Search Function Too Limited

When I try to do a specific search for something, the system deletes the key words. Often it states they are too commonly used, but in actuality they are descriptive words necessary to finding the subject matter I am searching for.

Maybe visit some other sites and see how their search functions operate for comparison?
 
I agree. As someone who spends a lot of time searching, it does get a little frustrating. But I usually find what I'm looking for by modifying the description 2-3 times. After that I post my painting 101 questions on the forum, and I do appreciate the advice everyone offers. Thanks for that.
Toolin mentioned using Duck Duck Go somehow to get what you're searching for but I haven't tried it yet.
 
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If you do a search using the Duck Duck Go search engine. You can search the site by entering whatever you want to search for followed by " site:www.spiuserforum.com" i.e. "induce epoxy time site:www.spiuserforum.com". You will get all sorts of threads with the mention of induce epoxy time. I use that method for searching often. Also works with Google search but not as well.
While I use Duck Duck Go search engine, it just seems like a lot of unnecessary steps. A few tweaks and the Search button on this forum could work just as well.

For example: I was wanting to find the post where P-80 grit PSA sandpaper was discussed as I need to buy a roll but couldn't remember what the general consensus was. Well P-80 and PSA were eliminated in the search, so I get every post where sandpaper was mentioned.
 
I'm not familiar enough with the forum software to do "tweaks," as far as I know a lot of this stuff is baked into the package and not configurable. I can have a look at it, though.

EDIT:
It looks like the default MySQL setting is to only index words that are 4 characters or longer, this is not easily configured in the admin GUI as far as I can see. Someone who is familiar with the config files would have to change the setting in a terminal window and restart the server.

A little above my pay grade, let's see what @BrianK thinks.
 
Chris's way really is the best, but I didn't want to pawn the problem off. I'm willing to bet that even if the site search index gets fixed, Google will still return superior results...
 
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