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Metal work at schools

School projects for boys

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Ian S C11/02/2012 11:24:45
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7468 forum posts
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A number of high schools around the South Island NZ are getting into engineering in quite a big way. One project is building Grass Carts (go-cart type vehicle), they get sponcers for parts, and materials, then the build up the frame, steering,brakes etc, fit the motor. After all that, the schools get together and race their carts, there are points for winning, and construction.
At the moment I'm keen for some night classes to be held, I'd like a basic course in TIG welding. The local school has upgraded its metal work class rooms, the old workshop was quite good with half a dozen Boxfords, and a Myford 10 the was converted to CNC, they also had a shaper, but no milling machines(they have now). I remember the Teacher there 10 years ago saying that as far as he knew no one had used the shaper, and he did'nt now how to, so I got it going one night at a class. Shapers are neat machines! Ian S C
Nobby11/02/2012 11:44:31
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587 forum posts
113 photos
Hi
William my Grandson loves this little shaper I'm the power source !!!! Nobby

 
Romeo R.L11/02/2012 12:06:42
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17 forum posts
3 photos
Hello Everyone,
The only way that i could get close to doing engineering would be to do it as a BTEC once i am 16. This however is not the best way to become an engineer.
I recently only discovered my passion for model engineering and as it was mentioned above health and safety prevent you from doing everything these days which is why we only have 1 lathe in school, they used to have around 20 lathes from what i am told.
 
It seems as if nowdays barely anybody is qualified to teach metal work in school. It is all wood work now, which is safer but simply not even close to as much fun in my eyes,
 
Regards,
Romeo
Ketan Swali11/02/2012 13:25:06
1481 forum posts
149 photos
Romeo,

Where there is a will, there is a way. Do not be discouraged. See if there is a model engineering club near you. Most of these clubs are affiliated to the SMEE.

Link here: http://www.sm-ee.co.uk/

Some clubs are more active and friendly then others. Consider joining one. If you dont ask for help, you dont get. The club rules may suggest that there needs to be parental presence. Still, there are always ways around things, if you really want to learn.

Nowdays, there are forums such as this and youtube too. Just watch, read, listen ask and you can still learn. You might pick up good and bad habits and advice along the way, but that is part of learning.

Good Luck - Ketan.
Romeo R.L11/02/2012 14:15:49
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17 forum posts
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Kentan,
Yes i am a member of a local club, i am building loco's as we speek, but it is such a shame that the younger community are missing out, that would be my main point it is rediculous how metal work is barely tought anywhere!


Ketan Swali11/02/2012 14:35:34
1481 forum posts
149 photos
Ok I understand now.
 
Thanks, Ketan.
Peter G. Shaw11/02/2012 15:04:56
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1531 forum posts
44 photos
Romeo,
 
The best tip I can give you is to have a go - it will either work, or it won't. And in either instance you will learn something.
 
I don't know how old you are, except that you are obviously under 16. When my grandson showed his interest, I said to him, "Ok, have a go. There is only one rule - don't hurt yourself." I even said that I didn't care what he broke as he will have learned something.
 
Good luck, and remember, "Those who do not try, never make mistakes!"
 
Peter G. Shaw
michael burton 111/02/2012 21:49:39
126 forum posts
32 photos
hi all i left school in 2004 not that many years ago, as of the last few years in school i was the only person who had touched the lathes in many years. i for me think what was the road in to engineering apart from familey was the fact of 'work experience' i did 2 weeks in a local engineering workshop this then led me to get a job before i left school so the same week i was straight in to work, sadley the company went bankrupt but i learnt basic cnc programing and manual work one thing i will say is at school as others have said there was not one teacher that had used a lathe in say 10+ years i now only do it as a hobby i went down the automotive route and now have qulifacations in being a mechanic. i think if when work experience allows pick an engineering company if you can as this may be what opens the door to the engineering career that is wanted
Clive Hartland11/02/2012 23:19:55
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2929 forum posts
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MikeW, I am an Ex Army Apprentice, I joined the AAS in 1952 and spent three years at Arborfield learning to be an Instrument Technician and also a soldier.
There was another schools at Chepstow
On completion of my three years I was a Class three Technician and was posted to various places around the world, Hong Kong, Kenya and Germany and some home postings.
Along the way I aquired 1st class status and served for 25 years.
I then retired from the army and took up with a world famous Swiss surveying equipment manufacture who I served with for 25 years.
I am now retired but still work on instruments.
Basic skills and machining were the order of the day and as you went from Unit to Unit your role changed so you had to be adaptable.
One place I am in optics another in electronics.
I had a good life and enjoyed where I was sent.
After 60 years I am still in touch with lads I went to Arborfield with.
 
Clive
 
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