Tug vs. bridge

[Joe]

I used to program and run a Fadal CNC (machining refractory ceramics of all things, I felt sorry for that machine), and can also weld using wire feed, stick, TIG and gas torch. Been a crane operator, forklift driver etc. Spent many a long shift hand-cranking a Bridgeport mill and Hardinge lathe, and basically doing all those shop tasks that it seems every American guy does in his early years.

Then I got out of school with a CS degree and now program for a living in C, C++, Java and a little HTML. I never really looked back, though I did buy a house with 3-phase in the garage, and I have a few tools out there still.

I think shop skills and computer skills are closely related, if you can do one you can probably handle the other.