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There are things that some of us older guys can do to stretch our capabilities in some very unique ways. One of them is learning new software programs that open doors to some amazing things. An average person like me can learn these programs in a matter of a few weeks and get proficient with them in a few months. Once you have the ability to manipulate these programs, the Sky's the limit as to what you can do. Several programs come to mind, but the two that really drive the point home are:
1) DraftSight - This program is an essential part of the creative process where any custom metal work is required. This program allows you to make custom parts out of just about any thickness of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. without paying exorbitant programming fees. It's a very specialized CAD style program that most machine and fabrication shops use for precision Laser, WaterJet or Plasma cutting of parts. This cuts the cost of making specialty parts by more than half. I was able to design my internal distributor HEI adapter plate this way. The precision that can be reached using this program is amazing. Of course using the proper cutting technique for the job is another important factor. For something like the internal HEI plate, nothing less than the best was needed. Waterjet is the best, then Laser, then Plasma. Waterjet is so precise, you can have them cut 6-32 holes (the size for tapping to that size) and have no problems. This proved to be a problem with the other methods. The good news is, your software program file works with any of them. Draftsight is free and runs on Windows 10 just fine.
2) DipTrace - This is more of a specialty item for Electronics Engineers. It allows you to take your schematic diagram and makes a file that you send to a Printed Circuit Board manufacturer. If you have them do it, it costs more than half more. By learning a new program, hundreds of dollars are saved. In this case, any electronic device you can think of can be made and the best part is, you have total control of the quality because just like DraftSight, all of the placement issues are resolved by you.
There are many more from starting your own web site, blog, etc to doing your own graphic design. The computer is much more than something to peruse Facebook. Learning new software is not insurmountable by any means. The satisfaction of doing something extraordinary is just a few weeks away!
1) DraftSight - This program is an essential part of the creative process where any custom metal work is required. This program allows you to make custom parts out of just about any thickness of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. without paying exorbitant programming fees. It's a very specialized CAD style program that most machine and fabrication shops use for precision Laser, WaterJet or Plasma cutting of parts. This cuts the cost of making specialty parts by more than half. I was able to design my internal distributor HEI adapter plate this way. The precision that can be reached using this program is amazing. Of course using the proper cutting technique for the job is another important factor. For something like the internal HEI plate, nothing less than the best was needed. Waterjet is the best, then Laser, then Plasma. Waterjet is so precise, you can have them cut 6-32 holes (the size for tapping to that size) and have no problems. This proved to be a problem with the other methods. The good news is, your software program file works with any of them. Draftsight is free and runs on Windows 10 just fine.
2) DipTrace - This is more of a specialty item for Electronics Engineers. It allows you to take your schematic diagram and makes a file that you send to a Printed Circuit Board manufacturer. If you have them do it, it costs more than half more. By learning a new program, hundreds of dollars are saved. In this case, any electronic device you can think of can be made and the best part is, you have total control of the quality because just like DraftSight, all of the placement issues are resolved by you.
There are many more from starting your own web site, blog, etc to doing your own graphic design. The computer is much more than something to peruse Facebook. Learning new software is not insurmountable by any means. The satisfaction of doing something extraordinary is just a few weeks away!