Musing re instruction manuals. (reading them makes all else fail)

Nope, _never_ suggest a limit, lest some damn fool try to push it. Which goes back to the saying that you can make something foolproof, but you can't make it _damn fool_ proof.

The purpose of the manual is to show how the machine operates under ideal circumstances, with maybe a gesture toward what makes this particular machine different than others of its type. It is not to teach you basic machine skills. If you don't have them, you shouldn't be messing with the machine. Go take a basic course, or check your health insurance.

As to advanced technique, well, all courses begin with safety. You are taught what to do if one engine flames, how to recover from a stall, a spin, and unusual attitudes before you are taught basic maneuvers. As it should be. Thus the warnings, cautions and notes in the manual about things that can go wrong, prompting you to think before you try. If they seem simple or patronizing, remember the fool. He's sitting there nodding in agreement, because he never thought of it. Hopefully he remembers arming levers raise, triggers squeeze. Sure there's all that stuff about securing your mask, lowering both visors and straightening up, elbows in, but lack of that knowledge won't necessarily kill you.

If a piece is vibrating the machine, reach for the off switch. I always hated reading accident reports about guys who delayed their decision - probably trying to figure out how to fix whatever was wrong - until they were out of the envelope. Not that I expect a perfect machine from the lowest bidder, but if it's not working, I was willing to give it back - as it was, where it was. Be willing to accept that there are some pieces which should not be turned.

To paraphrase: the manual tries to get you to accept the things you cannot change; knowledge to change the things you can; but relies ultimately on you to have the wisdom to know the difference.

I remember Heathkits.........and Knight Kits. Assembled a transistor radio and a stereo receiver while I was in high school.........longer ago than I care to remember, though. As I recall, the instructions were impeccable! Not like the ones we sometimes get today with our "Made in China" and "Made in Taiwan" tools. I think the instruction manuals may have been written in Chinese, then translated word for word by a computer.

Barry

======================= I worked for a MAJOR German medical equipment manufacturing conglomerate for

18 yrs as a field service engineer. We were required to install according to mfg specs AND also to meet radiation protection regulations of our own beloved DHHS. The instruction manuals were written by the German technical staff, then sent to German to English translators (NOT technical) who were versed in British English. What we often got was comical, and often required getting a German speaking staff member to read the German version of the instructions or making a long distance call to the R&D staff. I can see where, if there's that much trouble on multi million dollar systems, a low dollar woodturning machine doesn't stand a chance in the international markets. Frustrating!!{:-(

Ken Moon Webberville, TX.

Here's a favorite from the Makita 3612 router manual:

"The stopper pole can be moved rapidly by depressing the fast-food button."

I pushed and pushed on that button and Still had to go make my own sandwich. Whatta ripoff!

Occasionally I am asked to write up a how-to paper for using some stats software package. As the paper needs to be accessible to those of all levels of experience and knowledge of stats, I tend to go to the lowest common denominator. It does get a bit tedious for some who are very familiar with the subject matter (as well as the package) but then, if they are so familiar, they needn't be looking over the paper forn anything other than a constructive critique. I am one of those who read over the entire manual prior to piddling with the machinery, or software, or whatever. I read it with a yellow marker and highlight all dubious sections. Seems the 'foreign' produced manuals have only a slight edge over the domestic produced ones in terms of the ampunt of yellow after I am finished.

====>And here I thought we'd resolved "The Yellow Peril" issue years ago!

*G*

Leif

Arch, My ideal would have clear, crisp exploded parts diagrams whose matching names in the parts list corresponded with the names used in the text.

It would list all preventative maintenance procedures on the same page. This could be readily photocopied for posting near the tool in use.

Adjustment ranges would be clearly and accurately marked on the tool itself but the illustrations would also be readily legible in the event that the markings on the machine were somehow lost.

Fasteners would use only one measurement system. Fasteners would be packed with the part they attach to the main body. When I pull the headstock out of the packaging, I should have the headstock bolts in my hand, too.

If lubrication is needed before use, the initial charge of lubricant should be included. (ie; a chainsaw should ship with both bar & chain oil and enough 2-cycle oil for the first five gallons of fuel)

Gray scale photographs should not be used where line drawings could tell the story better.

Prices and ordering procedures would be readily apparent and current prices should be sent without formal request when the device is registered.

Repair manuals (as distinct from maintenance / use manuals) should be available free or for only a small (self-liquidating) charge upon request.

Where a specific hardware item is used, such as a bearing, identify its source and retail part number or trade description. (1/2" ID, 3" OD, 1/2" bearing face, sealed, medium precision tapered roller bearing)

If the same manual is used for a whole family of machines, point out the distinctions between the machines with a photo or an illustration. I recently bought a stationary belt sander whose assembly instructions would have built a different base than shipped and whose illustration had nothing to do with either the word picture or the shipped article. Once I decided to go it on my own, the confusion subsided considerably.

Oh ... and have the English translation of a technical manual proofread by a technically competent person who speaks English as their native language. Have them assemble the item without diverting from the printed instructions. If they can't do it, no one else can, either.

Bill

Never run the chuck onto the spindle while the spindle is powered up.

Off the topic of turning but the Honda mower I bought was oiled, gassed and included another pint of Honda oil for the first oil change. I really appreciated that when it came time.