How did you learn what you know?

[scab]

Just curious how everyone got the knowledge they have. There is a lot of talented and knowledgeable people on GJ with regards to skills (fabrication, woodworking, machining, etc.). I have no idea how old most of you are but I'm 36 and I don't know nearly enough relative to most on this site. But I learned mostly from magazines, books, internet, and some help from a couple buddies here and there (probably not the best way but rewarding, nonetheless). So what is your back story?

 

[Kevin54]

I have to vote for "All of them" because I've learned what I know from a variety of sources. My dad was a metal finisher and autobody painter so he taught me how to do that. Drafting and Machining...I took a course of drafting in school, but it sort of came natural to me. Machining also came natural. Home remodeling and building, a lot came from television but tied in with the other things I new.

 

[dladcock]

I have to vote for "All of them" because I've learned what I know from a variety of sources. My dad was a metal finisher and autobody painter so he taught me how to do that. Drafting and Machining...I took a course of drafting in school, but it sort of came natural to me. Machining also came natural. Home remodeling and building, a lot came from television but tied in with the other things I new.

I have to say this is pretty much my story. I've always been the sort that could take a thing apart and in some instances put it back together.

When I went to work in a plant atmosphere I sought out the top guns and learned from them. I'm also fortunate that my bosses generally recognized that I appreciate a challenge and can usually put together a plan and execute.

Learning never ends. I found that of the varied skills, related to my craft or not, all come together to form a pretty solid set of talents. I've also been blessed in that I can usually see something done once and run with it from there.

dla

 

[DekeT]

If you asked the question "what is the largest percent of what you know" as a choice then you might have a useful indication of how it effectively happens. I personally think that if don't have a variety of inputs for your learning you don't really know much.

I voted school and other. Other for me being forums such as the GJ.

 

[Zeke]

I voted 4 out of 5 leaving out family. My family is small and not hands on. My highest level of skills is in finish carpentry. That you learn on the job from whomever you can. I never missed a TV episode back in the day when Saturdays were filled with ones showing how to do something. Most of the time I could have taught the technique or maybe saw flaws. Never hurts to review anything.

But seasoned guys on the job in person is way better.

I've never seen anyone completely hang a door in an existing frame except Tom Silva on Ask This Old House. And due to TV editing, he left out about half the steps. Tom is pretty good at what he does, no doubt. But he'd hire me.

 

[goodysgotacuda]

All somewhere between friends, formal training and self-taught.

 

[rockwithjason]

i am with kevin on this. i had years of learning with my dad before going to apprenticeship and learning on the job. i pick up so much just by watching other trades on the job. i always pick up something useful. i also watch tons of how to videos and do it yourself shows. god knows how much i have spent on books and manuals

 

[ptschram]

I was taught to read at a very early age. I learned to solder circuit boards at age eight.

Somehow, I have always been able to look at something and figure out it went together and how to take it apart.

I made a LOT of mistakes, broke a lot of stuff.

Spent a LONG time in college learning a lot of things that one wouldn't think would be associated.

For some of us, being an engineer is an educational achievement. For some of us, it is a curse of genetics.

 

[Hammer1963]

I voted for all the categories.

I learned/learn from every available opportunity and at 49 yrs of age, I still do to this day. My Dad has been a huge influence on me as he instilled the idea of self reliance to me on a daily basis. A 32 yr Air Force veteran, this guy can fix anything and that's not an exageration at all. Fabrication, mechanical, electrical, woodworking, carpentry, whatever it takes.

My neighbors were/are Tool makers/Machinist. I followed their footsteps on my fathers prodding. I worked in the field for 13 years and had formal school training/apprenticeship as well. Most people do not realize that an apprenticeship in Tool & Die includes Welding, Hydraulics, Pneumaticsd, Drafting, Metallurgy and other Mechanical theory.

My brother-inlaw, was a Bodyman/shop owner and Stock car racer. I learned many of my on the fly skills from being his Crewchief for several yrs. Having to think fast at the track, really improved my ability to analize quickly. I thank him for those years.

The Collision repair is self taught with OJT, not being afraid to ask questions, lots of internet research, reading and just aspiring to produce better work on each repair.

My son is 21 and is one of those people that once you show him something, hes got it. All his friends kid him about what they say when they are confronted with a mechanical issue they are not familiar with. They say WWKD or what would Kevin do ? That's the biggest compliment a person can get.

I think the best thing I can contribute is this post is, Keep learning and spread the knowledge you have obtained. We cannot allow the knowledge of skilled trades and practical experience to wither. Teach what you've learned every chance you get ! The recipients will be greatful for your generosity

 

[John in OH]

As the others above have already said, knowledge comes from many sources. For me, in order of priority:

Father - born in 1909 and grew up on a farm so he was always a do-it-yourself / make do with what you've got, kind of guy.

