Looking for a more constructive way to waste my time.

[Willowz]

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?

 

[Proton Soup]

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

 

[Willowz]

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.

 

[Proton Soup]

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 ?

 

[Willowz]

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. :(

 

[Proton Soup]

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.

 

[Pythagorean]

build shorty's 18" at pdracer.com

It's just a bunch of square cuts. The fun part is the sailing

 

[Lichdar]

Read an engineering book.

 

[Borg]

Try the technology section of the http://www.instructables.com/tag/type-id/category-technology/" site. There are lots of step-by-step projects for different levels of expertise.

 

[TheStatutoryApe]

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.

 

[zooxanthellae]

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.