Help a Machine/Metal Shop Newbie

[SouperGrover]

@zrx61, gtae07 Like I said, when I was his age, I hated Algebra. I took Algebra I in 8th grade and then Algebra II in 9th. Hated both years of it. Then I took Geometry and loved it! I started to look at math problems and proofs like mysteries and puzzles - both which I love. Then in 11th was Algebra III/Trig and as a senior I took what they were calling Pre-Calculus. For me personally I think it was a maturity thing. My brain wasn't ready to do it. Eventually it became one of my favorite subjects. (OK... I admit... I'm a big nerd and love learning ANYTHING regardless of the subject...). Because of his love for science I am hoping he will use that as a motivation to get past his dislike for math.

@matt_i You are spot on. He also likes to draw, so I bet he would love something like drafting or mechanical drawing. I'm trying to teach him to plan as much as possible before you strike the first nail or cut the first material.

@mushcreak, zeke Thanks for your thoughts. I have reached out ot his teacher to see if I can get a better feel for what they will be doing. Then I can plan out a little more what I would need to put in a shop for him to keep at it at home

 

[theoldwizard1]

You are getting way out there wizard. This is a learning opportunity for the OP and his son, not a shop going into production. They need a rowboat, not a ship.

lg
no neat sig line

Probably right, but I still consider a metal cutting band saw (maybe a port-a-band with a bench top stand) and dedicated disc/band/belt sanders (again, bench top) as "must" have, even if they are HF.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I took Algebra I in 8th grade and then Algebra II in 9th. Hated both years of it. Then I took Geometry and loved it! I started to look at math problems and proofs like mysteries and puzzles - both which I love. Then in 11th was Algebra III/Trig and as a senior I took what they were calling Pre-Calculus.

I had the exact same curriculum, just never really had an issue with Algebra. I went on to get an BS in Engineering, so I had 4 semesters of Calculus. The last one was pretty tough. Now I have come to enjoy "word problems" with one or two variables.

As for drafting.drawing, everything today s pretty much 3D. Big companies have standardized on a few brands of 3D CAD; CATIA, Autodesk, Solidworks many because they work well with other software, like finite element analysis and CNC. I have played some with SketchUp and find it easy to learn and useful even on low-medium sized PCs (I have done several simple drawings on a laptop).