, receive and edit digital pictures and files via e-mail. Every day, more of the information we need to do our jobs comes to us through copper wires or optical cable. If you don’t have an e-mail address or a home computer, you have your picture in the dictionary with the definition for “Metalworkersaurus.”

Even the ability to ship drawings around the world in a day pales in comparison to the speed of electrons inside wire or cable. In the modern world, a day is the difference between getting the job done and missing out completely.

Do yourself a huge favor: get a digital camera and let the learning begin. You will need to learn not only how to take digital pictures, but also how to do minor editing and resizing. These skills will only make your experience that much better. You can share and exchange vast amounts of information around the globe using the Internet and your digital camera. You might develop a friendship with another inquisitive tradesperson looking for the same answers as you from eight time zones away. The connections are limitless. I personally have traded lathe parts for a pail of pickled herring with a nice person living on an island in a fjord in Norway through the power of the Internet. Thanks Ole!