DIY a dying breed

[PineRidge]

Think my feelings on this subject go along with Bird's. Things just seem to be so much more complicated these days. Don't get me wrong I still attempt to do the things that I am able like replacing a water heater, garbage disposal, or the like. But I remember when I was a young man and had a hot rod Z-28 and knew how to use a timing light, a dwell meter and fiddle with the jets in the Holley. Man are those days gone. And the service on the engines today for the most part is left to the professionals with the computers. So are things better as a result, well that's a whole other thread I'm afraid.

 

[PineRidge]

Think my feelings on this subject go along with Bird's. Things just seem to be so much more complicated these days. Don't get me wrong I still attempt to do the things that I am able like replacing a water heater, garbage disposal, or the like. But I remember when I was a young man and had a hot rod Z-28 and knew how to use a timing light, a dwell meter and fiddle with the jets in the Holley. Man are those days gone. And the service on the engines today for the most part is left to the professionals with the computers. So are things better as a result, well that's a whole other thread I'm afraid.

 

[Iowachild]

<font color="blue">DIY a dying breed </font>

When they pry my tools from my cold dead hands! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Iowachild]

<font color="blue">DIY a dying breed </font>

When they pry my tools from my cold dead hands! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Mrwurm]

I seem to be of the opposite opinion. Everyday there is another DIY show on cable/satellite. Stores like Lowe's and Home Depot are selling mainly to homeowner DIY'ers. The big box stores also run classes on the weekends. Whatever you want to do, they are there to show you how (and then sell you the tools and materials) I know that I am surely doing more stuff myself than my dad ever could. My dad did'nt have access to the 'know-how' via internet or cable and only contractors had access to alot of the materials.

And, although cars are becoming more complex, saturdays and sundays are filled with TV shows that show you how to restore an old car or modify a new one.

Now that I think about it . . . DIY is bigger than ever and growing every day.

 

[Mrwurm]

I seem to be of the opposite opinion. Everyday there is another DIY show on cable/satellite. Stores like Lowe's and Home Depot are selling mainly to homeowner DIY'ers. The big box stores also run classes on the weekends. Whatever you want to do, they are there to show you how (and then sell you the tools and materials) I know that I am surely doing more stuff myself than my dad ever could. My dad did'nt have access to the 'know-how' via internet or cable and only contractors had access to alot of the materials.

And, although cars are becoming more complex, saturdays and sundays are filled with TV shows that show you how to restore an old car or modify a new one.

Now that I think about it . . . DIY is bigger than ever and growing every day.

 

[Boondox]

All during my middle school years I enjoyed my wood and metal shop classes, though we were only allowed to do very basic things. High school was where the real stuff was learned and boy was I ever looking forward to taking HS wood, metal and auto shop!

But the year before I moved on to high school the powers that be decided to eliminate those courses because, and I must paraphrase since it's been so long, "every child had a right to go to college and all of them must be prepared for the entrance exams." Trade-type skills, it was decided by those well-meaning educators, should not be taught lest our children be shortchanged.

So here I am with all sorts of advanced degrees, the ability to use some of the most advanced enterprise planning software in the world...and I'd give much of it away for the knowledge it takes to rebuild an engine!

Pete

 

[Boondox]

All during my middle school years I enjoyed my wood and metal shop classes, though we were only allowed to do very basic things. High school was where the real stuff was learned and boy was I ever looking forward to taking HS wood, metal and auto shop!

But the year before I moved on to high school the powers that be decided to eliminate those courses because, and I must paraphrase since it's been so long, "every child had a right to go to college and all of them must be prepared for the entrance exams." Trade-type skills, it was decided by those well-meaning educators, should not be taught lest our children be shortchanged.

So here I am with all sorts of advanced degrees, the ability to use some of the most advanced enterprise planning software in the world...and I'd give much of it away for the knowledge it takes to rebuild an engine!

Pete

 

[PineRidge]

Pete I fully agree. I was lucky enough to get 2 years worth of wood shop & 2 years worth of metal shop and am so thankful for it.

 

[PineRidge]

Pete I fully agree. I was lucky enough to get 2 years worth of wood shop & 2 years worth of metal shop and am so thankful for it.