Looking for a more constructive way to waste my time.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding constructive activities related to engineering that can be pursued during leisure time. Participants share various suggestions and personal experiences regarding engaging with engineering concepts and projects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to find more constructive ways to spend time related to engineering, mentioning an interest in taking motors apart.
  • Another participant challenges the notion that engineering is solely about disassembling motors, suggesting that while it may be a common trait, it is not definitive of the field.
  • A participant notes that taking things apart can be a learning experience and that dead equipment can provide parts for projects.
  • One participant indicates a strong interest in fixing things, even without prior knowledge, and suggests that having a pile of broken items could provide motivation.
  • Suggestions for constructive activities include building projects from plans, reading engineering books, and exploring technology projects on Instructables.
  • A participant mentions a friend's interest in simple mechanical projects, such as building a boiler and a steam engine.
  • Another suggestion includes playing FoldIt, a game that involves protein folding, which is described as both fun and scientifically beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition of engineering and the activities that constitute constructive engagement with the field. While some agree on the value of hands-on projects, there is no consensus on what specific activities are most beneficial.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their interests and motivations, indicating that personal engagement with projects may vary based on individual preferences and experiences.

Willowz
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Usually when I get bored I play some games and roam around youtube or look around PF. I'm interested in engineering and am wondering if there is a more constructive way to waste time that would be oriented towards engineering? I wish I had the interest to take motors apart and understand each component and such. Is there anything you would recommend from your experience?
 
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Willowz said:
Usually when I get bored I play some games and roam around youtube or look around PF. I'm interested in engineering and am wondering if there is a more constructive way to waste time that would be oriented towards engineering? I wish I had the interest to take motors apart and understand each component and such. Is there anything you would recommend from your experience?

these two statements don't jibe
 
Proton Soup said:
these two statements don't jibe
Well I don't think engineering actually means taking motors apart. But, doing so sure would be a more 'constructive' way at wasting time.
 
Last edited:
Willowz said:
Well I don't think engineering actually means taking motors apart.

it's often considered a common trait of those that enter, tho. taking things apart is an effort to learn how they work. putting them back together is often even more challenging. dead equipment can also be a good source of cheap parts for any projects you might want to build.

--

edit - do you have interest in fixing things ?
 
Last edited:
Proton Soup said:
edit - do you have interest in fixing things ?
Oh yes, very much so. I really like fixing things if I know how to.

The above should read: I really like fixing things even if I don't know how to. :(
 
Willowz said:
Oh yes, very much so. I really like fixing things if I know how to.

The above should read: I really like fixing things even if I don't know how to. :(

ah, i see. so you need that sense of purpose when disassembling things. maybe all you need is a big pile of broken stuff. :wink:
 
build shorty's 18" at pdracer.com

It's just a bunch of square cuts. The fun part is the sailing
 
Read an engineering book.
 
  • #10
Currently a friend of mine is attempting to engage himself with simple mechanical projects. He said he found a plan for building a boiler out of a soup can. He wants to try this and then try building it on a larger scale. I think he also wants to build a steam engine and maybe make a steam powered generator.
 
  • #11
Play FoldIt, a fun game about protein folding (it's more like a spatial puzzle than anything)? Bonus points because solved "puzzles" are actually scientifically useful.
 

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