Cousin - about 25 yrs older than me, but was a farmer all his life and I worked for him in summers during my middle school and high school years. My greatest roll model.

4H - a great experience for kids. Learned rifle safety, tractor operation and safety, welding, small engine repair, and basic electrical work.

Formal schooling - took machining and welding as electives while studying for my ME degree.

Work - while not a craft worker, I worked with welders, pipefitters, millwrights, boilermakers, laborers, for most of my career and learned a lot by watching and asking questions. Tons to be learned from the guys that actually do the work.

Self-taught - Nature instilled in my genetic code the characteristic of gaining great satisfaction from performing a job with my own hands. This characteristic drives the interest and willingness to jump in and do-it-myself ... within reason. One must know one's limitations and what is reasonable to attempt.

 

[nanofrog]

Another vote for "All of the Above".

 

[jeffmoss26]

A little of everything...my dad, grandpa, and uncle always took time to show me how to build and fix things.
I learned the majority of the computer/network/telecom stuff first by working with the guys at the company my dad worked for, then taking those skills and teaching myself more, and finally going to college for information technology. In my field, I learn something new just about every day.

 

[piston farmer]

I learened how to do everything i do by not being able or willing to pay someone else to do. I dont like to give out money for sub par work.

 

[Cobra4B]

All of the above:

My father would DIY nearly everything. Even if it meant buying a tool that he'd only use once or twice and cost more than paying someone.

Took all the shop and auto tech classes I could in high school.

Car forums are ripe with illustrative how-to's that make most things pretty easy so long as you have the space and adequate tools.

 

[GRN96WS6]

Friends and self taught.

 

[R6 Racer]

I think if you had an "all of the above" answer available you would find that to be the general consencis(sp).
I definitely did, all of the above, that is.
Started with my grandpa, my dad, my uncle, then my father in law. All the while absorbing from school, work, & general necessity. I too am frugal (cheap) & refuse to pay someone else for sub par work! Work that I can handle after doing some research.


ALL OF THE ABOVE

Steve

 

[Steevo]

I checked all of them, because I have never met a person I couldn't learn something from, even if it is just not to be a fool like them.

 

[scab]

I voted 4 out of 5 leaving out family. My family is small and not hands on. My highest level of skills is in finish carpentry. That you learn on the job from whomever you can. I never missed a TV episode back in the day when Saturdays were filled with ones showing how to do something. Most of the time I could have taught the technique or maybe saw flaws. Never hurts to review anything.

But seasoned guys on the job in person is way better.

I've never seen anyone completely hang a door in an existing frame except Tom Silva on Ask This Old House. And due to TV editing, he left out about half the steps. Tom is pretty good at what he does, no doubt. But he'd hire me.

Those tv shows started the interest for me. I remember watching This Old House, the Woodwright's Shop, Yankee Workshop, et al, as early as fifth grade. I loved those shows and I never missed them. Later on, I got into the Horsepower TV type shows on Saturdays. Nowadays, I still watch those shows as well as a lot of DIY network. From there I find myself attempting to fix or build things I've seen with help from the internet and, most of the time, it goes well. And, as many have said, there is no substitute for knowledge. I could watch someone doing the most mundane looking skill long after most people have moved on from disinterest or boredom. I don't think enough people realize talent with these types of skills - it's more about, "Oh, he's just a mechanic" or "Oh, he just puts cabinets together." Those people should try their hand at things more often.

 

[bazzateer]

Formal is the only one that doesn't apply if we're talking about garages and the things we do in/with them. Learnt from Dad, brothers, friends, magazines, books, TV and lately the internet.

 

[jsaw]

I picked Other, as in all of the above. all of the choices applied

 

[Zeke]

Those tv shows started the interest for me. I remember watching This Old House, the Woodwright's Shop, Yankee Workshop, et al, as early as fifth grade. I loved those shows and I never missed them. Later on, I got into the Horsepower TV type shows on Saturdays. Nowadays, I still watch those shows as well as a lot of DIY network. From there I find myself attempting to fix or build things I've seen with help from the internet and, most of the time, it goes well. And, as many have said, there is no substitute for knowledge. I could watch someone doing the most mundane looking skill long after most people have moved on from disinterest or boredom. I don't think enough people realize talent with these types of skills - it's more about, "Oh, he's just a mechanic" or "Oh, he just puts cabinets together." Those people should try their hand at things more often.

Did you know that Dave Bowman of Two Guy's Garage (before the new lizards) had a home construction show in the early 90's? Hometime and others actually did work. Most of today's shows on DIY just show how to get hurt.
I cringe when they pull out the nail guns.

