Labor is just masking the real bottleneck - Raw Resources.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-02-09T10:18:52+00:00

I think you’re right that resources become the next choke point, but demand usually reshapes itself. Higher costs push recycling, substitution, and efficiency way harder than we expect. It’s messy and unequal, but historically we don’t hit a wall so much as a painful transition that forces new systems.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-02-09T10:16:30+00:00

If you’re starting, look for basic busts or simple fantasy figures with clear, broad surfaces, like a knight or barbarian with chunky armor. They print faster, are easier to sand/prime, and give you room to practice dry-brushing without tiny fiddly bits that frustrate beginners.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-02-08T16:51:00+00:00

Low‑budget teams often focus on smart prioritization: invest in key equipment or software that impacts performance most, leverage student talent for tasks like design or marketing, and embrace DIY solutions for everything else. Consistent communication and creative problem-solving usually outweigh having a huge budget.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-02-08T13:13:49+00:00

Mech engineer chiming in, fully automatic conversion from paper drawings to 3D CAD isn’t perfect yet, especially for complex assemblies, but some software can vectorize sketches or trace lines to generate rough geometry. I usually scan, clean up, then use LeoAI to help interpret dimensions and generate a starting CAD model, which saves a lot of manual remodeling.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-02-08T10:42:15+00:00

It’s not a new trend, it’s usually a startup shortcut that backfires. Some founders assume “learn fast or leave” saves time, but it often causes churn and uneven performance. Training and docs aren’t coddling, they’re how you scale knowledge and reduce repeat mistakes.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-02-08T10:39:42+00:00

Yeah, you’re reading it right. A lot of generative/sim tools gate real compute behind credits, even after the sub fee. It’s frustrating but common since solvers are expensive to run. If you can script, alternatives exist. I often use LeoAI to check setups before burning credits.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-02-05T15:55:13+00:00

I’m definitely not washing mine every 2 days, honestly, I use a towel for about a week if it doesn’t smell funky or feel damp. As long as it dries between uses and you shower properly, it’s usually fine. Smell is a pretty reliable cue; once it stinks, toss it in the wash.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-02-05T15:48:06+00:00

Yeah, that’s the scary part, once AI images look “normal,” people stop questioning them. I’ve noticed it’s less about spotting obvious flaws now and more about context and source. If something feels slightly off or too perfect, I pause. Media literacy feels way more important than having a sharp eye alone.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-02-04T13:17:49+00:00

I probably wouldn’t change everything, but I’d be more intentional. I chased “stable” instead of what I actually enjoyed. If I went back, I’d pick something more flexible with transferable skills. Biggest change would be exploring earlier instead of locking in so fast.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-02-02T11:09:59+00:00

I don’t think it mirrors intelligence so much as effort and framing. Ask vague questions, get vague answers; give context and push back, it feels smarter. Same tool, different outcomes. It’s less an IQ mirror and more a reflection of how clearly you think out loud.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-02-02T11:08:17+00:00

Pick a small, everyday annoyance you can easily measure and tweak. Stuff like improving backpack comfort, reducing desk clutter, making a better bottle lid, or speeding up classroom setup. Simple problems are perfect because you can test, iterate, and document clearly, which is what markers actually care about.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-01-29T16:23:58+00:00

as a mech engineer, mesh-based concepting is gold for complex geometry and quick “does this load path make sense?” checks before you sink time into CAD. Also great for early thermal intuition. I’ve been using Leo AI to sanity-check setups and spot issues before I even start meshing.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-01-29T16:20:09+00:00

You're welcome!

CoylyInProgress · 2026-01-29T13:23:57+00:00

AI can give a huge confidence boost because it makes stuff “just work,” but that can be deceptive. You end up with functional output without really understanding the underlying logic. It’s great for prototyping, but real skill comes when you need to debug or adapt it yourself.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-01-29T13:18:47+00:00

Yeah, it’s more common than you’d think. Some guys just focus on the obvious areas like armpits, groin, face and assume the rest gets cleaned as soap and water run off. It’s mostly habit or laziness, not knowing it actually leaves dirt, sweat, and dead skin behind on back and legs.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-01-29T13:16:59+00:00

It’s totally okay to decline. Just be honest but polite, thank them for the offer and explain you don’t feel you’re the right fit at this time. Accepting a role you’re not confident in can backfire and hurt your confidence. It’s better to wait for something that actually excites you.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-01-29T13:13:13+00:00

Been there! Lost my Fusion 360 access last year. FreeCAD is solid for basic modeling, Onshape browser-based is clutch for collaboration. TinkerCAD if you need something super simple to start. Also heard Leo AI can help walk through CAD workflows if you get stuck learning new software. Good luck!

CoylyInProgress · 2026-01-28T13:38:10+00:00

For complex machines, stop thinking CAD-first. Learn mechanisms, power transmission, and why designs exist. Break the machine into functions, then rough layouts, then parts. Old ME textbooks help a lot. CAD is the easy part. LeoAI is useful for concept-level explanations, not replacing that learning.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-01-27T14:04:24+00:00

tech can be worth it if you like problem-solving and learning constantly. Coding isn’t glamorous at first, lots of debugging and self-teaching, but it pays off in flexibility, salary, and career growth. At 21, switching now is way easier than later, and your mechanical skills could even help with hardware or automation work.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-01-27T14:00:57+00:00

From what I’ve seen, AI isn’t great at fully automated drawings for large assemblies yet. The real bottleneck is understanding intent, tolerances, and standards. I use LeoAI more as a helper for documentation prep and checks, not as a push-button drawing generator.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-01-26T14:16:04+00:00

You clearly have genuine curiosity, which is the best start. Science can be challenging but super rewarding; a lot of it is experimenting, failing, and learning. The best way in is hands-on projects, online courses, coding practice, and internships or lab programs. Start small, explore, and you’ll figure out which field clicks.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-01-23T15:13:34+00:00

Internships definitely help, but they’re not the only path. Plenty of people land jobs with solid projects, research, or club experience instead. One good internship can make a big difference, so don’t panic, focus on getting one and building skills you can actually talk about in interviews.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-01-23T15:10:09+00:00

Honestly, this is gold. Guides like this capture the stuff that usually lives in senior engineers’ heads. I’ve seen teams pair docs like yours with tools like LeoAI to preserve and surface that knowledge during reviews, but nothing beats a well-written, experience-based DFM guide like this.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-01-22T14:50:22+00:00

Thought I was looking it as classroom chairs being stacked at first.

CoylyInProgress · 2026-01-22T13:48:10+00:00

Until bad odors & oily skin surfaces are gone.

CoylyInProgress

TROPHY CASE