semi-OT: do you routinely attempt projects out of your comfort zone?

[Ethan Dicks]

I certainly do.  Just last night, I was learning how to manipulate CAM
software to cut out parts for a RepRap on a Shopbot.  I'm fine with
traditional woodworking, and with computers, but a large-format CNC
router table is new to me.

With lots of help from other enthusiastic newbies on the gear, we
managed to cut the right shape, but at 91% of the correct size - more
to learn.

We always had a wood and metal shop in the garage when I was growing
up, but it was traditional gear (table saw, radial arm saw, band saw,
drill press, oxy-acetylene torch, arc welder, grinders, hand tools,
etc.)  I'm having a blast learning CAM software (the CAD stuff could
sure be easier to learn, I gotta say) - and I'm finding my experience
with PCBs and Gerber files has been essential to understanding the
problems I've run into manipulating the Shopbot.

-ethan