Popular Mechanics

[Ben H]

Here is a link to every issue of Pop Mechanics, starting from 1905. Courtesy of Google books. It's searchable as well.

http://books.google.ca/books/about/Popu ... edir_esc=y

[Bill Kibbel]

Really cool - thanks.

As a kid, I had a subscription to Popular Science (NOT back to 1905).

[Richard Moore]

Thanks Ben,

I just checked out my birth date issue. I have a sudden urge to build an Ice Scoot for winter fun.

[Tom Raymond]

Crap! Now I'll never get anything done.

[hausdok]

Oh Man,

I learned most of the stuff I know today from reading those magazines. It was time well spent.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[John Kogel]

Mechanix Illustrated had Tom McCahill road tests and of course, Mimi. But I got more practical knowhow from Pop Mechanics. I think those mags gave me the inspiration to just go build it instead of wishing for it.

[AmeriSpecguy]

Funny, I checked my birth date issue also and there's a homeowner question about attic venting. Seems like the experts could figure out that ridge venting with soffit vents work the best for most homes. They knew this stuff 35 years ago why are contractors still arguing with us when we write up improper venting?

[Tom Raymond]

My birth date issue was all about the new model year. International Harvester still made pick ups. Chrysler debuted optional 4 wheel anti skid brakes. AMC built a mid engine monster, the Triumph Stag came to America, and Datsun promised to build 100 freon engine cars for us consumers. And it wasn't just cars; Evinrude had loads of new features on their outboards, there was a great article on snowmobiles and the rumors that Harley Davidson was going to get into the market, and a primer on the new trail motorcycles.

On the home front, ventilation was about selecting the right fan for the room, Hi Fi was 50 watts, and on the cutting edge of home theater tech was open reel vs cartridge projectors. DIY projects ranged from changing a light switch to building a steel workbench, plans for some ugly furniture, the proper way to spray paint, a how-to on installing sliding glass doors, and my favorite- build your very own electronic banjo.

The collection is very cool, but not as satisfying to read as the vintage hard cover encyclopedia version my father-in-law has. Maybe that'll keep me from wasting the next month. Maybe.

[Les]

I found my birthdate issue - The Miracle of Fire, Build a Wheel in Your Cave, Clubs for Work and Play.

I have several actual issues on my book shelves - priceless!

[kurt]

Thanks Ben,

I just checked out my birth date issue. I have a sudden urge to build an Ice Scoot for winter fun.

HAHA! My brother and I built an ice scooter out of PS or PM....can't remember which.

[kurt]

My BD issue has "Skyhook for a Rocket (shows a rocket over earth, a helium ballon, and a hook trying to grab the rocket....very strange), What's ahead in TV...an interview with Allen Dumont (the guy that made the improvements to cathode ray tubes that allowed TV!), How to Motorized a Wheelchair, the Owner's Report on Dodge by Floyd Clymer...."

When I was 6, they had "10 Years From Now.....Coast to Coast in 10 Minutes!!!" There's a tandem rocket blasting across N. America.

This is a great link!!!!

[John Kogel]

My birthday issue - a Dick Tracy wrist radio made with the new sub-minitubes! It has a circuit board made by painting lines on a piece of hardboard! Wow.

What happened to the self-levelling ladder with hydraulic feet?

Jet engines for passenger planes? Too much.

Hey, Richard. June 1960, page 72. The Austin 850 Mini comes to the USA.