 

[rodm1]

I'm about your age and my Dad gave me a grate start. But I must say the Internet is the very very best tool. If I have a project coming up I will spend hours researching it for ideas and code information.

Spend lots of time reading the trade forums. Even if you aren't allowed to post anything at some of them.

My favorite forums: (I'm unaware of a good machining forum for manual machining)
www.ridgidforum.com/forum/forum.php
http://www.plumbingzone.com/f2/
http://www.diychatroom.com/
http://www.electriciantalk.com/
http://weldingweb.com/index.php

 

[hydramatic]

I thank my ancestors for the good gene pool. I have seen people that could kill an anvil with a feather duster..Oh, and lots of schools..for some 35 yrs I wore out 4 or 5 cars going to the GM and Ford Training centers .

 

[sdguy55]

I didn't really learn a lot from family. But I knew I loved mechanicing and had a passion for equipment so I just took a deep breath and dove into college knowing NOTHING about diesels. I made an *** out of myself at college quite a bit but I had an awesome class and everyone of those guys took me under their wing and taught me literally more than I could absorb in 2 years. Sometimes I get frustrated cause I feel like I'm at a disadvantage at work but just gotta keep your head down and keep goin.

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

 

[PCO6]

I feel very fortunate in that one of my Grandfathers was an elctrician and the other was a carpenter. My Dad and his brother were both mechanics. All of them dabbled in other technical and/or artistic hobbies. My Dad would work all day as a mechanic, come home for dinner then head back to his garage to work on various projects often with me in tow. He loved to weld and paint (cars and signs). He said it got his mind off the mechanical work he did all day. I still remember when he hired me as his "helper" at age 12.

In high school most of my friends took the arts and sciences route. I decided on technology and trades and ended up with an additional group of friends. Some of the teachers were among the best I ever had and as students we also opened each others eyes to a lot of new things.

My biggest personal learning experience though was building my first off road car at age 18. Soon after I started college I hooked up with 2 new friends (a machinist and a welder) in a run down garage on a farm and we went racing. We built the cars from scratch and had a blast. After going broke in racing I got into car restoration and that lead to a whole new skill set, most of which was self taught.

At 60, there's still an awful lot to learn. I will be retiring in a few years (from a non technical job) and I'm looking forward to having more time to continuing the learning process. A lot of what I learn now is via the internet. I wish we'd had that 40 years ago!

 

[mdkingsley]

I grew up on a dairy and still have beef cows so most of what I have learned was through nessesity to keep equipment/ buildings operating. I did go to body shop school for 1 quarter then they closed the program. I worked on a lot of stuff and did welding for neighbors also. I do want to get certified in mig and tig some day so I can build chassis.

 

[larry_g]

I've spent all my life learning. As I got older I found out that primary and hischool done right will teach a person how to acquire knowledge throughout the rest of life. A lot of my personality I can see comes from my parents and extended family. My technical skills come from personal experimenting and formal training. In working with technical people I've found a lot of difference between the self taught and the trained. Reading some posts on this board it's perty easy to pick out some who are trained and some who are self taught.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[NUTTSGT]

I didn't realize that I could mark more than one, so I marked self-taught. I picked up some skills from teachers in school, friends when it came to the mechanical stuff and more from family. I searched the web for information, read some books, got a good idea how to do things from TV. Once I had that, I put it all to work with my hands, mostly trial and error.

You can't learn anything without trying it.

 

[justanengineer]

I'd say family members, formal training, and reading professional texts are my three biggest sources of knowledge. There is nothing like having a network of relatives and friends in the trades to make you aware of many fundamentals and to stir your interest, but Im a firm believer in formal education to get a solid foundation, and to really master something you need to be well read so you understand new techniques and the science behind the task at hand. The internet and television are great entertainment, but frankly there are far too many "experts" that are too full of their own bs nowadays for most of the "how-to" content to be trusted.

In working with technical people I've found a lot of difference between the self taught and the trained. Reading some posts on this board it's perty easy to pick out some who are trained and some who are self taught.

^^^x1000

 

[Dan_inthewind]

My father died when I was five. We were taken under the wing by local farming families. My base knowledge started there and it was the best, most sound training available. On the farm you learn to use, repair and make do. From there I broadened my knowledge from friends, co-workers, books and forums like this one. For all of these reasons I am most grateful!

 

[theoldwizard1]

It depends !

***, I learned from Johnny down the street and a bunch of old Playboys in the neighbors garage.

I got my basics in computers, science and engineering in college, although I quickly realized that they left out huge amounts of "practical" knowledge in that formal education.

I took several "specialized" 1 week computer classes (this was before MicroSquish existed). Employer paid, which was good because they were out of town and very $$$ ! After that, I did huge amounts of reading (At one time computer systems came with documentation that could fill a typical 8' bookcase. I read over 75% of that.)

