The Gizmologist’s Lair
Off-Site References:
* Lessons in Electric Circuits by Tony R. Kuphaldt et al.
* A Guilde to Filing a Utility Patent
* How to drill a Square Hole
* An Introduction to Ball Bearings by NTN products
* Notes on Design and Analysis of Machine Elements by Douglas Wright. This site is simply awesome.
* Bolt Science, more than you ever wanted to know about bolts.
* Bearing Technical Information, from QBC Bearings.
* Copper Tube and Fitting Manual includes dimensions, pressures, etc
* How to Make Springs
* Foundry 101 Aluminum and Brass Casting Guide.
* Anodizing Aluminum by Ron Newman
* United States Patent Database
* Martindale’s Reference Desk: Calculators On-Line
* Metric Conversions courtesy of Wiha Tools.
* Animated Engines
* Animated Virtual Mechanisms by Brock Institute for Advanced Studies (Java required)
* Animated Clock Escapements by Mark Headrick - check out his eBook, too.
* All About Pumps by Russell D. Hoffman, includes animations
* The Gingery Metalworking Series: Build a Metal Shop from Scrap from Lindsay’s Technical Books
* Hobbicast at Yahoo Groups.
Heroes
* ToolGirl Mag Ruffman, actress, contractor, and wicked wit.
* Science Hobbyist site by Uber Gizmologist Bill Beaty.
* Richard Feynman, a sheer, unmitigated genius.
* Bruce Simpson - would you believe a homemade cruise missile? Yes! Lots of pulse jet engines, too.
* Trevor Blackwell built a Segway-style balancing scooter. Too cool.
* David Hahn, the nuclear boy scout and ultimate do-it-yourselfer.
* Red Green, “any tool can be the right tool!”
* Rube Goldberg, the American Heath Robinson
* W. Heath Robinson, the British Rube Goldberg.
Sources for Parts:
* McMaster-Carr Supply sells everything.
* Grainger.com sells almost everything.
* Phoenix Manufacturing Company, a source for pulleys and belts.
* American Science & Surplus, a good source for wheels, bearings, etc.
* Harbor Freight, lots of (cheap) tools, VERY slow shipping.
* Enco machine tools, fast shipping
* Alumilite casting resin and moldmaking materials.