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I’m a boilermaker who isn’t getting any younger, working in Launceston operating a laser cutter, considering getting in to steel detailing / 3D modelling. Any

I’m a boilermaker who isn’t getting any younger, working in Launceston operating a laser cutter, considering getting in to steel detailing / 3D modelling. Any advice?

TheSpiceIsLife 6y ago
Why the down votes cunts?
lee 6y ago
I believe you're getting downvoted because your comment is completely unrelated.
- TheSpiceIsLife 6y ago
  Completely unrelated to what? The article? The article is about mining ore for steel. How am I off topic? Because I’m talking about myself? Or because I didn’t think to mention Rust in this context? <eye roll>
neRok 6y ago
I started out as a steel detailer but haven't worked in that sector for over 10 years, so I've not got my finger on the pulse. But in the design sector I'm in now, it's a bit quiet at the moment and has been for a few years, and that means there are a lot of experienced draftee's out there without work - left overs from the boom times. So in that regard, it might not be the best industry to pursue at this time. But if you can leverage your existing skills and contacts etc, you might be able to get yourself into a niche, and then you would be set. Regarding programs, Tekla Structures is the gold standard for detailing steel structures, but the price is up there (if you're looking at going it alone). Cheaper options that I haven't used are available from Autodesk for AutoCAD, and another from Bentley for Microstation. I would look at the Microstation option first, because the "core" seems to be better for 3D work than AutoCAD. However, Autodesk does a reasonably priced bundle of programs for the construction industry, which includes some BIM staples like Navisworks.
- TheSpiceIsLife 6y ago
  Hey mate, thanks for the response. Yeah, our steel detailers here (seven across two sites) use Tekla Structures and have it tweaked how our workshops like, and I've got to say it produced the best drawings I've ever worked with. Also spits out NC1 files for the laser and beam-line, so we're somewhat keeping up with the technological advances to stay competitive. And yeah, I've worked myself in to a pretty good niche here, and it's a bit of a nice corner to be in at the moment. I'll continue to observe the playing-field. Thanks again.
socceroos 6y ago
So odd to see another HNer from my home city!

I’m a boilermaker who isn’t getting any younger, working in Launceston operating a laser cutter, considering getting in to steel detailing / 3D modelling. Any advice?

TheSpiceIsLife 6y ago

Why the down votes cunts?

lee 6y ago

I believe you're getting downvoted because your comment is completely unrelated.

TheSpiceIsLife 6y ago
Completely unrelated to what? The article? The article is about mining ore for steel. How am I off topic? Because I’m talking about myself? Or because I didn’t think to mention Rust in this context? <eye roll>

neRok 6y ago

I started out as a steel detailer but haven't worked in that sector for over 10 years, so I've not got my finger on the pulse. But in the design sector I'm in now, it's a bit quiet at the moment and has been for a few years, and that means there are a lot of experienced draftee's out there without work - left overs from the boom times. So in that regard, it might not be the best industry to pursue at this time. But if you can leverage your existing skills and contacts etc, you might be able to get yourself into a niche, and then you would be set. Regarding programs, Tekla Structures is the gold standard for detailing steel structures, but the price is up there (if you're looking at going it alone). Cheaper options that I haven't used are available from Autodesk for AutoCAD, and another from Bentley for Microstation. I would look at the Microstation option first, because the "core" seems to be better for 3D work than AutoCAD. However, Autodesk does a reasonably priced bundle of programs for the construction industry, which includes some BIM staples like Navisworks.

TheSpiceIsLife 6y ago
Hey mate, thanks for the response. Yeah, our steel detailers here (seven across two sites) use Tekla Structures and have it tweaked how our workshops like, and I've got to say it produced the best drawings I've ever worked with. Also spits out NC1 files for the laser and beam-line, so we're somewhat keeping up with the technological advances to stay competitive. And yeah, I've worked myself in to a pretty good niche here, and it's a bit of a nice corner to be in at the moment. I'll continue to observe the playing-field. Thanks again.

socceroos 6y ago

So odd to see another HNer from my home city!