How do you read the magazine.??

[JohnB]

G'day all,
Dave (Plaquered) and myself were having a bit of a chat awhile ago, and some how this came up in the conversation.

We both tend to look at a project that may interests us then work out how, we'd do it, before reading the instructions.

I find that by doing this, you are able to develop your own techniques, that are required to finish the project.
After you read the article you might ditch your ideas for the authors, but if you read the "how to" 1st, it tends to lead in that direction with blinkers and shut out alternatives.

Does anybody else do this ??? Maybe we are just strange

[JimSawyer]

Yea, I guess I do pretty much the same thing. I'll just see something, and start thinking of how it's put together, and what goes into it. But, I'm a big fan of reading instructions, there may be something more that I haven't considered, some new technique or something.

[Mick Walker]

WHAT?????? You are supposed to read the instructions BEFORE you tackle the project??????

[KtownScroller]

I like to read the article and the instructions first, then I formulate a method of attack. Most times I don't like the methods that the author suggests, but sometimes the author has an innovative idea or technique that appeals to me. So, if I plunge right in without reading the article I just might miss something that will make my life easier.

Of course those with tons of experience and a variety of equipment will rarely follow the plans. They know what they want to do and how to accomplish it.

[Janette]

I thought it was against the law for men to read instructions!

I always read the articles because
1. quite often I'll pick up a new tip or trick,
2. "we" people that write the articles spend a lot of time trying to word them in such a way that people will understand what the heck we're talking about.

I'll always look at the index first to see what's in the issue, then I'll go to the articles that interest me most first. I will go back and read the magazine from front to back (in order!) after as well. Then...I sit there and say, darn- I have to wait another 3 months for the next one

[unixpro]

That reminded me of the old "Honest, honey...I'm reading it for the articles!"

I check out the pictures and take a look at the plans. If anything strikes me as particularly difficult or tricky, I'll check out the article for pointers.

[miniwoodworker]

I usually flip through first, just looking at the projects. Then, I like to go back and read everything. When I begin a project, I may or may not go back and re-read the directions. Just depends on the project.

BTW, even though I know space is limited, I like to read more of the "history" of a project. What inspired it? What problems were encountered in developing it? Why those particular woods were chosen? etc. and etc. Wish there was a way to cut down on the "standard" info that's included with almost every project. I understand why it's done, but.... It's like 2 dozen recipes, each stating: "Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until done."

Hope that last part makes sense.

[Bluebird]

well, I must admit I read "the pictures" first Then I read the articles of projects I really like, skipping most of the "how it is made". I am looking for the introduction, the "why", etc and don't really bother on the step by step instructions unless I am intrigued and curious to find out how a project was made. It is only if I intend to do a project that I will read the detailed article looking for pits and falls, tips and tricks before starting.
I read the "non project specific" articles with great interest (on wood proprieties, finishes, coloring techniques,...).

[Ramjet]

I look for the fox first and keep looking till I find it , can take days . I then start at the beginning and look at the article which caught my eye , then start reading from front to back , authors comments ,sometimes how to do if the article is of interest .My wife looks for the fox first also , sort of a contest to see who can find it first and will comment on a particular article she liked . Then wait forever till the next edition comes out .
Cheers .
Roger

[scrolling_grandma]

I first flip throught the magazine and get a general feel for what it contains. I then will spend some time looking more closely at the projects that intrigue me. Then I read the book fom cover to cover. Of course I have to search for the fox. I read the instructions to each project that I intend to make, but first I sorta have an idea in mind about how I might complete the project. I read the instructions in order to gain greater insight and to learn new techniques.