>>I am trying to use SQL select to get the first 60 chars of a memo field that represents the description of some work to be done. I need it to result in a 60 char text field that I can display in a browse window.
>>
>>...
>>Select item, substr(desc,1,60), price from WorkTable into table Items
>>Browse

My best shot would be

Select item, PADR(desc,60), price from WorkTable into table Items

So it will invariably create a c(60) field, regardless of the length of the memo. Padx() functions are just great, they work with any sort of parameter - logical, date, all sorts of numbers, and (surprised?) strings and memos.