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George
09-26-2001, 09:16 AM
I don't know how much staff you have available to work on creating/maintaining this capability at your site. But I think that such a section would be very nice.

This would not be a forum such as the ones here. It would be a place containing "how to" articles for using Ridgid tools. Allow users to submit articles (with pics) to be published in the "how to" section.

These articles could cover such things as:
-- Shop-built jigs designed *specifically* for Ridgid tools (table saw, band saw, drill press, etc.)
-- Woodworking techniques using Ridgid tools.
-- Tips for setting up/using/maintaining Ridgid tools.
-- Ability to download plans, if applicable, for the project covered by the article should the author wish to include those as a zip file.
-- Use of third party accessories with Ridgid tools. I've noticed a number of questions on these forums about using other jigs/accessories with Ridgid tools. Articles on how to do it could be very helpful to some.

You could also include in such a section, links to other how-to sites. I wouldn't necessarily provide links to other articles at other websites however. I have noticed that links to articles on different woodworking sites tend to be quite volatile as website come & go and new articles are "featured". But links to other, established, sites would be useful. If authors wanted to, they could provide links to their sites in articles that they write.

There could even be multiple "departments" within the "how-to" section. As an example, you could have one with tips & "how-to" articles on the plumbing tools that you make.

As a final extension to this capability, you could provide readers the ability to post comments about the article that would be displayed at the bottom of the page. These could be tied to the article via a database and could provide a forum of sorts for each individual article. This would allow readers to address comments on possible alternatives to a step/technique in the topic covered, or to address questions to the author.

Just some thoughts.

Norm
09-27-2001, 08:02 AM
George

I think this is an excellent idea, and it's one we have discussed before here at Ridge. Unfortunately we don't have the staffing to implement a project like this right now, since it's just Josh, Ryan, and myself; and we have a couple of other big projects going on. But I appreciate your thought and if other people chime in with a request for this sort of thing, we might suddenly find the resources.

George
09-27-2001, 01:39 PM
You could also provide a template file to download that authors could use when submitting articles. This would help ensure a consistent look to the articles posted and reduce your level of editorial work.

Mike Howard
11-19-2002, 07:30 AM
George has a great idea. especially the part about users posting articles with pics. I also do web development and understand the manpower problem. But I bet most of the work would be frontloaded and the maintenance would not be too time-consuming.

Hope it happens.

hi ho sliver
11-19-2002, 09:23 AM
Chime in!....Chime in!

JSchnarre
11-19-2002, 09:36 AM
George,

Thanks for the suggestions. I forwarded this page on to the webmaster for www.ridgidwoodworking.com (http://www.ridgidwoodworking.com) . Hopefully he can use some of your ideas.

Jake

George
10-20-2003, 08:32 AM
I thought that I would bring this up again in hopes that the new Ridgid business model might reconsider some of these ideas.

Contractor One
11-04-2003, 05:29 PM
I think George has a good idea! if you guys need my help let me know, i will do what i can to help with a project like that!

Rob C
11-19-2003, 01:47 PM
Let me also add my 2 cents.

A section/s can be created by the Ridgid sysop (Norm) called WW 101 and WW Jigs etc (what ever). The users (us) can add posts to those sections with pics or links. That way, no work or time is really required by the Ridgid folks.

Rob

[ 11-19-2003, 01:51 PM: Message edited by: Rob C ]

imported_wyldehorse
03-12-2004, 08:04 PM
Hello, I'm new, I just bought my first compound miter saw (the Ridgid 12" laser) and I'm getting acquainted with the site.

I agree, George, you have an excellent idea. I would also like to see more videos for the power tools. Maybe it's my greenness, but I had a heckuva time "filling in the blanks" while reading my instruction manual and assembling the saw; a video that demonstrates how each step is done and answers the questions one might have would be extremely helpful. Or an article such as the ones suggested here that clarifies what the manual left out.

I love the tool!!! But I admit the manual's wording has left a lot to be desired. I suppose I'll address my issues with that under another heading, but yes, I'm all for a How-To Section. I'm a graphic designer with web experience, if you could use some help.