4 ms·

Can anyone recommend a slide rule? I recently bought a vernier caliper and prefer it over digital and dial. I feel more connected with the measurements i make,

Can anyone recommend a slide rule? I recently bought a vernier caliper and prefer it over digital and dial. I feel more connected with the measurements i make, hard to describe but I suspect the idea is similiar to some of the points the author makes about using a manual slide rule. Few weeks ago I was watching a random video on YouTube published by matthias wendel and noticed the same vernier caliper sitting on the table in the background.

derekp7 5y ago
I prefer duplex slide rules (they have scales on both sides), as these give a wider range of calculations you can perform. Two of the models I personally like are the Post 1460 VersaLog, and the K&E 4081-3 Log-Log-Duplex-Decitrig (that one is fun to say). Specifically the older models that are made on mahogany coated with celluloid. Also there are various Pickett slide rules that are painted aluminum, these work really well too (I like the Pickett N-600 as a pocket slide rule). I also have a Faber-Castell 2/83n, I believe this model is Cliff Stoll's favorite one, however I find it a bit too busy for my aging eyes. It is really pretty to look at though. Too bad there isn't a big enough market for someone to make high quality replicas of classic slide rules, with modern machining techniques. I'd really like to see some laser etched metal rules.
randrews 5y ago
K&E Deci-Trig, or a Deci-Lon if you want something with a few more scales than that one. Those both give you the CF / DF "folded" scales, which are handy.
yeetsfromhellL2 5y ago
I came in here to mention vernier calipers, I've gotten instant respect out of more than one machinist when I pulled them out instead of the digital calipers. They're fun to use too.
iancmceachern 5y ago
There are a ton of used ones, many in near New or old stock condition, on ebay.
jonsen 5y ago
Here they still make circular slide rules: https://www.sliderule.tokyo/products/list.php?category_id=30 https://www.sliderule.tokyo/products/list.php?category_id=30
- ansible 5y ago
  At $1200 for one of the cheapest ones... I think I'd rather buy used...
  - derekp7 5y ago
    That's actually JPY not USD. Just noticed that when you visit the link on mobile, it shows a dollar sign instead of a yen sign. And if you don't want to order directly from Japan, you can search for search on Amazon, here is one for 20 bucks: https://www.amazon.com/Concise-Ruler-Circular-Slide-100973/dp/B01GPV14D4/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=concise+circular+slide+rule&qid=1650852175&sr=8-4 https://www.amazon.com/Concise-Ruler-Circular-Slide-100973/d...
SamReidHughes 5y ago
I'd recommend an Aristo 868 if not a Breitling Navitimer.

derekp7 5y ago

I prefer duplex slide rules (they have scales on both sides), as these give a wider range of calculations you can perform. Two of the models I personally like are the Post 1460 VersaLog, and the K&E 4081-3 Log-Log-Duplex-Decitrig (that one is fun to say). Specifically the older models that are made on mahogany coated with celluloid. Also there are various Pickett slide rules that are painted aluminum, these work really well too (I like the Pickett N-600 as a pocket slide rule). I also have a Faber-Castell 2/83n, I believe this model is Cliff Stoll's favorite one, however I find it a bit too busy for my aging eyes. It is really pretty to look at though. Too bad there isn't a big enough market for someone to make high quality replicas of classic slide rules, with modern machining techniques. I'd really like to see some laser etched metal rules.

randrews 5y ago

K&E Deci-Trig, or a Deci-Lon if you want something with a few more scales than that one. Those both give you the CF / DF "folded" scales, which are handy.

yeetsfromhellL2 5y ago

I came in here to mention vernier calipers, I've gotten instant respect out of more than one machinist when I pulled them out instead of the digital calipers. They're fun to use too.

iancmceachern 5y ago

There are a ton of used ones, many in near New or old stock condition, on ebay.

jonsen 5y ago

Here they still make circular slide rules: https://www.sliderule.tokyo/products/list.php?category_id=30 https://www.sliderule.tokyo/products/list.php?category_id=30

ansible 5y ago
At $1200 for one of the cheapest ones... I think I'd rather buy used...
- derekp7 5y ago
  That's actually JPY not USD. Just noticed that when you visit the link on mobile, it shows a dollar sign instead of a yen sign. And if you don't want to order directly from Japan, you can search for search on Amazon, here is one for 20 bucks: https://www.amazon.com/Concise-Ruler-Circular-Slide-100973/dp/B01GPV14D4/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=concise+circular+slide+rule&qid=1650852175&sr=8-4 https://www.amazon.com/Concise-Ruler-Circular-Slide-100973/d...

SamReidHughes 5y ago

I'd recommend an Aristo 868 if not a Breitling Navitimer.