What Does A Homebrew Shop Engineer Need to Know

What does a Homebrewed Shop Engineer need to know? Ultimately it depends on each persons goals. We think some blend of brain work and hands-on skills is the goal.  Math, science and engineering skills, with practical skills like welding, machining, composites and maybe electrical/electronic tech is the model.  A quick look at  The University of Wisconsin's mechanical engineering curriculum guide might be helpful for the brain part. They list 14 three credit classes in just the main topic, mechanical engineering, alone. That's 43 credits out of the 121 credits needed to get a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.  There are only two  math classes required, a calculus and a linear algebra and differential equations class. It looks like students need to come to the program with some good math skills already mastered. There are also courses in chemistry, physics, electronics, engineering graphics and computer sciences that degree seekers need to complete.

Now I'm not suggesting that the Homebrewed Shop Engineer needs to throw himself fully behind such a curriculum, but I am suggesting that it could stand as a model. The internet offers free resources to study all these things so why not try to do what each of us is able. A little bit at a time is better than not at all. In the process each of us can find his own level. Some will want to go on through all the classes and some will not, yet all will benefit.  In the next weeks I'll be presenting an outline with links to specific resources. -- Mitrik Spanner