Computers and the metalworker

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!

3. Learn how to search for information and resources on the Internet. Every day I am amazed at the information available to us. I am also appalled at the amount of garbage and useless chaff that circulates with it. Fortunately, as humans we can still filter the unwanted swarf better than any computer or the software that runs on it. It admittedly takes some practice to use Web-based search tools to their highest good.

You will get no argument from me that computers can be seriously frustrating at times. I don’t love computers, I just want to use them and put them away like any other tool. The following is some general advice to computer users.

• Weigh the efficiency a computer can add to or take away from a task. It is not always the correct decision to use a computer for every job.

• Sometimes it’s harder to see the bigger picture on the computer screen. At some point, something will have to get made in the shop. A quick mockup in the shop can save you many burned-out eyeball cells in the office.

• Many metalworkers are so fast they can make something in the shop for testing before it can be drawn on the computer. Don’t underestimate these guys and their abilities. Sometimes there is no substitute for a physical prototype. It has a presence like no drawing ever has.

• Beware of the microscope effect computers have. If you’re not diligent, you can find yourself stuck in the details when all you wanted to do was check a dimension. Don’t miss the whole forest by staring at the trees. CTE

About the Author: Tom Lipton is a career metalworker who has worked at various job shops. He has received six U.S. patents and lives in Alamo, Calif. Lipton’s column is adapted from information in his book “Metalworking Sink or Swim: Tips and Tricks for Machinists, Welders, and Fabricators,” published by Industrial Press Inc., New York. The publisher can be reached by calling (888) 528-7852 or visiting www.industrialpress.com. By indicating the code CTE-2010 when ordering, CTE readers will receive a 20 percent discount off the book’s list price of $44.95.