3 ms·

I know some insanely talented mechanical engineers and none of them work remotely like this. The one characteristic I would say I've noticed in them that sets t

I know some insanely talented mechanical engineers and none of them work remotely like this. The one characteristic I would say I've noticed in them that sets them apart is precision. They do all of the stress analysis on all the parts, up front, before they build anything. Then they prepare; testing, practicing, taking notes, and revising build plans. This way when they get to actual fabrication whether its a metal part, a complicated assembly, or a simple wooden box, things work. Period. Coupled with drive (which this guy apparently has in abundance) there is an unshakable, unflappable ability to concentrate. From the article and watching videos linked elsewhere here I simply do not get an impression of skill. (e.g. his welds are really really bad)

john_b 12y ago
I am a mechanical engineer by training, and I think you are missing the point of this experiment. This is the mechanical equivalent of a series of quick hacks. I don't think anyone expects these machines to last long or work without frequent maintenance. As I read it, the goal is only to enable a small community to be self sufficient; the machines should last long enough for them to accomplish their purpose. When they inevitably break down, the tools and materials will exist to repair or replace them, and the community will have the knowledge to do so. The kind of up-front planning and precise design that you reference works when you have a large organization with a large pile of capital that is willing and able to spend the time and money to do something right the first time. This is optimal when that environment is present, but impossible for a small community of semi-skilled workers and farmers. The whole point is that the approach described in the article should work in the absence of professional skills.

3 ms·

I know some insanely talented mechanical engineers and none of them work remotely like this. The one characteristic I would say I've noticed in them that sets t

by iandanforth 12y ago

john_b 12y ago
I am a mechanical engineer by training, and I think you are missing the point of this experiment. This is the mechanical equivalent of a series of quick hacks. I don't think anyone expects these machines to last long or work without frequent maintenance. As I read it, the goal is only to enable a small community to be self sufficient; the machines should last long enough for them to accomplish their purpose. When they inevitably break down, the tools and materials will exist to repair or replace them, and the community will have the knowledge to do so. The kind of up-front planning and precise design that you reference works when you have a large organization with a large pile of capital that is willing and able to spend the time and money to do something right the first time. This is optimal when that environment is present, but impossible for a small community of semi-skilled workers and farmers. The whole point is that the approach described in the article should work in the absence of professional skills.