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I do 'model engineering' which is mostly metalwork, and it's about the same. You end up with something tangible but it really hurts when you make a mistake man

by dajt 3y ago

I do 'model engineering' which is mostly metalwork, and it's about the same. You end up with something tangible but it really hurts when you make a mistake many hours into a part and have to scrap it and start again. Especially if it's not plain old steel, so just cost a lot. You do learn to save a part from some types of mistakes but it's not always possible. I think it's great that software lets you build castles in the air and mistakes generally only cost time, and fixes or improvements can be incremental but it does get old when many projects are scrapped before being used so you feel like you're just wasting time. I find the 'no undo' and a perfectionistic streak add immeasureably to the stress of my 'hobby' but now I have finally finished my steam loco after 10 years I do like looking at it and driving it.

iAmAPencilYo 3y ago
> ... I have finally finished my steam loco after 10 years I do like looking at it and driving it. That sounds fascinating! Could you share some more about your project?
- fho 3y ago
  "Blondyhacks" on YouTube is currently in the process of build model steam locomotive. You might want to check that out.
  - Doxin 3y ago
    Or one of their previous projects if you'd like to binge start-to-finish.
- dajt 3y ago
  It's about 1/11 scale of the real one, so the next size up from what Blondiehacks is building, and a bit more complicated and detailed. But essentially the same thing, a steam loco that runs on coal & water and works just like the real thing in every respect. See https://i.imgur.com/GuHR2j6.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GuHR2j6.jpg It can haul me and about 8 or 10 other people. It's a pretty popular hobby - look for live steam on YouTube.
Lio 3y ago
I got bitten with the metalwork bug during lockdown. I spend most of my time making imperfect tools that I could buy cheaper. It's just so satisfying to build something yourself from a design though. Being able to take soft silver-steel, machine a point, then harden it with a blowtorch is just magic. Even just staring at commercially made parts and reverse engineering how/if I could make it on my little hobby lathe with the bar stock I have is really fun. My favourite projects have been small custom parts for my bikes. Nothing is perfect but it all works and you can save loads of money[1]. - 1. Such lies! I haven't saved any money because it's always "if I just had this 200 quid tool I could make this one time 20 quid part". Best to acknowledge it's just a fun hobby. :D
- dajt 3y ago
  I hate making tools rather than models but I know tools is the hobby for many people and enjoy watching other people make them on YouTube. I agree, being able to harden steel or anneal copper or cut threads is awesome :) I love having the machines & tools. It's nice to know I can make something, and it's even come in handy for work a few times despite the fact I'm a software developer - brackets or adapters that must be metal and not 3D printed. You will have saved money at some point... perhaps 40 years from now! I'll never recoup what I spent on the machines, but other people spend that much on travel and hobbies (like motorcycles) every couple of years so it's not an outlandishly expensive hobby.

by dajt 3y ago

iAmAPencilYo 3y ago

> ... I have finally finished my steam loco after 10 years I do like looking at it and driving it. That sounds fascinating! Could you share some more about your project?

fho 3y ago
"Blondyhacks" on YouTube is currently in the process of build model steam locomotive. You might want to check that out.
- Doxin 3y ago
  Or one of their previous projects if you'd like to binge start-to-finish.
dajt 3y ago
It's about 1/11 scale of the real one, so the next size up from what Blondiehacks is building, and a bit more complicated and detailed. But essentially the same thing, a steam loco that runs on coal & water and works just like the real thing in every respect. See https://i.imgur.com/GuHR2j6.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GuHR2j6.jpg It can haul me and about 8 or 10 other people. It's a pretty popular hobby - look for live steam on YouTube.

Lio 3y ago

I got bitten with the metalwork bug during lockdown. I spend most of my time making imperfect tools that I could buy cheaper. It's just so satisfying to build something yourself from a design though. Being able to take soft silver-steel, machine a point, then harden it with a blowtorch is just magic. Even just staring at commercially made parts and reverse engineering how/if I could make it on my little hobby lathe with the bar stock I have is really fun. My favourite projects have been small custom parts for my bikes. Nothing is perfect but it all works and you can save loads of money[1]. - 1. Such lies! I haven't saved any money because it's always "if I just had this 200 quid tool I could make this one time 20 quid part". Best to acknowledge it's just a fun hobby. :D

dajt 3y ago
I hate making tools rather than models but I know tools is the hobby for many people and enjoy watching other people make them on YouTube. I agree, being able to harden steel or anneal copper or cut threads is awesome :) I love having the machines & tools. It's nice to know I can make something, and it's even come in handy for work a few times despite the fact I'm a software developer - brackets or adapters that must be metal and not 3D printed. You will have saved money at some point... perhaps 40 years from now! I'll never recoup what I spent on the machines, but other people spend that much on travel and hobbies (like motorcycles) every couple of years so it's not an outlandishly expensive hobby.