It might be a good idea if the readers commented. Would the majority prefer to exchange views on a layman's level, and not have those of us with commercial experience interject our guidance?
Personally, secure in the knowledge I spend considerable time answering questions and lending my comments, even when not asked, I'd be better off if I simply ignored the board. I could use the time elsewhere to great benefit. I've always felt I was contributing something to my friends. Maybe it doesn't work out that way.
I'll welcome comments such that if you'd prefer I keep my mouth shut, I'll do so. Let me know!
Harold
Well Harold I am quite certain you know where I stand on this, but for the record let me state that I can go ANYWHERE for slip shod advice! Coming here I have learned from professionals like you and have even passed a small nugget or two along myself.
I look at it this way, just like anything worth doing, a fella has got to do his homework - you don't go out and buy the first car you see, nor the first house. You might be better served if you peek inside a fellas kitchen before eating his food!
If someone reads your advice and then deems it "over the top" then fine don't use it - it only hurts them. But I fully agree when they come out and suggest it is "impractical" or "too difficult" then THEY really are doing a disservice to us all. I'm all for having someone share a "tip" but lets not kid ourselves into thinking that they are all "fool proof" methods.
One of my many "hats" at work is writing/editing field manuals for our equipment (medical industry). I ALWAYS insist we define the "proper" methods - even when someone suggests the field guy will never follow it the way we wrote it. My defense is always - "Well when it fails - it will be his problem" And while that may seem a bit short sighted I've learned that I CANNOT control other people's work - only my own.Instead I try my best to influence them towards "toting the line". I cannot be part of allowing the standard to slip - that task is what the some of the self appointed experts are good at.
Harold I see little difference in what you are so feverishly trying to accomplish. So obviously I truely respect that. I also see your time as a gift to us wanting to improve our shop thinking as well as or machining skills. It's that whole "tech me to fish" thing.
Don't let the "nay sayers" get you down or worse yet keep you from posting. I don't give a crap if 99% of them wants you to shut up!!! They'd be WRONG and I'd be the first to say so. BUT!!!!! I think the true reality is that there is but a small percentage that doesn't want to hear what you've got to say. And frankly they are idiots. Any one and I mean ANYONE should at least listen to all points of view - they don't necessarily have to agree with them entirely, but to even suggest we don't listen at all is pure nonsense. Harold you just can't please all the people all the time. Especially when our pride gets into the picture.
It is simple really, each person can embrace whatever method they choose. Me personally I'd always prefer knowing the "right" way. I find it especially funny that as a mostly hobby board so many seem to not have the time to do it right, but instead think they can call themselves experts since they can accomplish (in their minds) the same task in the same amount of time. Bunk!!!! Plain and simple.
Personally I have had many interests over the years, and frankly I have (at times) produced results that rivaled what some of the Professionals do. And while that may sound like bragging - it isn't - it's the plain truth. What sets us apart is that most often it will take me 5 or 10 times longer than what the Pro's take. THAT'S where I come to really appreciate their skill. Fast, efficient, accurate. Then of course as the task become even more complicated then I clearly fall by the wayside and again we are set apart. Thems the breaks!!
Harold BOTTOM LINE - I have become a better machinist because of you and people like you. I have NOT improved my skills one iota by learning these so called "just as good" short cuts. PERIOD. End of story.
Tell me the right way and I have a chance at improving, tell me the short cuts and the only chance I improve is my chance to add another piece to the scrap bucket.
So THERE you have it !!!
That's MY VOTE!!!!!! Harold for President [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif"%20alt="[/img] - !!!!