I got huge amounts of "training" OTJ, but not in any formal way. I ask lots and lots of questions, especially on topics that were not directly connected to my job (how many of you understand EXACTLY how a manual transmission "synchro" works ?)

Dad taught me the basics of car repairs, the rest was reading, some watching and hands on (nervous doing my first drum brake job !)


Now a days, I read the 'net and watch YouTube !

 

[Stuart in MN]

I would vote for all choices as well, but it basically comes down to paying attention - you can learn a lot by just doing that.

 

[Squankum]

My gut reaction was, "self-taught." John Muir Press VW Rabbit book, Reader's Digest book, endless car magazine reading. But then I realized, that was just car stuff.

Wood stuff, dad, home projects, building boats. And lots of self-taught at that age, too, just taking stuff apart. Apart, mostly. Later, back together successfully.

Later in life, became better with cars, electricals, metal, with guidance from a close friend who's a pro in many fields.

Not surprised that self-taught ranks highly -- this forum draws people who want to know more, learn more.

 

[crewchief888]

around the house DIY, & repairs i picked up at a young age watching my dad build his bar in the basement and enclose a laundry room at our house.
he had worked as a carpenter when he was discharged from the service in '45
he was a welder by trade, taught me the basics of stick, gas welding, and how to make metal move when i around 9 or 10 years old.
graduated HS with a major in "vocational arts" sheet metal, welding, foundry, mechanical drafting, engineering drawing, and many semesters in the machine shop. worked in machine shops for 8 years or so, but never completed my apprenticeship as a tool & die maker.
started pulling wrenches at a const eq dealership in '84, lots of hands on experience over the years, OEM specific training from bobcat, new holland, gehl, bomag, duetz, kress, payhauler, JD const.

as my experience grew, so did my confidence, not too many things i cant "make work" anymore.

so i guess a little of all the above

 

[garfunkle24]

I started by knowing a lot more and then I did a lot of drugs.

 

[Ocho]

for Christmas, my Mom asked that my brother and I perform a handful of "honey do`s"…
We got together this past Saturday and my brother brought his 17 yo son and 17 yo exchange student with him. They helped replace some fence pickets, fix a toilet, change a shower head, etc. They asked us how we knew how to fix stuff and we told them it was from our Dad having us help him. They were into it and it felt good to know we were passing some skills along.

That was a good day.

 

[kaffine]

All of the above. I used to have most of my gifts taken apart before new years . When I was 4 I took my bicylce completely apart and I mean completly apart. I took every nut and bolt off of it but couldn't find a wrench that worked on the welded joints but I found a hacksaw I was sitting in the garage when my dad got home having cut several of the welds already. It was 2 years before I got another bike.

I used to help my parents do maintenance on the house and cars. My mom refinished alot of our furniture and my dad would do some maintenance on the cars. I'm not sure if I helped or just go in the way.

I used to read tech manuals cover to cover. I figured if I was going to read something I am going to learn something as well. I not only read the owners manual for my car but the service manual cover to cover. When I got internet access I started reading forums like this I used to go to woodworking forum and a few diesel truck forums and learned a lot from them.

I was home schooled so I didn't get shop class but I started taking lots of classes at the community college. I have over 200 credits I have taken Automotive, Culinary, Computers, Electronics, HVAC, Mechanical Technolgy, Welding.

However by far the best way I have found to learn is to just jump in with both feet. I make a lot of mistakes that way but I learn from them and I seem to remeber it better when I worked on figuring it out rather than having someone just tell me. It can get expensive doing it that way though but the education tends to have a good payback.

 

[1BadMF]

I read a pamphlet.

 

[RobSmith]

My dad was pretty handy, a panel beater and air frame fitter in the war. He is a perfectionist and that taught me patience...the rest I learn't by myself. I'm into cars so I have a pretty good library of books about engine rebuilding, bodywork, welding (dad did teach me gas welding) and electrical. Then I had a go...try and try you will learn. Now I have engineering books and machinery books....I've got a lathe and I'm learning how to use that. Good luck and have a go !

 

[Doug B]

I voted for all categories.Like others have said,everything that happens to you should be a learning experience.
My Dad was a carpenter and an auto mechanic.He built our house and his business.He would change the clutch in a car out in the driveway. I was grounded in those skills by him ( I do carpentry and construction for a living)
I was never a good student in school...I just didn't care.I find I learn better in a class room setting now that I am older.
When people ask me 'how did you learn to play guitar?' I say 'by hanging out with better guitar players.'I have always learned well from watching others.
Co-workers have been a wealth of knowledge.Welding,torch technique,fab skills all came from guys at work.