My next challenge was that I wanted to make things out of metal, so I became interested in how to use a lathe, a milling machine, and so on. I went to buy this new equipment I thought I'd need and met a man who had a machine shop of his own who was about to retire and move to Florida. He allowed me to visit him after school and on weekends to observe how he used all his tools. I was hooked. When he retired I bought not only all his big equipment but all his little toolboxes as well – they were treasures!

Question

—“On Becoming an Inventor,”
Dean Kamen

Read this passage. Use details from the text to explain how Kamen supports his opinion that making things out of metal was enjoyable.

Answer 1

In the passage, Dean Kamen supports his opinion that making things out of metal was enjoyable through his narrative of discovery and enthusiasm for working with machinery. He describes his initial curiosity that led him to explore the use of a lathe and milling machine, indicating a strong interest in metalworking. Kamen's enjoyment is further illustrated by his experience in visiting the machine shop of a retiring owner, where he was captivated by the tools and processes involved in metalworking. His excitement is palpable as he mentions being "hooked" after observing the work, suggesting a deep fascination and passion for the craft.

Moreover, Kamen's decision to purchase not only the major equipment but also the "little toolboxes" after the man's retirement reflects his appreciation for the tools themselves. By referring to the toolboxes as "treasures," he conveys a sense of joy and value in the resources that enable him to create and innovate. This detail further emphasizes how engaged and fulfilled he felt in this new pursuit. Overall, Kamen's journey from curiosity to active participation in metalworking showcases his enjoyment of the craft, supported by his enthusiastic engagement with the tools and techniques he encountered.