My aunt wings everything and she ends up calling me to fix the things that setup in a wrong way. I usually take time to read the manual and follow the steps to the tee. When do we follow the instructions and when can we improvise?
johnnycamp5 Messages: 354 Registered: June 2015 Location: NJ
Grand Master
For me-
If you feel you've already done a similar procedure, we can wing it.
Of course, one of the best ways to learn is to fail first.
When your out of your knowledge base (ignorant) towards something , you would/should know that, and study first (especially if the attempt will be too costly for you).
I always read the instructions first, but I look at them as guidelines rather than directions that are set in stone. I'll veer off track if I think using a different fastening or build technique would work better. I'll also make a substitution if what I already have on hand is similar to what the instructions call for. I've had a couple of DIY fails, but things usually work out okay.
Thanks for your inputs. I've asked my aunt about this topic as I got curious about why she doesn't read the manual. She said that that was how she grew up with. They don't have manuals in the old days and you just have to figure out how to put things together.
If there are safety issues involved in a project, go by the "rules" then improvise where necessary. But please don't improvise on electrical projects. Bad things can easily happen.
I thought I would revive this topic to bring up the safety aspect of this.
Yeah, that's a good reminder. I don't often take the time to consider safety measures like I should. I don't usually wing it though. I'm not a talented builder, maker, craftsman, artisan, whatever you want to call it. I need basic directions to follow. I admire those who can wing it. I'm always having to run back to Home Depot or Ace to find the stuff I need since I don't have the skill for making substitutions.
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