Metal Shop Skills:

• I am proficient in measuring, marking, cutting, drilling, tapping, welding, and grinding.
• I am proficient in using my eyeballs to see straight, square and on center.
• I have most of the decimal equivalents memorized. I am familiar with sizes and varieties of common fasteners and consumables.
• I am proficient in TIG welding. I could be much better, and I will improve, in a timely manner.
• I understand principles of geometric construction - in the context of drafting - and in developing infrastructure to position and hold work during assembly.
• I know the trick of measuring the diagonals to check the squareness of a big thing, for example, and am capable of extending this logic into novel or unfamiliar situations.
• I have some experience with rolling and bending equiptment.
• I am familiar with basic setups on the mill and lathe.
• I learn new equiptment quickly.
• I am in the habit of looking things up and consulting manuals.

Installation Skills:

• I have experience laying out work on-site using a plumb bob, laser and spirit levels, mason twine, and chalkline.
• I have experience with various masonry anchoring systems.
• I have experience installing bracketry on - or inside - stud walls.
• I know various methods for using clamps, shims, ratchet straps, and chainblocks to position and adjust work so that it's straight, plumb, and square, before bolting it down, welding it in place, or before the epoxy sets.

Drafting:

• I am proficient in Rhino 3D.
• I know how to read shop drawings, and the meaning of common symbols, abbreviations, and line types.
• I am happy to learn new software -- CAD, CAM, and otherwise -- as needed.

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