Anyone other than me have a computer in the shop? - Woodworking Talk

John in Tennessee · 10-14-2008, 10:16 PM

Have to get my oldies

skymaster · 10-14-2008, 10:36 PM

John does my laptop qualify? I bring it into the shop

Roy Harding · 10-14-2008, 10:39 PM

I have an office in the shop - and within that office is a computer. It's used for design work, inventory control (how much of what do I have), invoicing, and estimating.

I COULD do all that stuff without a computer - but why bother?

BHOFM · 10-14-2008, 10:52 PM

I go to the shop to get a way from the damn thing.

LarrySch · 10-15-2008, 01:16 AM

Yes I have a lap top in my shop and I use it for information on building items. The CD's that I run on it are CDs that show you how to do different projects. I got tired of working on a project after viewing a CD and then having to run back into the house to see what the next step on the CD was. I use it as a tool just like my saws. ect.

GeorgeC · 10-15-2008, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John in Tennessee

Have to get my oldies

"Have to get my oldies" ??????????????

G

firehawkmph · 10-15-2008, 11:48 PM

John,
I have to agree with BHOFM, I go to the shop to get away from being wired into the rest of the world. I do have surround sound stereo though.
Mike Hawkins

Davet · 10-16-2008, 04:03 AM

I find a computer in the shop an important tool.

I keep project pictures and plans on it and also electronic
repair and service manuals of all my tools and yard machinery
It's very handy to pull up assembly diagrams and service repair
instructions of my riding mower etc ...when working on them.

It's not hooked up to the internet though.

BHOFM · 10-16-2008, 04:26 AM

Quote:

It's not hooked up to the internet

My God, do you wear animal skins and eat raw meat??

skymaster · 10-16-2008, 12:01 PM

Only if he can catch those damn squirrels

. Most likely he still uses the string and can method LOL LOL LOL
Davet only funnin ya

Shamus · 10-16-2008, 01:56 PM

As mentioned above. My laptop might as well be attached to me. I would say it's the most valuable tool I own. I have wireless at home so in the shop I'm connected. While at lunch on the road I connect to wireless someplace. Often around Hotels...

I use it for quoting, researching pre-made custom materials to show the customer, even do a bit of design work while in the shop. It's worked great as I don't have to write down or worse yet remember something until I get back to the puter. It's always available, always on. I send myself more emails that you'd believe. Just another way of of keeping me on schedule.

I do use MS project for 80-85% of what we do. The guys get a bit testy when I look up from lunch and say, Hey, it's 2:00 PM on Thursday, your all done with that job on 3rd street right?

joesdad · 10-16-2008, 07:18 PM

I've been guilty of surfing for **** in between glue-ups...

Terry Beeson · 10-16-2008, 07:36 PM

After working with the darn things all day, the last thing I want in my shop is a computer. Then again, I could go to "rate my boobs" website in between glue ups myself...

**TexasTimbers** · 10-16-2008, 08:01 PM

I took mine out for now. Been getting a lot more done.

Davet · 10-17-2008, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BHOFM

My God, do you wear animal skins and eat raw meat??

Quote:

Originally Posted by skymaster

Only if he can catch those damn squirrels

. Most likely he still uses the string and can method LOL LOL LOL
Davet only funnin ya

Nah! Squirrel don't quite get it, I go for coons, more meat
and the thicker coats of fur! after all I am a descendant of
Danial Boone.

clockdaddy · 10-17-2008, 05:01 AM

Unfortunately, yes. If I didn't have that computer, I'd get a lot more done! In today's world of cell phones, fax machines, and computers, I have too much space committed to that "stuff" that I need for other purposes. BUT, those are my "business lifelines" and a necessity in today's fast moving world.

CD

Tweegs · 10-17-2008, 08:55 AM

I'm too easily distracted.
No computer, no radio, no TV. Just me, the tools and the occational barn cat

.

barrydalive1 · 10-30-2008, 11:29 AM

My desktop is a piece of garbage and always in the shop. My laptop is great and I use it most of the time anyway. I should just get rid of the desktop.

Daveb · 10-31-2008, 03:36 PM

I agree - the shop is a reason to get AWAY from the computer.

So what did I do? I built a new computer specifically for the shop! But I use it only to run streaming audio to my shop stereo. Mostly from internet radio. It's awesome. Some days I feel like Van Halen, other days it's Johnny Cash. Try www.pandora.com where you can build your own radio stations.