Ironmule's Mistake question

[Dale R. Hamilton]

I was reading old threads just now and came across above reference from Ironmule. He asked "how big a mistake is ok"- This is an important question. It touches each of us. We share this in common with craftsmen everywhere- and in all the ages there ever were. Some really great insight resulted from those who tried to answer his question. For me, the realization that anything on a wooden boat can be fixed was an important discovery- an epiphany in fact. It liberated me from a timid, hesitant tinkerer- to a builder that gets things done- although sometimes at greater cost than I anticipated.

[Memphis Mike]

Dale, to me its how I view the mistake.
Everything can be fixed but at what cost and
what will be the end result.

The mistakes that we don't learn from and
create a positive outcome are the ones
that are the most damaging.

[PugetSound]

It all comes down to having to conduct a personal review of cost-and-effect (usually conducted in the Groaning Chair). The primary paradigms for any builder/architect/engineer or whatever are: (1) If it isn't broke, don't fix it; (2) don't reinvent the wheel; (3)if it can be hidden by paint then there was never a mistake in the first place. ;)

[wolfietuk]

Remember as the builder you have intimate knowledge of the boat. You willbe the only one to see 99.99% of them. Most people will be impressed that you built something that can float.

Rick

[Ron Williamson]

4)Make it look like(and think of a reason)you did it on purpose.
If you're not making mistakes,you're not trying hard enough.
R

[Hugh Paterson]

A true "craftsman" is the person that spots someones deliberate mistakes, especially if he has hidden it under paint :D

Shug

[Rich VanValkenburg]

Mistakes eat at me all the time, especially if I figure that I just don't have time to fix it. If I think it's something that will let go in a year or two, I tear it out and do it again. I'd rather do it now than later 'cuz my eyes are going fast.

Rich

[Wild Wassa]

My attitude in life is, "if you can see what I've done, then I haven't done it". This has been with me for nearly 26 years. Another thing, that I also picked up as a young tradesman, again from my old boss Mr Ralph Weston was, "If you have to ask, is this good enough, Warren, don't". That was said to me on day one. He taught me well. I was with him for 12 years. He was also Commodore of one of the yacht clubs. I told you he taught me well.

Warren.

[ 07-06-2002, 06:54 PM: Message edited by: Wild Wassa ]

[warthog5]

Or you could use the Bart Simson quote; I didn't do it,no one say me, can't prove anything. :D