new classiccmp.org service

[Tony Duell]

> > In a couple of cases, I disagree with the advice given.
> You're allowed, entitled, and encouraged to disagree. That's what the "add 
> comment" feature is for! Or better yet, post your own article on the 
> subject. I'd prefer the KB to be less "conversational", that's what the list 
> is for. Instead, I'd prefer if an alternate post is more along the lines of 
> "Here's what *I* think, and why".

That, actually, is what I have a problem with. Many people here know what 
they're talking about (unlike me?) but I've learnt over the years that if 
you get two experts together, they will not agree on most things. They 
won't start a flamewar, but they will have different views, different 
ways of doing things, and so on.

Now, the thing about this list is that often many of us put forward our 
views, our way of doing things. The original questioner can then see a 
range of possible answers known that each one 'works' for at least 
somebody. On the knowledgebase, you're likely to get one or two answers 
at most, there is no discussion.


> >
> > 1) Buy a cheap Dial Test Indicator. My view : I am not rich enough to buy
> > cheap tools!
> I definitely see your point. The spirit of my post was directed at those who 
> are on a budget, and there's a lot of dial test indicators out there that 

You think I'm not on a budget? Not having a job for getting on for 8 
years doesn't exactly help...

> cost several hundreds of dollars median price. My own thought was that given 
> a tight budget, a few hundred dollar dti wasn't going to make it into a new 
> collectors toolkit. I would rather them have a cheap one, and be able to 
> learn how to replace a platter, than try to do it without one at all, or 

I would agree to a point. However, at least over here, manufacturing
industry is in a total mess, and there are fair number of second-hand
tools (including DTIs, micrometers, etc) from works that have closed down,
that are relatively inexpensive and are of good quality. If it's not been
misused, a DTI will still be useable, it will not be worn out. I can't
rememebr what I paid for mine, but they're a good make (Moore and Wright I
think, maybe Starret), probably payed a few 10's of pounds (each) for
them. 

Another general point : It's often better to have a tool/instrument that 
looks inferior on paper (i.e. a lower specification) but which actually 
meets that spec, rather than one that seems to be better but doesn't meet 
the spec (or what you'd expect the spec to be) in peculiar ways. A good 
3.5 digit DMM is a lot more use than a poor 4.5 digit one, for example.

> Tony, I must respectfully admit that I am a little confused why you were 
> left with the opinion that the KB was meant to be the "gospel truth". 

My experience is that FAQs often are taken in this way, even if that was 
not the original intention.

> Differing viewpoints are most welcome and encouraged. Perhaps it was my 
> statement that I don't want the KB to become a "conversation", in that light 

Yes, that's certainly part of that. I am a great believer in rational 
discussion (which often takes place on this list). 

> are concerned it may become, is if you don't post articles with your own 
> views. If you do, then there's no way it can become that.

Well, unless the moderator decides to reject articles with a particular 
viewpoint (no, I don't realistically think this will happen, OK).

-tony