Searching

[JPG40504]

As Dusty has expressed his frustration with the effects of gerrymandering with the subject matter in threads, I start this thread to discuss the search function and how we use it.

Apparently Dusty is experiencing difficulty 'finding' a thread/post that he remembers by using the search function.

I have been frustrated by my own lack of success also, but I am not inclined to blame it on the rambling of the subject matter, but rather on limitations of the search function it self.

By going off on a tangent we introduce 'new' subject matter that is not referenced in the title. The search by title only will Not find it.

The 'Found' threads containing the word(s) searched for are displayed in there entirety, and Not just the post where it is found.

This requires scanning the thread to find the 'found' word(s).

Although the search function does 'highlight' the found word(s) in red, a poster can also post in red so that is not always concise.

Is there a better method than that which I have described herein.:confused:

[dlbristol]

I don't know of any other ways to do the searching. I have bookmarked individual threads in the past and created a special folder for these threads. You can mark a specific reply with in the thread. You can rename the bookmark in the folder so that the name is more descriptive of the content.

I would also ask a question. I started a thread about using rough cut lumber to build a bed and then continued to post other questions about the bed construction, pictures ect. Should we try to keep the content " on topic" or "on project"? Would it make any difference?
I will make a concerted effort to stay on topic from here on!:o

[beeg]

Should we try to keep the content " on topic" or "on project"? Would it make any difference?
:o


I wood say that the "TOPIC" and the "PROJECT" are the same. Many times things are brought up that should be in either a new thread or at least in a like thread.

[tdubnik]

You can scan an internet page for certain words with the "ctrl f" function. This opens up a search for your current page and lets you enter the word you are looking for. This could be used in addition to the normal search to scan the page for your word.

[hobbydad]

Another option would be to use Google's search engine to specifically search this forum. In the Google search bar type "site:shopsmith.net" and then your search criteria. It will only return results on this specific website. It also removes the limitation of searching on a minimum of four characters.

A couple of searches to try (paste these into a Google search bar)
site:shopsmith.net derailed thread
site:shopsmith.net oil

Hope this helps.

Loren

[fjimp]

Another option would be to use Google's search engine to specifically search this forum. In the Google search bar type "site:shopsmith.net" and then your search criteria. It will only return results on this specific website. It also removes the limitation of searching on a minimum of four characters.

A couple of searches to try (paste these into a Google search bar)
site:shopsmith.net derailed thread
site:shopsmith.net oil

Hope this helps.

Loren

Okay folks I am wondering who is going to fuss about this divergence? Loren thanks for teaching me something useful. Wow this one single post pays for all of this afternoons internet wandering, Thanks Again.:D fjimp

[dusty]

Hmmm, Maybe I am the only one with a problem.

But as an example, I know that there is a thread out there that discusses the flatness requirements (expectations) of the Mark V Main Table. I know that we have been told that the flatness should be around .005" or better.

Searches for Main Table, Table Flatness, Main Table Flatness, Flatness should get you there OR at least it seems to me that it should. And I believe it should get you there without you having to know where it is at to start with.

Some one, please, show me how you would do this and maybe you will put this entire discussion to bed.

A stronger search engine might resolve the issue if it would search for the specific string "main table flatness" or "flatness equals .005" or even ".005". But remember, we have already conceded that there shall not be a stronger search engine for many months to come. This one will have to do - and it does, sorta.

Actually, a search for ".005" gets to the thread in question but it also gets you to 35 others. All you have to do is read until you get to the right one of the 36.

Of course, if you know who wrote it and when, the search can be narrowed significantly.

[reible]

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthread.htm?t=3586

More hints from a few months ago that some of you might have missed.

The google site search I must have posted in one form or another at least 10 or 12 times here and that is my favorite way to go. You can check out other search options from google by go to the advanced search:
http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en

BTW if you do use the forum search and find you don't want the highlighted words you can line edit it out. Here is a sample:

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthread.htm?t=3586&highlight=dog+house

In this case you see the words dog and house highlighted and when you look at what was searched for you see &highlight=dog+house. If you edit that portion out:
http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthread.htm?t=3586
you end up at the same place with out the words being highlighted.

Ed