Popular Mechanics - Popular Mechanics The Complete Boy Mechanic: 359 Fun & Amazing Things to Build

HEARST BOOKS
New York

An Imprint of Steling Publishing
387 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016

Copyright 2012 by Hearst Communications, Inc.

Please note that the projects in this book were created nearly 100 years ago when safety standards were more relaxed than they are today. Also, due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, the publisher cannot be responsible for any injuries, losses, and/or other damages that may result from the use of information in this book.

All rights reserved.

The written instructions, illustrations, and photographs in this volume are intended for the personal use of the reader and may be reproduced for that purpose only. Any other use, especially commercial use, is forbidden under law without the written permission of the copyright holder.

This book was previously published as two paperbacks under the titles The Boy Mechanic and The Boy Mechanic Makes Toys.

Cover Photo Credit: Lambert/Getty Images

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available upon request.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Popular Mechanics is a registered trademark of Hearst Communications, Inc.

www.popularmechanics.com

For information about custom editions, special sales, premium and corporate purchases, please contact Sterling Special Sales Department at 800-805-5489 or specialsales@sterlingpublishing.com.

Sterling ISBN 978-1-58816-859-7

Sterling eBook ISBN: 978-158816-959-4

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1
WORKSHOP TOOLS
and PROJECTS

CHAPTER 2
HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE

CHAPTER 3
IN the GARDEN

CHAPTER 4
THE GREAT OUTDOORS

CHAPTER 5
TOYS, GAMES, and OTHER
AMUSEMENTS

CHAPTER 6
MAKING MAGIC

CHAPTER 7
THE SCIENCE of FUN

CHAPTER 8
THE REALLY GREAT
OUTDOORS

CHAPTER 9
FUN for LITTLE ONES

CHAPTER 10
FUN for OLDER KIDS

CHAPTER 11
THE TOY WORKSHOP

W eve come a long way over the last century or so. From humble beginnings, the car has become the SUV and luxury sedan. Computers, and technological innovations of all stripes, have far exceeded the wildest dreams of visionaries and even science-fiction writers of the early twentieth century. Todays explosion of electronic toys, games, and devices has created a new universe of imagination and given kids the ability to put themselves in incredible make-believe worlds.

But perhaps weve also lost something along the way. The good old days of the early 1900s embodied a truly simpler time, but also a time when self-sufficiency was a highly valued skill. It was a period in history when the measure of a manand a boywas gauged by his working knowledge of general sciences, his proficiency in outdoor skills, his ability to craft projects in wood and metal, and his old-fashioned ingenuity. The times called for innovation, and the home mechanics of the period rose to that call, using the rawest of materials, a minimum of technology, and a maximum of ingenuity.

This book captures the spirit of that time. It is filled with sparks to fire the young imaginationstraight from the pages of Popular Mechanics books and magazines spanning the first two decades of the twentieth century. In making this book, we changed very little, allowing the style of writing to evoke the tenor of the times. Some of these topics are quaintly dated. Some, such as passages on setting up camp on an outdoors trip, are still useful and applicable even though the attendant fixtures and technology have changed quite a bit. Others, such as a mission-style candlestick or any of a number of handcrafted toys, are right at home in our modern lives. And, of course, there are those topics which are simply too odd, bizarre, or funny to leave outthe sail for a boys wagon and a mirror for rowing a boat come to mind.

Given the wide range of projects in these pages, its a sure bet theres something here for kids of all ages. The young child will no doubt be enchanted by the idea of a toy donkey whose head and tail move as its pulled along. Older kids will be intrigued by the idea of making their own parlor cue alley game, or a ukulele they can really play. And anyone can delight in the idea of a tree swing that moves in great exhilarating circles.

It is, however, important to point out what may already be obvious: These projects have not been updated. Weve left them largely as they first appeared. The modern reader must realize that at the time of first publication, available materials and tools were severely limited by todays standards. So, when tackling any of the projects, feel free to substitute more modern techniques, equipment, and hardware. Children should not undertake any projects in this book without adult supervision. And it should go without sayingbut is important enough to reiterateuse all necessary safety precautions called for in todays workshop.

However, you certainly dont have to get your hands dirty to enjoy this book. The topics and text itself make for entertaining reading and say as much about history as they do about skills and crafting.

So enjoy a trip to the not-sodistant past and bygone pastimes, courtesy of Popular Mechanics, then and now.

The Editors
Popular Mechanics

WORKSHOP TOOLS
and PROJECTS

USEFUL TOOLS for HOME
MECHANICS

MAKING T-SQUARES

T he making of a single article of any kind presents a distinct problem in itself, but the production of a large number of the same article must be done in a different way, if efficiency and uniformity in the product are desirable qualities. For instance, making a large number of T-squares means the material is not made up in the same manner as for one. A number of these instruments were required and were made as follows, with no other equipment than bench tools and a band saw. The squares were made of mahogany, having both stock and blade edged with maple. The blades were fastened to the stock with five -in. button-head screws.

The material for the heads and the blades was glued up and finished to the sizes given in A and B. The material was cut to gauge lines on the band saw, the blades being a scant in. thick, and the stocks, in. Two of each were cut from each prepared piece, first from one side and then from the other. They were then faced off on both sides and two more pieces cut. With careful cutting, six blades and six stocks were made from each piece. This left one side of each piece to be planed after sawing. The holes for the screws were drilled with a small hand drill.

STOCK AND BLADE MATERIAL FOR MAKING
THE PARTS, AND THE JIG FOR ASS EMBLING.